A question about nickel

[bags and bijoux]

I have just noticed on my neck some marks or pigmentation that I think is from a nickel reaction.

Is it just costume jewellery that contains nickel or do precious metals contain it too?

 

[Harpertoo]

White gold typically has nickel.
I think it's a pretty common allergen. What have you been wearing?

 

[bags and bijoux]

White gold typically has nickel.
I think it's a pretty common allergen. What have you been wearing?

Recently I have been switching between plated, silver and white gold metals.

I noticed the marks after wearing my plated jewellery.

 

[nc.girl]

I would imagine the costume jewelry is the culprit, because most of it has a much higher nickel content than white gold or silver does. You may want to look for costume jewelry that is nickel-free.

 

[CraftyPearl]

Recently I have been switching between plated, silver and white gold metals.

I noticed the marks after wearing my plated jewellery.

Base metal underneath the plated layer is usually brass. Brass contains copper which leaves black marks on skin. Electroplating process creates a very thin layer on the base metal. It's not thick enough to last. Soon, pieces always tarnish, and the skin get discolorated. Copper along with nickel are notorious for causing allergy reactions. Nickel causes cancer if a person touches it a lot (like handling coins containing nickel as a part of job).

Best is to stay away from any silver- or gold-tone or -color jewelry. Silver, gold, gold-filled, platinum, surgical steel are safe choices.

 

[zatilaqmar]

I've had nickel allergy my whole life, and so far my safest choice is sterling silver & white gold.

Most silver-tone jewelry have nickel so if you're buying silver jewelries, best is to get sterling silver.

 

[bags and bijoux]

Thank you all for the helpful advice. I will sort through my jewellery and let go of all plated metal. So 925 sterling silver and 9ct white gold are still okay to wear?

 

[milhouse13]

I have a nickel allergy and always just ask and double check it's nickel-free. It's possible to have silver toned jewelry that doesn't have it.
I usually stick to sterling silver and white gold, but it's not always a guarantee.
Just make sure to ask, and also make sure it's returnable/exchangeable in the event you have a reaction to it.
In my experience, *most* reputable jewelers will carry nickel-free.

 

[Cancer Rising]

"So 925 sterling silver and 9ct white gold are still okay to wear?"
Yes!

 

[bags and bijoux]

"So 925 sterling silver and 9ct white gold are still okay to wear?"
Yes!

That's great to know.