Bring peace of mind and sophistication to your neck | A complete guide to necklaces suitable for people with metal allergies

Do you know why metal allergies occur?

You bought a cheap necklace and while wearing it, before you knew it, you started to experience symptoms like redness and itching. Have you ever had a similar experience? Or maybe you know someone who has had a similar experience.

Many customers who visit Aletta Jewelry directly managed stores have experienced metal allergy symptoms when wearing necklaces.

Necklaces have a large surface area that comes into contact with the skin, making them susceptible to sweat and friction, making them a type of jewelry that is prone to causing metal allergies. So, what should you pay attention to when choosing a necklace that won't or is less likely to cause metal allergies? It's also important to know what to do if you do experience allergic symptoms.

In this issue of the journal, we will answer these questions one by one.

Chapter 1 | How to enjoy metal allergy-friendly necklaces: What you need to know first

1-1. What is a metal allergy-friendly necklace?

One day, your skin suddenly turns red and develops a rash while wearing a necklace. If you experience skin problems like this, you might not be able to wear the necklace you've been so fond of.

So, we recommend a necklace suitable for people with metal allergies.

Metal allergy-friendly necklaces are made from materials that contain as little nickel as possible and are less likely to release metal ions that cause metal allergies into the skin even when exposed to irritation from sweat or friction.

The most important thing to do to prevent metal allergies is to choose the right material. While there is no material that is 100% safe, there are a wide variety of materials available that can minimize the risk.

1-2. Choosing a necklace suitable for people with metal allergies starts with knowing the compatibility of the material with your skin.

The first step in choosing a necklace suitable for people with metal allergies is to know the correct material. The process is very simple. By simply choosing a necklace of your choice from a range of materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, you can prevent many skin problems before they occur.

1. Check the necklace's material and coating

   When shopping on an e-commerce site, make sure the material name and surface treatment are listed, such as "pure titanium," "surgical stainless steel 316L," "silver 925," or "nickel-free 10K gold." Necklaces with vague material descriptions are likely made with cheap alloys, increasing the risk of metal allergies. (If the seller used high-quality materials, they would definitely make that clear!)

2. Patch test to find out how well your skin reacts to the material

   If you have time or suffer from frequent allergies, we recommend a patch test. Placing the metal part or back of the necklace on the inside of your arm for a few hours will cause a more sensitive allergic reaction than on your neck, making it an effective way to check compatibility with the material.

3. Choose from transparent and trustworthy jewelry brands

   You can choose with greater confidence if the brand discloses the manufacturing process for all of its jewelry, including necklaces, and conducts metal allergy tests according to strict standards such as the EU standard (EN 1811) and publishes the results.

Chapter 2 | Why do metal allergies occur? Explaining the causes

2-1. Sweat, friction, and body heat are three factors that trigger metal allergy symptoms

In fact, the main cause of metal allergies is our sweat. When sweat is combined with friction on the skin and rising body temperature, metal ions begin to dissolve from the surface of the necklace onto the skin in small amounts. This is when the symptoms of metal allergies begin to appear. First of all, remember that sweat is the main cause of metal allergies.

2-2. The dissolved metal ions bind to proteins, creating allergens called haptens

Metal ions dissolved by sweat and friction penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin. They bind to proteins in the skin and turn into allergens called "haptens (incomplete antigens)." At this stage, symptoms often do not appear, but the body's immune cells recognize the haptens as foreign substances and begin preparing to attack. This is the stage before metal allergy symptoms appear.

2-3. Immune cells attack foreign substances – the onset of an allergic reaction

When a certain amount of hapten is present in the skin, immune cells (T cells) recognize it as a foreign substance. If the same metal ions come into contact with the skin again, the immune cells will attack them. Within approximately 48 to 72 hours, "delayed contact dermatitis" occurs, with symptoms such as redness, itching, and blisters. These are the symptoms of a metal allergy.

