4 Tips for Building Your Jewelry Collection Even When You Have Metal Allergies
Jewelry means something different to everyone. Some people love receiving jewelry as a gift while others simply collect unique pieces that reflect their personal style.
However, if you have a metal allergy, building your jewelry collection isn’t always easy. In some cases, pieces that are listed as non-metal can still carry traces of those metals and cause an allergic reaction. If you’re trying to build your jewelry collection but need to steer clear of metal, consider these tips.
Medical-Grade Plastic
While most people associate the word plastic with lower quality products, medical-grade plastic is very durable. It looks just like regular metal and when paired with exotic stones, like jade, ruby, or amethyst, medical-grade plastic looks sophisticated. The plastic is also very lightweight, so you can comfortably wear earrings that would be extremely heavy if they were metal. Look for pieces that highlight your personal style and can be mixed and matched with more traditional pieces.
Choose Hypoallergenic Pieces
Not so long ago, hypoallergenic meant having to sacrifice style. A lot of jewelry pieces lacked that certain oomph that jewelry lovers crave. However, thanks to technological advances in the field, hypoallergenic pieces are in high demand, especially handcrafted hypoallergenic ear wear. This type of jewelry contains lower levels of nickel than other traditional types of earrings.
In addition to being handcrafted, this type of ear wear usually uses a pure metal, like gold, as the base plate which doesn’t cause an allergic reaction when it comes in contact with your skin.
Invest in Gold
You can also minimize your risk of allergic reaction by investing in solid gold pieces. Gold comes in a variety of weights, which means there are affordable and higher-end pieces that you can choose from. One thing to remember is that anything under 14-karat gold may cause a reaction. Remember that gold is a precious metal, so you need to keep this in mind when wearing it. It requires a delicate touch to preserve its beauty. You’ll also have to clean it regularly to keep it in top shape.
Go Platinum
Platinum, with its silvery-white hues, is another option you should consider. Platinum typically contains less than 10 percent alloy, which reduces the risk of allergic reaction. Platinum is used in a variety of pieces including bracelets, anklets, earrings and necklaces. Since platinum is also more durable than gold, it can be worn every day without reducing its longevity.
Having a metal allergy doesn’t have to stop your love of jewelry. Look for pieces that are made from alternative materials, and embrace your personal style.