Who doesn’t love shopping? But shopping is only fun and exciting when you are not doing it like a chore. Especially when it is about buying earrings for sensitive ears! Just imagine yourself on a shopping spree, spending hours searching here and there for a suitable pair of ear studs that goes well with the dress and comfortable to your sensitive ears as well. Not exciting at all! Do you have delicate ears or you are prone to skin allergies? If you are nodding your head in yes, then this guide is all about you.
It is a matter of the fact that not everyone on this planet is lucky enough to wear jewelry of their choices because the reaction of jewelry metals with sensitive skin can be very hurtful. Especially when it comes to ears, they are more irritable to these reactions, and no one would want to wear unsafe jewelry materials that can cause itching, redness or even bleeding. Here, we are going to discuss about the best jewelry metals that are well-suited for sensitive ears.
What Causes Ear’s Sensitivity?
Sensitive ears are a result of wearing unsuitable ear jewel, which causes skin irritation/allergy. Industrial jewelry is mainly available in metals, like cobalt and nickel. These jewelry metals may react with the delicate skin. Do you know, a number of cheap earrings present in the local markets contain nickel? And that’s not all. A few precious earrings, including the ones made of silver and gold, may also contain nickel. Hence, skin reactions.
Why Nickel and Cobalt Are Used in Jewelry Manufacturing?
Both jewelry materials, nickel and cobalt, are commonly used in jewelry manufacturing. Why? Because they have the ability to add strength to the weaker metals, and also lighten their color. But why are these materials added to silver and gold? Basically, gold and silver are very delicate and soft in their natural state, so it is hard to mold them into complicated designs. Thus, nickel is added to provide extra strength to the desirable metal.
Symptoms of Sensitive Ears
Common symptoms of sensitive ears are swelling, crustiness, itching, pain, pus-like discharge and even bleeding. All of these signs are a reaction to certain metal alloys. In order to avoid these issues, it is suggested to choose only Hypoallergenic jewelry materials.
What Are Hypoallergenic Jewelry Metals in Earrings?
As the name suggests, hypoallergenic metals do not hurt delicate ears by causing an allergic reaction – no redness, no itching, pain or swelling. The reason behind non-reactiveness is the absence of materials that contain allergies, including copper, cobalt and nickel.
Besides, only European Union has implemented restriction on the usage of nickel in jewelry making. Moreover, there is a law is California, Metal-Containing Jewelry Law, which restricts the use of cadmium and lead in the making of jewelry pieces. However, nickel is not included in the list.
Is Earrings With “Hypoallergenic” Tag Safe To Use?
Some manufacturers make jewelry, including earrings, from nickel and then they cover it with hypoallergenic substance. Hence, never blindly trust that any jewelry piece with “Hypoallergenic” tag will be allergy-free.
Best Earrings Material For Sensitive Ears
Here is the list of jewelry materials that are best-suited for sensitive ears, having low-allergic reactions.
But before moving forward, note that it is not 100 percent sure that all Hypoallergenic earrings will suit your ears. It is suggested to try out a few of them to decide what is best for you.
1. High-karat Gold
Gold always tops the chart when we talk about the top Hypoallergenic Jewelry metals. Unfortunately, you may find different gold levels which can cause irritation in ears, depending on the type/intensity of skin allergies you have. In simple words, low amount of gold in your earrings can raise the chances of sensitive ears.
Now the question is, which level of gold is good for your ears? Well, while buying gold earrings always choose 14K gold earrings or above. Moreover, 24K gold earrings are not only soft, but extremely expensive as well.
It is important to rely that “gold-plated” is not same as solid gold. These earrings may rub off easily. Even gold-plated jewelry can wear out when used frequently, exposing a low-quality base metal, which can cause sensitive ears.
2. Sterling Silver
Silver is another top Hypoallergenic metal which doesn’t harm ears in any way. But, pure silver ear studs (99. 9% pure) may not serve the purpose because just like 24K gold it is soft and thus not durable. Therefore, manufacturers use sterling silver in their jewelry which is a metal alloy consisting of 7.5% of metals (like nickel and copper) and only 92.5% silver.
However, these mixed traces may cause allergies in some people. If you have extremely sensitive ears, then it is recommended to inquire your jeweler about the other materials mixed with silver before purchasing.
3. Titanium
Titanium is next on the list. It is a lightweight and durable metal which works amazingly for those who have sensitive ears with nickel allergies. Do you know only 4% out of total population are allergic to titanium? It means less risk. Moreover, earrings made of titanium are strong, lightweight and extremely comfortable to flaunt. However, it is great to choose titanium earrings that are implant grade, commercially pure and medical grade.
4. Surgical Stainless Steal
SSS – Surgical Stainless Steel earrings are considered as excellent alternates of platinum and gold earrings. The best part is that, this metal is affordable and of course safe for ears as well. SSS is excellent for ear/body piercing and body implants.
However, a lot of stainless steel alloys are used for making jewelry pieces like earrings, and a few of them may have nickel. Moreover, 316L and 316LVM are knowns as best choice for sensitive ears, as per cosmetic experts.
5. Niobium
Niobium is a powerful chemical element, which can be used in making jewelry. It is robust and durable just as titanium and surgical stainless steel. Niobium can be anodized, which means you can make innovative designs with it and that too in different colors. The only drawback of this metal is that, it is not common found in the market.
Other hypoallergenic metals include, wood, plastic, etc.
Final Words
Sensitive Ears is a very common issue faced by a number of people. But, good news is that you can prevent ear infections and skin allergies by opting the best hypoallergenic metals. Don’t ever compromise on the quality of earrings to save a few pennies because your ears are not worth the risk. Are they? However, you should also keep in mind that none of the jewelry materials is 100 percent safe, and some metals that suited someone may not suit you. Every person is different. So is their type of skin. Hopefully this guide has helped you in making the best choice for your ears.