If jewelry leaves your skin red, itchy, or irritated — it's not normal, and it's not just 'sensitive skin.' It's chemistry. Here's what's actually happening, and how to make sure it never happens again.

What Causes Jewelry Allergies?

The most common culprit is nickel — a metal added to many jewelry alloys to increase hardness and reduce cost. An estimated 10 to 20% of people have a nickel sensitivity, which can cause contact dermatitis: redness, itching, swelling, or blistering where the jewelry touches skin.

The reaction isn't to gold or silver — it's to the nickel hidden inside cheaper alloys. Even jewelry labelled 'gold' often contains nickel in the base metal or alloy blend.

What 'Hypoallergenic' Actually Means

Hypoallergenic means 'below average allergenic potential' — in other words, unlikely to cause a reaction. It doesn't mean impossible, but it means the materials used are known to be well-tolerated by most people.

For jewelry, truly hypoallergenic means: no nickel, no copper, no brass, no low-quality alloys. The safest base materials are surgical stainless steel (316L), titanium, solid gold (14K or higher), and platinum.

Why 316L Surgical Steel is the Gold Standard

316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel contains a specific composition designed to be biocompatible — safe inside the human body. It's used in medical implants, surgical tools, and body piercings precisely because it doesn't react with skin or tissue.

At Purajoia, every piece uses 316L as the base material. Combined with our 18K Gold PVD coating — which is nickel-free and skin-safe — our jewelry is safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Signs Your Jewelry Isn't Hypoallergenic

• Itching or redness where the jewelry touches skin • A green or dark mark on the skin after wearing • Skin irritation that clears up when you remove the piece • The jewelry turns dark or changes color over time

If you experience any of these, the jewelry likely contains reactive metals. Switch to verified hypoallergenic materials — and the symptoms will disappear.