Gold Plated Metal Allergy

The lower photo shows nickel allergy from metal in clothing such as a belt buckle.

Gold plated metal allergy.

Jewellery allergy is a common cause of contact allergic dermatitis. Nickel allergy is a condition in which contact with items containing nickel causes an itchy rash and possibly blisters at the site of contact. This process was invented by an italian chemist luigi brugnatelli in 1805 the first person to plate a thin coat of gold onto silver. Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is bonded onto a base metal.

For example while certain jewelry may be described as gold plated or nickel free these pieces can still contain nickel alloys or a mixture of metals underneath the surface according to lily. Anything less than 24k gold is an alloy meaning that it is mixed with another metal. The top photo shows a positive patch test on the left after a patch containing nickel was left on the skin for 48 hours. Most jewellery allergy is caused by the metal nickel see nickel allergy which is used in the manufacture of precious metal alloys.

Gold is measured by different karat counts. Ask a jeweler about having it plated in a less allergic metal such as. If it s not 100 percent sterling silver or minimum 14 karat gold it s probably going to. Being allergic to other types of metal as well as having a family history.

As someone who has a metal allergy i often overlook the jewelry section when i make my shopping rounds. Gold is a great hypoallergenic option. If you are allergic to copper you may also be allergic to metal alloys that include copper like the ever so popular rose gold which contains a mixture of gold and copper to achieve its pinkish hue. Below are some other types of metal that are hypoallergenic and would be great options for those who experience allergic reactions.

If jewelry set in rose gold doesn t bother you alloys might be one of the few ways you can enjoy the look of copper jewelry. Gold plated gold filled or gold overlay vermeil jewelry is not acceptable for sensitive ear piercings. It means that 24 out of 24 karats are made of pure gold. Plating is quite common in the jewelry world with gold and rhodium being two popular types.

White gold may contain nickel. Other nickel free metals include pure sterling silver copper platinum and titanium. 24kt gold is the highest karat count it is pure gold.