2-4. Four main causes of increased risk of developing metal allergies

The four main factors that increase the risk of developing metal allergies are "elution of metal ions due to sweat," "friction," "hot and humid environments," and "a weakening of the skin's barrier function." The combination of these factors makes it more likely to cause an allergic reaction.

factor	Reasons for increasing risk
Long-term adhesion	Chokers and voluminous chains tend to trap sweat.
High temperature/high humidity	At summer festivals and gyms, sweat volume increases and ion elution accelerates.
Worn plating	When the rhodium layer of silver 925 peels off, ion leaching increases rapidly.
Physical constitution and hormonal changes	It is more likely to occur when the barrier function is weakened due to pregnancy or stress

2-5. Organize the points learned so far and deepen your understanding of the next chapter

• Three steps leading to the onset of metal allergy: Metal ions dissolve → Hapten is produced → Immune cells react
  

• The asymptomatic period before symptoms appear is the most important time to take measures. Carefully check the labeling of materials and take a chance to reconsider your daily care methods and the occasions in which you wear accessories.

Chapter 3 | 7 Necklace Materials That Are Hypoallergenic

3-1. Choosing the right necklace material is the quickest way to reduce the risk of metal allergies

The basics of preventing metal allergies when wearing necklaces are to choose materials that do not easily release metal ions even when they come into contact with sweat, and to know how to process metal surfaces, such as coatings.

We have carefully selected seven representative materials that are low in allergy risk from the many materials used in jewelry. We will introduce them in an easy-to-understand comparison, including their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and recommended uses.

3-2. Pure Titanium | A hypoallergenic material that is both light and safe, even used in medical settings

• Strengths : Easy to blend into the skin / Ultra-lightweight, no strain on the neck or shoulders

• Weakness : Color tends towards gray /Not suitable for those who want gold color

• Recommended : Can be worn during sports and outdoor activities

Pure titanium is a highly safe metal that is widely used in medical settings for medical equipment, implants, artificial joints, and more. Because it releases almost no metal ions, it can be worn safely by people with sensitive skin or allergies. It's also lightweight, meaning it puts less strain on the neck and shoulders.

3-3. Surgical Stainless Steel 316L | A balanced material that offers medical-grade safety and excellent cost performance

• Strengths : Medical grade, corrosion resistant / Reasonably priced

• Weakness : Many have a dull luster

• Recommended : Your first necklace for those with metal allergies

Surgical stainless steel 316L is often used for medical equipment and earrings, and is a material that is resistant to the dissolution of metal ions. It is also resistant to rust and discoloration, and is relatively affordable. However, if not polished properly, the surface can easily become dull, so it is important to choose a brand with a meticulous finish.

3-4. Platinum (Pt900, Pt950) | For those who value luxurious shine and gentleness on the skin

• Strengths : High density bullion that is resistant to clouding / Rare and highly valuable

• Weakness : The specific gravity is high and it is heavy, so the necklace can easily cause neck fatigue.

• Recommended for : Bridal and formal occasions when looking for a lifetime piece

Platinum is rare and a popular material for luxury jewelry. Its greatest appeal is that it is highly resistant to tarnishing and rust, and has a low risk of causing metal allergies. It is often chosen as jewelry to last a lifetime, and is the perfect material for bridal rings and formal wear.

3-5. 14K/18K Gold | Gorgeous and rich colors and skin-friendly, hypoallergenic

• Strengths : High gold content, resistant to oxidation / Wide range of colors

• Weaknesses : Nickel and palladium may be used

• Recommended for : Gold lovers who want to wear a delicate chain every day

14K/18K gold is a popular material that combines gorgeous colors with hypoallergenic properties. The higher the gold content, the less metal ions are released, resulting in less irritation to the skin. Another attractive feature is the wide range of colors available, allowing you to choose one that suits your skin tone and preferences.

3-6. 10K Gold (Nickel-Free) | The perfect balance of hardness and price

• Strengths : More scratch-resistant than 18K and more affordable / Nickel-free, so there is less ion elution

• Weakness : It is prone to fading due to its low gold content

• Recommended for : Those who want to enjoy the gold color while keeping costs down.

