If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle—one wrong piece of jewellery, and suddenly, you’re dealing with redness, itching, or even a full-blown allergic reaction. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up accessorising! The key is choosing hypoallergenic jewellery made from skin-friendly metals. In this guide, we’ll break down the best jewellery options for sensitive skin and what materials you should avoid at all costs.
Why Does Jewellery Cause Skin Reactions?
Many jewellery allergies are caused by nickel, a metal commonly used in cheap jewellery. When nickel comes into contact with sweat and skin, it can trigger contact dermatitis, leading to irritation, redness, and discomfort. Other low-quality metals and coatings can also cause similar issues.
Best Jewellery Metals for Sensitive Skin
The safest metals for sensitive skin are nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and non-reactive. Here are the best options:
1. Stainless Steel
✅ Hypoallergenic & durable
✅ Affordable & stylish
✅ Won’t tarnish or turn green
High-quality stainless steel jewellery (like our pieces at AYRE Jewellery) is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It’s long-lasting, water-resistant, and contains minimal allergens.
2. Solid Gold (14K & Above)
✅ Low in allergens, especially yellow & white gold
✅ Classic and luxurious
✅ Great investment
Avoid gold-plated jewellery with unknown base metals, as they can contain nickel or other irritants.
3. Sterling Silver (925 Silver)
✅ Timeless & elegant
✅ Contains 92.5% pure silver
✅ Less likely to cause reactions
Make sure it’s real sterling silver (stamped with 925), as some “silver” jewellery is just plated base metal.
4. Titanium
✅ Ultra-lightweight & hypoallergenic
✅ Super strong & scratch-resistant
✅ Great for everyday wear
Titanium is often used in medical implants, making it one of the safest options for ultra-sensitive skin.
5. Platinum
✅ Completely hypoallergenic
✅ Durable & tarnish-resistant
✅ High-end & luxurious
Platinum is an investment but is 100% safe for those with severe skin sensitivities.
Jewellery Materials to Avoid
If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of these common irritants:
❌ Nickel – The #1 cause of jewellery allergies
❌ Brass & Copper – Can turn skin green & cause irritation
❌ Cheap Plated Jewellery – Coatings wear off, exposing reactive metals
❌ Unknown Metal Mixes – Budget jewellery often contains harmful alloys
How to Test If Your Jewellery is Safe
If you're unsure whether a piece is safe for sensitive skin, try these tips:
Look for “nickel-free” or “hypoallergenic” labels.
Check for stamps like 925 (sterling silver), 14K+ (gold), or 316L (stainless steel).
Do a patch test – Wear the jewellery for a few hours and watch for any reaction.
Best Hypoallergenic Jewellery for Everyday Wear
At AYRE Jewellery, we specialise in high-quality, skin-friendly pieces that don’t compromise on style. Our stainless steel, sterling silver, and gold-plated stainless steel jewellery are all hypoallergenic, durable, and designed to be worn every day—without irritation.
💖 Shop our collection here!
