| More and more people are finding they are | | | | gold itself, but to the nickel that is in the |
| allergic to certain precious metals, | | | | chemical composition of gold. This reaction |
| specifically nickel alloys used in many gold | | | | is caused by a sensitivity to nickel that |
| engagement rings and everyday jewelry. The | | | | builds up over time. Women begin wearing |
| most common symptom of nickel allergy is | | | | jewelry at a much earlier age than men and |
| contact dermatitis, causing itching, redness, | | | | are more prone to allergic reactions, however |
| and blisters. This article gives reviews | | | | with the increase in body piercing popularity |
| different hypoallergenic rings. | | | | in both sexes, the number of men effected by |
| | | | nickel is on the rise too. |
| Buying an engagement ring is when most people | | | | |
| begin to learn more about jewelry, or learn | | | | Can I Buy A Gold Ring without Nickel? |
| more of what they don't know. With the so | | | | |
| many options, price points and places the buy | | | | Most engagement and wedding rings have |
| rings, it may seem as though you're spinning | | | | traditionally been made of 14k or 18k gold. |
| in circles. More often than not, people | | | | The reason for this is while 24k gold is |
| think only of price, quality and style when | | | | pure, it is extremely soft. Wedding rings |
| buying an engagement ring or wedding rings. | | | | and everyday jewelry are exposed to water, |
| But, the single most important aspect should | | | | sweat, scratches and dings that 24k gold |
| be the elements. More and more people are | | | | can't stand up against. The other elements |
| finding they are allergic to certain precious | | | | that are contained in 14k or 18k gold for |
| metals, specifically nickel alloys used in | | | | both gold and white gold include different |
| many gold engagement rings and everyday | | | | alloys such as silver, zinc, copper, and |
| jewelry. The most common symptom of nickel | | | | nickel. It's these other alloys that cause |
| allergy is contact dermatitis, causing | | | | the allergic reactions, nickel being the |
| itching, redness, and blisters. Not exactly | | | | biggest culprit. Nickel is added to make |
| what you want to propose to your life | | | | gold more durable, so if you try to buy a 24k |
| partner. | | | | gold ring, it will be pure but it won't be |
| | | | very durable. |
| According to the June 2007 Issue of | | | | |
| Dermatology Nursing, "an estimated 20% of | | | | How Do I Ensure My Engagement Ring Won't |
| women and 4% of men are affected by contact | | | | Cause A Rash? |
| dermatitis." These numbers may seem nominal, | | | | |
| but since 1980 these cases have doubled. | | | | There are many options in hypoallergenic |
| | | | jewelry. Platinum and titanium rings are not |
| Precious Metals & Engagement Rings - What's | | | | only beautiful alternatives to gold, but they |
| in my Ring? | | | | are more pure. |
| | | | |
| Precious metals used in jewelry are comprised | | | | What's the Difference Between Platinum and |
| of metal alloys which are mixtures of various | | | | Titanium Rings? |
| elements including hydrogen, oxygen, copper, | | | | |
| niobium, nickel, iron and gold. | | | | Platinum - Platinum is known for being the |
| Traditionally, engagement rings have been | | | | rarest and the heaviest of the precious |
| made of gold. White gold, sterling silver, | | | | metals. It's also the most expensive. It's |
| platinum and newer metals like tungsten and | | | | typically 90-95% pure and weighs twice as |
| titanium have made their way onto the jewelry | | | | much as gold. It doesn't tarnish like gold |
| scene both for reasons of style, but also to | | | | and doesn't loose its luster over time. |
| address allergic reactions. | | | | Platinum is durable but it can be scratched. |
| | | | There are many positives for platinum, but |
| I've Worn Gold Before - Why Am I Allergic | | | | it's not for everyone. Price is a barrier to |
| Now? | | | | many, and some women while they admire the |
| | | | rare and expensive qualities of platinum, the |
| Many people, especially women, have found | | | | weight on their finger gets tiresome over |
| that their skin has a reaction to gold | | | | time. |
| jewelry. This reaction is not really to the | | | | |