10K gold is an alloy material with approximately 42% gold content. It is both affordable and durable. It is harder and more scratch-resistant than 18K. Because it contains a lower percentage of gold, it may tarnish over time, but you can maintain its beauty by polishing or re-plating.

3-7. Silver 925 + Rhodium Coating | The standard that combines a clear white shine with hypoallergenic properties

• Strengths : Soft luster / Reduces ion elution when sealed with rhodium

• Important points : Re-coating is required after plating wear/care for blackening due to sulfuration is also required

• Recommended for : Those who want to enjoy minimalist layering in silver.

Jewelry made from 925 silver with a rhodium coating is characterized by its clear white shine and functionality that reduces the risk of metal allergies. The rhodium coating prevents the darkening that is common with silver and also reduces the release of metal ions into the skin.

Chapter 4 | Four things to check when choosing a necklace for people with metal allergies

There are many necklaces on the web that claim to be "allergy-friendly" or "nickel-free," but when you actually try them on, it's not uncommon for them to cause skin problems like redness or itchiness.

The reason for this is not just the material, but also the surface treatment, the structure of the jewelry, and even the brand's quality control. Here we will explain four important points you should keep in mind before purchasing a necklace.

The first thing you should check is the material label. Using the explanation in the previous chapter as a reference, you can decide on potential materials while taking into account the balance between price and design.

Don't just look at the material name, such as "pure titanium" or "silver 925," but also check the alloy ratio and labels such as "nickel-free."

It is not possible to simply say, "It's gold so it's safe" or "It's silver so it's dangerous." What is important is what kind of metals are mixed in and what quality inspections have been passed.

4-2. Check the plating thickness and whether or not there is a re-coating service

When choosing a necklace, it's important to consider not only the material itself, but also the thickness and quality of the plating (rhodium or gold coating) applied to the surface. Thin plating can wear easily and release metal ions that can cause allergies. In addition to checking the thickness of the plating, choose a brand that offers a re-coating service.

• Rhodium thickness of 0.1 µm or more is recommended

• Silver 925 is a brand that can be recoated, so you can rest assured

• Even though the 10K gold is solid, barrel polishing makes it even smoother against the skin.

4-3. Choose a chain and design that is breathable and doesn't trap sweat.

When choosing a necklace design, make sure that there is enough space between the chain and your skin to allow sweat and moisture to escape. By choosing a thin chain or a pendant top with a design that does not come into close contact with your skin, you can prevent metal ions from leaching out due to sweat.

4-4. Brand transparency: Check for disclosure of test data and warranty services

To determine the reliability of a brand, we recommend checking whether the results of metal allergen testing (such as EU standard EN1811) are officially published and whether they offer comprehensive warranty services, including re-plating. The more clearly and openly a brand displays information about its products, the more reassured you can be when making a purchase.

• Are the nickel leaching test results according to EU standard EN 1811 published?

• Can I get a free patch test sample /try it on in store?

• After-sales services such as re-plating are also part of safety

Brands that can provide numbers can be said to be prepared to take responsibility for skin problems with specific numerical values.

4-5. Summary—Prevent metal allergies by focusing on four key points: material, surface treatment, design, and brand transparency

To prevent metal allergies from necklaces, it is essential to follow four key points: "Choose a material with low ion elution," "Ensure that the plating and surface treatment are thick enough," "Choose a design that does not trap sweat," and "Select a brand that clearly displays test data and guarantees." By following these points, you can enjoy wearing your necklace for a long time while maintaining a sense of security and comfort.

Chapter 5 | How to properly care for and store your necklace to prevent discoloration and itching

Even necklaces that are suitable for people with metal allergies can easily dissolve metal ions if sweat or sebum is left on the surface, causing skin problems and discoloration.

To prevent this, you need to spend just one minute each day doing maintenance on your necklace after returning home. By doing so, you can prevent the necklace from darkening and dramatically reduce the burden on your skin.

