Nickel-Free Jewelry: Safe for Sensitive Skin

Nickel-Free Jewelry: The Solution for Nickel Allergy

Do you suffer from skin irritation, itching, or redness from jewelry? Then you likely have a nickel allergy—the most common form of contact allergy in the Netherlands. Nickel-free jewelry is the solution: made from materials that do not release nickel and are safe for sensitive skin. Read more about the causes and symptoms on our nickel allergy explanation page.

Which materials are nickel-free?

Titanium — the safest choice. 100% nickel-free, super light, and extremely strong. Used in medical implants. Perfect for people with a severe allergy and for new piercings. View our titanium jewelry.

925 sterling silver — an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper — no nickel. A precious metal that is kind to the skin with a timeless, cool shine. View our silver earrings.

316L surgical steel — technically contains trace amounts of nickel, but these are so firmly embedded in the alloy that very little is released. Safe to wear for 90% of people with a nickel allergy. View our waterproof stainless steel jewelry.

14 carat yellow gold or rose gold — pure gold is naturally hypoallergenic. Note: white gold can sometimes contain nickel, unless specifically stated that it is nickel-free.

How to identify nickel-free jewelry?

Pay attention to the material information when purchasing. Reliable designations are: titanium, 925 silver or sterling silver, 316L surgical steel or 316L stainless steel. Avoid jewelry without material information or jewelry labeled as "costume jewelry," "fashion metal," or "alloy" without specification—these often contain nickel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nickel-Free Jewelry

How do I know if a piece of jewelry is nickel-free?

Pay attention to the material information: titanium, 925 silver, and 316L surgical steel are the safest choices. If in doubt, always ask about the material composition before purchasing.

Can stainless steel cause nickel allergy?

Stainless steel contains trace amounts of nickel but is safe for most people. High-quality 316L surgical steel releases very little nickel. For a very severe allergy, it is better to choose titanium or 925 silver.

Is nickel-free jewelry more expensive?

Titanium and 925 silver are slightly more expensive than cheap fashion jewelry, but offer much more value: they last longer, retain their color, and are safe for sensitive skin. A good investment.

Can I wear nickel-free jewelry with a new piercing?

Yes—always use titanium or 316L surgical steel during healing. A piercing wound is more sensitive than normal skin and reacts more quickly to nickel.

Is nickel-free children's jewelry also available?

Yes, for children, nickel-free jewelry is especially important. View our children's jewelry collection for safe options in steel and silver.