Are you planning to give jewelry as a gift? Are diamonds your best friend? Diamonds may be your best friend but the metal the diamond or jewelry is set in may not be. Many people are not aware that allergies to fine metals are common.
Nickel allergies are the most frequent causes of rashes and an infections on the skin due to jewelry usage. Skin irritations can occur under jean studs and buckles on clothes. Many people develop redness, swelling and even infection after ear piercings. Nickel is found in almost all things metal. Jewelry, scissors, paper clips, nickel coins and even kitchen utensils. Silver colored metals, and white gold often contain nickel.
Diamond rings and other pieces of jewelry are often set in gold. Pure gold is too soft to use in its pure state so it is mixed with base metals such as copper or nickel to strengthen it. 18 and 24 carat gold will not have nickel added but 10 carat gold most likely will. If you are allergic to gold, it could possibly be due to the nickel or another base metal often used called molybdenum.
What are the characteristics of a metal allergy? Symptoms and signs of a sensitivity to a metal usually occur under a ring or a necklace. Skin may be red and itchy. As time progresses watery blisters may appear in the affected area. The rash can even spread to other areas of the body where there has been no association with any metal.
A metal sensitivity usually does not go away as some allergies do. With this in mind, one will need to consult with a jewelry professional to inquire what metals are in the jewelry being purchased.
