Metal Allergies: Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

Metal Allergies: Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

Peanuts and latex often steal the spotlight when it comes to common allergens, but metals also take center stage: 20% of the global population has an allergy to at least one metal.1

If you suffer from a metal allergy, but you want to add some sleek sterling silver jewelry to your look, you may be wondering: Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?

Fortunately, the answer is yes—most sterling silver pieces won’t cause allergic reactions. But this does depend on composition and care.

Keep reading to learn what makes jewelry hypoallergenic. Then, ensure your sterling silver jewelry pieces work with (not against) your skin with some tips from your sterling silver sage, Clocks and Colours.

Understanding Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Hypoallergenic jewelry is any body ornament that’s unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. This means that the jewelry contains no known irritants—mainly, nickel.

Nickel, which appears frequently in jewelry, coins, and electronics, is the most common allergy-causing jewelry metal.2 Symptoms of a nickel allergy (or other metal) symptoms allergy typically appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and include:

  • Rash
  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Scaly skin
  • Blistering

While nickel is the most likely to spark an allergic reaction, other metals can also ignite skin irritations, such as1:

  • Cobalt
  • Chromium
  • Zinc

If you have any skin sensitivity, avoid items that contain these metals as the main ingredient (or an additive). Skin-compatible jewelry usually features higher-grade metals and alloys. Look for pieces made from high-quality sterling silver or stainless steel.

Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

Sterling silver is the name for pure silver that’s mixed with a small amount of other metals, usually copper. The standard formula is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (or another metal alloy).3 This star combination toughens the silver while maintaining its shine.

So is it a hypoallergenic metal? Sterling silver qualifies as hypoallergenic metal because allergic reactions to both silver and copper are extremely rare. If the alloy isn’t copper, however, the chances of a reaction may increase.

For sensitive individuals, sterling silver jewelry will only garner positive reactions—compliments, that is.

How to Identify Hypoallergenic Sterling Silver

Unfortunately, you can’t identify hypoallergenic jewelry simply by looking at it—that goes for men’s or women’s sterling silver jewelry pieces, too. If you’re concerned about a possible reaction, stick with high-end pieces such as those from the Clocks and Colours sterling silver collection.

Low-quality pieces, especially costume jewelry, often feature nickel as an alloy. Since nickel is notorious for triggering jewelry allergies, steer clear if you have skin sensitivity Vendors may also market jewelry as “silver” when it’s actually “silver-plated” (a thin coating of silver on the outside with a cheaper jewelry metal hiding underneath).

When considering a piece, inspect any available labels or tags for respected brand names, especially those known for using hypoallergenic materials. These designers will usually list each piece’s components and potential allergens.

Caring for Sterling Silver to Prevent Allergies

Does sterling silver tarnish? Exposure to sulfur in the environment causes sterling silver to develop a green or bluish hue called tarnish. When sterling silver becomes highly corroded, your skin comes into contact with tarnish rather than the silver itself.

So, how to clean silver jewelry properly? To ensure your women’s or men’s sterling silver jewelry remains allergen-free, keep it in prime condition. Follow these cleaning tips for gleaming and skin-friendly jewelry:

  • Polish pieces frequently using a jewelry cloth or microfiber towel.
  • Store pieces away from contaminants like perfume, exhaust, and hard water.
  • Avoid abrasive chemicals and commercial cleaners when polishing.

Stay on top of jewelry care by investing in top-notch silver cleaning products, like those from Clocks and Colours.

If possible, you should also wear your jewelry often. Your skin’s oils help prevent corrosion, extending a piece’s lifespan. Remember to remove jewelry like your sterling silver earrings before swimming or bathing, though—most water contains some amount of sulfur.

Alternatives to Sterling Silver for Sensitive Skin

If you have especially sensitive skin, even sterling silver may welcome rashes and redness. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up on adding a spark to your look. Other hypoallergenic metals commonly used in jewelry include4:

  • Stainless steel
  • Platinum
  • Titanium
  • 18-carat gold

For a wide array of striking stainless steel pieces, explore Clocks and Colours’ stainless steel collection.

Note that some stainless steel earrings or other jewelry may feature trace amounts of nickel, but the level is generally low enough for most skin to tolerate it.

Another tip: If you wear silver earrings, make sure the backings are also made from hypoallergenic metals—cheap backings are a prime way for allergens to sneak in.

Clocks and Colours: Rugged Craftsmanship, Pure Materials

Your jewelry should make a striking statement—it shouldn’t trigger a skin allergy. That’s why you need pieces crafted from the highest-quality precious metal by the finest craftsmen.

At Clocks and Colours, our artists work only with .925 sterling silver, stainless steel, and brass. They forge hypoallergenic jewelry that fuses edge with elegance. Rooted in the ancient art of silversmithing, our mission is to carry the torch of timeless artistry without compromising quality.

Explore our extensive collections today.

 

Sources:

  1. National Library of Medicine. A comprehensive summary of disease variants implicated in metal allergy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9968405/
  2. Coastal Allergy Asthma. Metal Allergy. https://www.coastalallergyasthma.com/allergy-overview/allergy-types/skin-allergy/metal-allergy/
  3. USGS. What is Sterling Silver? https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-sterling-silver
  4. Mayo Clinic. Nickel Allergy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529
Back to blog