Hypoallergenic Jewelry and Nickel Allergy
Last updated: 15 September 2026
What makes jewelry hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic jewelry is jewelry made from metals that release little or no nickel onto the skin. Nickel is the single most common cause of contact allergy in Europe, and in jewelry it is usually present in the base alloy rather than in the surface you can see.
There is no official certification body that awards the word hypoallergenic. What matters is the actual metal and, in the EU, the measured nickel release.
What are the EU limits on nickel in jewelry?
Nickel in jewelry sold in the European Union is regulated under REACH Annex XVII, entry 27. The limits are set as a rate of nickel release, not as a percentage of content:
| Type of item | Maximum nickel release |
|---|---|
| Posts inserted into pierced ears or other pierced body parts | 0.2 micrograms per square centimetre per week |
| Articles in prolonged contact with the skin (rings, bracelets, necklaces, earring backs, watch cases) | 0.5 micrograms per square centimetre per week |
An item that stays under these limits may legally be sold in the EU for skin contact. Loretana jewelry is made to comply with these limits.
Why does 925 sterling silver suit sensitive skin?
Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver. The remaining 7.5 percent is usually copper, which most people tolerate. Problems arise when a manufacturer uses nickel in that 7.5 percent, or when silver-coloured jewelry is not silver at all but nickel-plated base metal.
Two things reduce the risk further:
- A hallmark. A stamped 925 mark means an independent assay office has verified the silver content. Loretana pieces are hallmarked by Lietuvos prabavimo rumai in Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Plating. Rhodium and gold plating place a further barrier between the alloy and the skin. Rhodium is a platinum-group metal and is itself a very rare allergen.
What should I avoid if I have a nickel allergy?
- Unmarked silver-coloured metal. No hallmark means no verified content.
- White gold with no stated plating. Some white gold alloys use nickel as the whitening metal.
- Stainless steel described only as surgical. The term is not regulated; many stainless grades contain nickel.
- Worn plating. Once plating wears through on an older piece, the alloy underneath meets the skin again.
How can I tell if a reaction is a nickel allergy?
A nickel contact reaction usually appears where the metal touches the skin: redness, itching, small blisters or dry patches, typically 12 to 48 hours after contact and often in the shape of the item. A dermatologist can confirm it with a patch test.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a persistent skin reaction, see a doctor.
What Loretana uses
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base metal | 925 sterling silver, hallmarked in Kaunas |
| Plating | Rhodium, or 14K / 18K gold |
| Nickel | Nickel-free, made to EU limits |
| Stones | AAAAA cubic zirconia, shell pearl, or enamel |
Frequently asked questions
Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
Usually yes. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver with copper as the common second metal. It is only a risk when the alloy contains nickel, which is why a hallmark matters.
Is rhodium plating safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Rhodium is a platinum-group metal and is one of the least reactive metals used in jewelry. It also acts as a barrier over the silver beneath.
Is gold plating safe if I react to gold-coloured jewelry?
Reactions to gold-coloured jewelry are most often caused by nickel in the base metal, not by the gold. Gold plating over hallmarked 925 silver avoids that base entirely.
Can I wear these earrings with newly pierced ears?
For a fresh piercing, follow your piercer's advice on when to change to other jewelry. After healing, nickel-free 925 silver posts are a common choice for sensitive ears.
Does plating wear off?
Plating wears slowly with daily use, faster on rings than on necklaces. Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning or applying perfume, and store it dry.