What are Hypoallergenic Earrings? Introducing the Best Metals for Sensitive Ears
By Ellie Dharamraj - 9th July 2024
Hypoallergenic earrings are the superheroes of the jewellery world, providing those with common metal allergies comfortable earrings that still look beautiful. Made from skin-friendly materials such as sterling silver, surgical steel, titanium, and gold, they allow you to sparkle without discomfort. Say goodbye to swollen, itchy ears and, instead, say hello to stylish, comfortable earrings. Our guide to hypoallergenic earrings provides tips and advice on allergy-safe metals as well as our recommendations.
Understanding whether you or your children need hypoallergenic earrings is crucial to prevent potential allergic reactions to ensure long-wear comfort in your everyday style. For those irritated by non-hypoallergenic earrings, comfort must come above all else, and knowing exactly what you’re looking for can be the ultimate key to successfully finding your earring style.
How do I know if I have a sensitivity?
Other allergies can be easier to determine based on how our bodies react, but it isn’t always as obvious as a stage four allergic reaction, particularly as metal allergies are very rarely life-threatening.
You may notice itching, redness, dry patches or swelling of the skin around the piercing, and in more severe cases, blistering may follow. If left untreated with repeated use of allergy-inducing metals, your skin may become darker, leathery and cracked. Children are more susceptible to skin sensitivities, particularly when it comes to metal.
What metals are hypoallergenic?
Nickel is the most common adversary to sensitive ears alongside brass and low melting temperature metals such as zinc, and tin. However, it is safe to assume that earrings made with 14ct+ gold, titanium, or sterling silver will have the best effect on your skin.
Is stainless steel hypoallergenic?
Though not technically hypoallergenic, it is the perfect choice if you either don’t have a nickel allergy, or just a very mild one. If you, or someone you know, only suffer from slight irritation, products such as our Gold Stainless Steel Tiny Round Heart Stud Earrings would be the perfect option. However, if you’re unsure of your level of allergy, then it’s probably better to steer clear of anything outside of the three most common jewellery metals.
Which hypoallergenic metal is for me?
Sterling Silver
Pure silver is entirely hypoallergenic, however, it is often too soft to use alone for jewellery. Often, 925-grade sterling silver uses copper as its alloy, which is also a hypoallergenic metal. The 925 stamp reflects the 92.5% rating of silver in the product, with the 7.5% remaining consisting of other metals, often copper, to increase its hardness and strength.
Gold
Gold earrings, particularly those 14ct and above, are an excellent choice for people with earring sensitivities. Similarly to titanium, 14ct gold is non-harmful, meaning that discomforts are far less likely. Typically, the more pure gold is, the fewer alloys, such as nickel, it will contain. Therefore, for the most severe nickel allergies, 24ct gold, or pure gold, is the best option as it has 99.9% gold. Gold resists tarnishing for an extended period, meaning not only are gold earrings hypoallergenic, but they will maintain a long-lasting beauty.
Titanium
In its pure form, this metal is biocompatible and unlikely to irritate even the most sensitive ears. Titanium allergies are incredibly rare, only occurring in about 0.6% of the population. Additionally, titanium is a lightweight metal, meaning it will reduce pressure and discomfort on the earlobes, even when you have to wear the jewellery for a long time. For example, our line of titanium earrings includes the fabulous Titanium Marquise Crystal Helix Hoop Earring in Gold which is a must-have for a trend-led teen who loves a curated ear.
Gift ideas for sensitive ears
Now we get to the fun part: picking out the perfect, hypoallergenic earrings for you or your loved ones. Different earrings and different metals suit different people, so what are your best options?
Hypoallergenic earrings for kids
Traditionally, studs are the preferred earring option for kids as they can be worn in schools. The lightweight build of hypoallergenic stud earrings means they put far less pressure on your piercing during the early stages of healing as opposed to dangly or hoop earrings which could stretch the hole. Size also matters, as most primary schools only allow for small and subtle studs. Studs also commonly fasten with butterfly or bullet backs, making them easy to take on and off.
One of our most popular pairs of studs for kids are the Sterling Silver and Crystal Paw Stud Earrings. At this time in a young person's life, their fashion choices are often reflections of their personality and their likes and dislikes. These earrings are the ideal pick for little dog lovers, particularly if it's a nod to a pet waiting for them at home The crystal touch gives them an extra unique sparkle to glisten up their look.
Our Mismatched Bee and Daisy Stud Earrings in Gold are sure to be adored whilst maintaining a smaller, more traditional shape and backing. Who said hypoallergenic jewellery had to be plain?
Hypoallergenic teen earrings
Style is for all ages, but hoops can be a key addition to a young person's fashion. Our Silver Star Hoop Earrings are a subtle but staple piece for a hypoallergenic collection. In the trend-forward shape of a star, this classic pair is perfect for stacking or styling alone.
For teens who have begun exploring alternative piercings, titanium earrings are perfect for cartilage piercings given their lightweight material, meaning this Titanium Crystal Daith Hoop Earring in Gold is the ideal hypoallergenic choice for all-day wear.
For a formal look or a celestial-trend obsessor, the Moon and Crystal Drop Chain Huggie Hoop Earrings in Gold are plated with 14ct gold and have sterling silver posts. Perfect for a party or prom, these lightweight earrings add a unique touch to a special occasion.
Hypoallergenic adult earrings
For a lesser metal allergy or a better option for a healing ear, our Gold Stainless Steel Tiny Round Heart Stud Earrings are a classic choice for a feminine style and a staple addition to a hypoallergenic earring collection.
For a more formal event, why not consider the Crystal Double Star Drop Earrings in Silver? Perfect for an occasion, these earrings are made with hypoallergenic posts in sterling silver making them great for long wear, ideal for an all-nighter.
If you can't get enough colour, you don't have to sacrifice comfort any longer with our Green Crystal Pavé Square Huggie Hoop Earrings in Gold. Wear them alone to work, or stack them alongside other statement pieces for a party look.
Finding the perfect pair of hypoallergenic earrings doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By knowing what materials to look for, reading product labels carefully and considering reputable brands, you can enjoy stylish, irritation-free accessories without the hassle. The right pair of earrings is out there, ready to enhance your look and keep your ears healthy.