Here we will introduce recommended daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance methods and the correct way to store your necklace. This is especially recommended for those who are troubled by darkening of the surface of their necklace or who are prone to redness of the skin.

5-1. Daily care to prevent metal allergies | Shut out sweat and sebum with just one minute of daily care

Daily necklace care is very simple. First, when you get home, take off your necklace and go to the bathroom. Rinse, wash, and wipe to remove sweat and sebum from your skin. Just like when we take a shower.

Necklaces are just like the human body; if you leave sweat and sebum on them, dirt will accumulate and it can cause illness. If you wear a necklace every day, especially a large one, we recommend you try this method.

Rhodium and gold coatings have a surface coating that acts as a barrier against sweat and sebum, so please avoid washing or washing with soap. Simply wipe off any surface dirt with a special cloth such as a deerskin cloth.

1. Rinse under running water (10 seconds)

   • Use lukewarm water to lift away any sweat or sebum from the surface of the necklace and gently rinse it away.

2. Wash with mild soap (20 seconds)

   • Gently lather with your fingertips and wash to thoroughly remove dirt. Avoid using brushes or other hard tools.

3. Microfiber dry wipe (30 seconds)

   • Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to gently polish the surface while thoroughly wiping off any moisture.

5-2. Special care once a week | Intimate time with your necklace and yourself

Once you get used to daily care, try doing a special once a week. Spending time thinking about your beloved necklace and the person you wear it with can be an intimate and special time for introspection.

Don't forget to consider the maintenance methods for each material. Weekly maintenance requires some special tools. But don't worry, all of these are easily available online or at stores like Tokyu Hands. We'll introduce recommended care products later.

• Silver 925: After cleaning with silver cleaning solution, wipe and polish with a silver cloth.

• 18K gold coating: After cleaning with a gold cleaning solution, polish the surface with a special cloth such as deerskin.

• 10K Gold: Remove tarnish with a paste of warm water and baking soda, then polish with deerskin to bring out the shine.
  

• Titanium/316L stainless steel: Soak in weak alkaline detergent for about 10 minutes, then rinse with water.

5-3. Recommended necklace storage methods | Prevent discoloration and keep the surface clean

Once you've learned how to maintain your jewelry, the next step is to store it properly. Materials that are natural and prone to discoloration, such as 925 silver and 10K gold, do not do well in humidity. (Although there is no material that does well in humidity.)

With just a little effort and love, the time spent on maintenance will be dramatically reduced. This is a method that we would especially like to recommend to those who are troubled by tarnishing of silver jewelry in general.

1. Individually sealed : Each necklace comes in a zip-top bag with anti-rust paper to prevent tangling and sulfuration.

2. Dehumidifier + Silica Gel : Maintains a humidity level of 35–50% inside the jewelry box.

3. No direct sunlight : UV rays will cause the coating to deteriorate, so a closet is ideal.

The key points are to keep the air out with individual zip-top bags, to keep the humidity inside the jewelry box constant with a dehumidifier, and to avoid exposing it to light, including the room's electricity, as much as possible.

You don't need to get a fancy jewelry box at first. Ziploc bags or cases from a discount store will do. The important thing is to start and try it out. You can improve the appearance and finish later.

5-5. Necklace care products favored by professionals | Eliminate metal allergies and discoloration

To efficiently maintain the beauty of your necklace, we recommend using care items actually used by professionals. With just four carefully selected tools, including a cleaning solution and polishing cloth specifically for jewelry, and an ultrasonic cleaner, you can quickly and easily maintain its shine and minimize the risk of skin problems.

・Silver 925 (uncoated) cleaning solution

・Silver 925 (gold coated)・Gold・Platinum cleaning solution

 

・Silver 925 (uncoated) Silver Cross

・Coated jewelry ・Gold jewelry cloth

5-6. How to deal with metal allergy symptoms | What should you do if you experience skin problems such as redness or itching?

If you experience symptoms of a metal allergy while wearing a necklace, it can be very worrying. You may even start to wonder if you bought the wrong necklace, and suddenly start to regret your purchase.

