Are You Really Allergic to Metal?
Many people believe they have a metal allergy.
But in our experience, that’s not always the case.
Before assuming you’re allergic, we encourage you to take a closer look at the jewelry you’ve been wearing.
Check the Hallmark First
Have you seen markings like:
- K18GP / K22GP / K24GP
- 14KGF (gold-filled)
- “18K gold plated on silver”
- “brass with gold coating”
These labels may sound like solid gold or silver—but in reality, they often indicate plated jewelry.
What Happens with Plated Jewelry?
Plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold or silver over a base metal.
Over time, this layer can wear off.
When that happens, the underlying material—often brass or other alloys—comes into direct contact with your skin.
(See the simple diagram below.)
Why Irritation Happens
From our experience, many cases of irritation, itching, or discomfort are not caused by gold or silver itself.
Instead, they occur when the base metal is exposed after the plating wears off—especially in areas like the piercing hole where friction is constant.
Are Sterling Silver Earrings Safe for Sensitive Ears?
Sterling silver is often considered a safer option for people with sensitive ears.
Unlike gold-plated or coated jewelry, it does not rely on a surface layer that can wear off over time.
For our hoop earrings, even when the hoop itself is made of brass, the post (the part that goes through your piercing) is made of sterling silver.
This ensures that the part in direct contact with your skin is a more suitable material for sensitive ears.
Shop Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings for Sensitive Ears
However, sensitivity varies from person to person, so we always recommend checking how your skin reacts.
You Might Not Be Allergic After All
It’s possible that what you’ve experienced is not a true metal allergy, but a reaction to the materials beneath the surface.
Choosing jewelry made from solid, clearly identified materials—such as sterling silver or solid gold—can make a significant difference.
Our Experience
At JUNIQUE, we have not received cases of allergic reactions such as itching or irritation from our jewelry.
This is based on our experience working with carefully selected materials and straightforward material standards.
A Note
Metal sensitivity varies from person to person, and we cannot guarantee that reactions will never occur.
However, understanding what you’re actually wearing is the first step toward finding jewelry that works for you.