Contact with certain metals can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It can be disconcerting when wearing your favourite jewellery causes an itchy rash and painful, red blisters on your fingers or elsewhere on your body. It can also be frustrating when picking out a wedding ring knowing that you may be investing in something that gives you allergies. This is where hypoallergenic jewellery comes in. We have a wide range of rings made from quality materials and a range of designs to choose from, so you can say goodbye to metal jewellery allergy and painful eczema forever.
What kinds of metals can cause allergic reactions?
Metal hypersensitivity or metal allergy is quite common and affects 10-15% of the population. Symptoms include rashes and swelling from contact with the metal that shows up at the point of contact or elsewhere on the body. It is caused when metal ions from your jewellery enter your body through the skin, causing your immune system to react to the ions. Metal ions can also enter your body via implants, or through inhaling or ingesting them.
You can develop an allergy to any metal, but the most common metal that can cause an allergy is nickel as it’s the most widely used. Other metals that
commonly cause skin allergies are:
- Copper
- Chromium
- Cobalt
White gold can also cause allergic reactions as it’s commonly mixed with other metals to provide structure to the soft gold.
You can develop a metal allergy at any age.
Metals that are most hypoallergenic or least likely to cause an allergic reaction include:
- Yellow gold
- Titanium
- Platinum
- Stainless steel
- Sterling silver
- Silicone
How do I know if I need a hypoallergenic ring?
An allergic reaction to metal occurs usually within hours to days after contact (called contact dermatitis). Signs of allergic reaction to watch out for include:
- Rash or itchy red bumps on the skin
- Dry skin patches
- Changes in skin colour
- Watery blisters in severe cases
The allergy will occur on the skin that has contact with the metal, but it can also appear elsewhere on the body.
If you do see symptoms of contact dermatitis, it is important to see your doctor as the rash can quickly become infected. Your doctor may prescribe over the counter topical creams to control the symptoms, but as long as the metal has contact with your skin, the symptoms will continue to flare.
What alternatives are available?
Once your immune system develops a reaction against a metal, you will always have a reaction to it. This means there is no cure for this allergy. If you are diagnosed with a metal allergy it is best to switch to hypoallergenic jewellery. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives available and they make stunning hypoallergenic wedding bands.
Recent years have seen the rise in popularity of alternative materials used in jewellery. They are not only hypoallergenic but also affordable, durable, beautiful, stylish and highly wearable. These alternative materials include:
Tungsten
Tungsten has recently become a stylish and affordable wedding ring option for men. Tungsten is a rare metal with the highest melting point of all known metals and ten times stronger than gold. It is the perfect alternative to gold and platinum.
Just like gold and platinum, tungsten is hypoallergenic and non-reactive making it suitable for wearers with metal allergies. Although it is not as pricey as gold and platinum, it is just as hard-wearing, scratch-resistant and will withstand tarnishing and corrosion. It offers a sophisticated aesthetic that is designed to last a lifetime.
Check out our collection of tungsten rings and stand out with an affordable edge.
Silicone
Silicone is more commonly known as an alternative to plastic but is used in many applications such as electronics, healthcare, and industrial production. Silicone is popular, particularly in medical-grade products and equipment for its skin-contact safety, non-reactivity, and biocompatibility.
As an alternative material for rings, it is durable, scratch-resistant, and very comfortable to wear all day long. Where metal rings may sometimes pinch the skin and put strain and pressure on your fingers, silicone rings are soft and lightweight. This is why they’re perfect for high-stakes professionals such as electricians and nurses and anyone with an active lifestyle.
Our silicone rings are versatile, non-toxic and BPA-free. Best of all, they come in a variety of colours and designs to suit any discerning taste.
Wood
Wood jewellery is fast becoming popular as it’s extremely lightweight and versatile. It is also naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and hypoallergenic.
Our gorgeous wooden rings are designed for those who have an active lifestyle or are in a profession where tools or heavy machinery are used. Our bold designs are artisanal-made, some with sophisticated inlay and outlay patterns and some with our signature tungsten accents.
You can be confident in wearing our elegant rings without the fear of harming your fingers or damaging your ring.
Zirconium
Zirconium is a strong metal that resembles titanium. In its pure form, it is light grey but when treated and exposed to high temperatures, it oxidises and turns black. This gives it a chic and elegant look, popular with men’s wedding ring designs.
Zirconium is lightweight, durable and hypoallergenic, and our black zirconium rings are suitable for both men and women. They bring a wow factor to your engagement and best of all, they’ll last a lifetime.
Find the best ring for you
Besides the options listed above, we also have Damascus steel rings (a metal originally used in forging ancient weapons), stainless-steel signet rings and luxuriously ultra-light and strong titanium.
All our rings are artfully designed, stunning, affordable, and durable. There are over 100 styles to choose from to suit every taste and budget.
At Etrnl, we believe everyone should have access to statement pieces that not only celebrate love but also fit in with your lifestyle. Hypoallergenic jewellery gives you piece of mind, as they’ll never make you break out or affect your health. Shop our collection today and enjoy the difference Etrnl rings make.