However, symptoms of metal allergies may be caused by the necklace material, or by sweating a lot in the summer and not taking proper care of your necklace, or by your physical condition making you more susceptible to symptoms.

In any case, first stop wearing the product and cool the affected area under running water. After that, apply an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream and see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

After that, refrain from wearing the necklace for several months and focus on completely curing your allergic symptoms. It is recommended that you start wearing it again in seasons other than summer when you sweat a lot. Even if you don't experience any symptoms after wearing it once, be sure to perform daily or weekly maintenance to keep your necklace in good condition.

Chapter 6 | FAQ: We asked a dermatologist about metal allergies

"I'm curious, but it's hard to search for" - Ask a professional about the neck discomfort

Even after carefully selecting the right materials and taking care of your skin, you may still be left with the worry of "Is this really okay?" Here, we asked dermatologist Kaori Ando, who also has an allergy clinic, questions sent in on behalf of our readers, and she answered them with medical evidence and from an everyday perspective .

Q1 | Where can I take a metal patch test?

A: Outpatient patch testing at a dermatologist's office is covered by insurance. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, it costs around 3,000 to 5,000 yen. The standard metals tested are Ni, Co, Cr, Pd, and 20 other types. Titanium has a low detection sensitivity , so even if the result is negative, it's best not to be too confident.

Q2 | Is it true that 18K is safe and 10K is dangerous?

A｜ It is true that the higher the gold content, the lower the nickel contamination rate. However, there are cases where nickel-free 10K alloys have less ion leaching than 18K .

Q3 | After sweating, is it better to wash with just water or use soap?

A | Ideally, wash with a mild, slightly acidic soap for 10 seconds and then rinse . If you use only water, sebum and metal ions will remain on the skin and there is a risk of them being reabsorbed. If you are out and about and cannot find soap , you can use wet wipes instead, and then do a proper skincare routine when you get home.

Q4 | What happens if the rhodium plating on silver is peeled off and left unattended?

A | When the rhodium layer wears down, the silver-copper alloy reacts with sulfur in the air and turns black. The sulfide film acts as a breeding ground for metal ions , and there is data that shows the amount of elution increases several times. The general rule of thumb is to recoat when you feel that the luster has dulled.

Q5 | Will wearing the same necklace every day cause allergies?

A: If you can remain symptom-free for six months or more, your risk of sensitization will be significantly reduced. However, caution is required as there have been cases where the immune system changes due to pregnancy, serious illness, or severe stress, leading to sudden onset of the disease.

Q6 | Is the quasi-drug "Metal Blocker Cream" effective?

A | Formulas that use chelating agents to seal in metal ions are theoretically effective. However, they tend to run off after 2-3 hours around the neck, where sweat accumulates , so they're not suitable for long-term protection. Creams should be considered a secondary barrier for events , and the basic approach is to use the right ingredients and care.

One-point prescription from a doctor

The guideline for seeing a doctor is if the redness continues for 48 hours.

If over-the-counter medications don't improve the condition or if blisters or erosions occur, see a dermatologist as soon as possible. If the condition persists even after removing the contact lens, it may be a sign of sensitization to other metals .

Chapter 7 | Summary of the Metal Allergy-Friendly Necklace Guide

So far, we have explained how to choose a necklace suitable for people with metal allergies, from knowledge about the material to maintenance and storage methods, and what to do if symptoms occur.

It's important to remember that no one is inherently allergic to metals.

For those who have experienced this symptom, it may be due to an alloy necklace, or sweat or oils left on the necklace. Either way, there is a reason for it.

In order to prevent or minimize the recurrence of metal allergies, it is most important to correctly understand the cause and respond to it calmly. In most cases, it's because you're not doing anything, so there's no need to be overly scared.

Practical advice is key when it comes to dealing with metal allergies.

I have written down all the knowledge and experience I have gained so please put this knowledge into practice and enjoy jewelry without worrying about allergies.

Aletta's list of metal hypoallergenic necklaces is here