Welcome to our information page on jewellery aftercare and allergies to any materials that may be used.
It is to be remembered that some jewellery will tarnish under certain circumstance regardless of the material it is made from. All these different materials have different reasons and effects of tarnishing both to themselves and to you the customer.
Allergies work in the same cause and effect response so here we are trying to lay out as much as we can to help you in making your purchase safely and with confidence.
Following some simple tips can influence the longevity of your jewellery.
As a rule, your jewellery should be the last thing you put on, the first thing you take off when getting dressed and you should avoid contact with alcohol-based products, such as perfume, hairspray or sunscreen. Swimming or showering should be avoided whilst wearing your jewellery as chlorine, saltwater and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling, discolouring or eroding them. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.
Plated jewellery should never be submerged in water as this can remove any coating used to enhance the jewellery. You should always remove plated jewellery before cleaning, showering or swimming as the water can damage the jewellery.
Oxygen, perfume, chlorinated or salt water and household cleaning products can all damage or tarnish your silver jewellery.
Chlorinated water (from swimming pools or hot-tubs) and household cleaning products can all damage your gold jewellery so it is best to remove it before swimming.
Ring Sizing
Buying rings can be difficult due to so many variations in sizes. UK sizes are different to US, European and Japan/Chinese equivalants. All our sizes are checked against a UK ring sizer for accuracy however we can not allow for any manufacturer issue. Many charts are available to check against to confirm your size.
Unfortunately we can not do this for you so please take care to check prior to purchase. We can not be held responsible for incorrect size being purchased.
Jewellery Allergies
What Does A Jewellery Allergy Look Like?
An allergic reaction to metal looks similar to an allergy like poison ivy. You’ll notice redness, bumps, and/or blisters, and it feels itchy and irritated.
It can look like other allergies but we know it’s jewellery because of the placement. With an allergy, the rash appears on the exact same place where the item touched the skin.
If you’re allergic to a ring, you’ll see a rash ring in its place when you remove it. If you’re allergic to a necklace, you’d be able to follow a rash line exactly where the necklace touched your skin.
What Metals Cause Allergic Reactions?
People can be allergic to any metal. Nickel is the most common metal allergy. This is why you’ll notice many earrings labeled “nickel-free.”
But nickel is not the only metal that results in an allergic reaction.
Any metal can cause an allergic reaction, even gold. Maybe you’ve heard someone advise, “Buy 18-karat gold because it’s pure and you can’t be allergic.” Not true. A gold allergy isn’t very common, but your body can still react to it if you’re allergic.
No matter the metal, if you have a jewellery allergy, the rash usually looks the same.
Think you have an allergy?
Do you have to just stop wearing jewellery? If you think you’re reacting to a item, follow these simple steps to find out:
Stop wearing the item temporarily
Apply a cortisone (or anti-inflammatory steroid cream) to a rash to help it heal
Try wearing the item again and see if it causes another rash. (you'll know you-re allergic to a metal in the item)
If the Rash Won’t Go Away?
If the rash doesn’t disappear on its own or with a little help from an steroid cream, it’s time to visit the dermatologist. They’ll be able to provide a stronger prescription to clear up your rash or help you identify another potential source of the problem.
What is Safe to Buy?
Since nickel is the most common metal allergy, avoid it. We highly recommend nickel-free jewellery. Sterling silver and 18-karat gold work well for most people.
Earring Solutions for Allergies
Because the metal goes through the skin, we often react more strongly to it.
We know clip-ons can hurt, even after a few minutes.
Hypoallergenic earrings are designed to attach without going through your ear. You simply put it on like an ear cuff, then slide it down over your ear.
Tip: If you’re allergic to one of your favorite small jewellery items, like a ring, you can coat the part of the jewelry that touches your skin with clear nail polish. That will keep the metal itself from coming into contact with your skin until you can replace it or find a more permanent solution.
