If certain jewelry leaves your skin red, itchy, or irritated, the metal underneath the surface is usually the cause — and it's worth understanding what's actually triggering it before you give up on wearing jewelry daily.
What Actually Causes Jewelry Reactions
Most jewelry-related skin reactions come down to one thing: nickel. Many base metals used in cheap jewelry — and the brass core under thin gold plating — contain nickel, which is one of the most common contact allergens. When plating wears thin (which happens quickly with regular wear), that nickel-containing base metal comes into direct contact with your skin.
Why Gold Filled Tends to Be Safer
Gold filled jewelry has a thick, bonded layer of real gold — not a thin plated coating — over its base metal. Because that gold layer is both thicker and mechanically bonded rather than just deposited on the surface, it's far less likely to wear through and expose the base metal underneath. For most people with mild sensitivity, that's enough to prevent the irritation they'd get from gold plated pieces.
What About Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) is generally considered one of the safest options for sensitive skin and nickel allergies, since it doesn't rely on a plated layer at all. If you have a known, diagnosed nickel allergy rather than general sensitivity, sterling silver is usually the more reliably hypoallergenic choice between the two.
A Few Practical Tips
Keep jewelry dry when possible (remove it before showering or swimming), avoid direct contact with perfume and lotion, which can accelerate wear on any plated or bonded finish, and give new pieces a quick wipe with a soft cloth after wear to remove skin oils and product buildup.
Choose Your Finish
Because sensitivity varies person to person, every NÙA necklace and bracelet is available in your choice of 14kt gold filled or sterling silver, so you can pick whichever finish works best for your skin. Browse the full collection to choose yours.