Everything You Need to Know About Costume Jewelry

In 2022, the global costume jewelry market has an estimated value of $37 billion. Costume jewelry is a prominent part of the fast fashion industry, which offers ready-to-wear designs and styles to keep up with current trends. But while costume jewelry was once thought of as cheap and poor quality, it has since been elevated to a higher standard.

Modern costume jewelry offers the wearer many different benefits and advantages. It's as functional as it is fashionable, while also offering a way to stay trendy. To learn more about the benefits of costume jewelry, keep reading this post below for further information.

Costume Jewelry Is Durable

One of the most common rumors surrounding costume jewelry claims that it isn't as high quality as fine jewelry. This is not true. Most modern costume jewelry is made from 925 sterling silver and is known as bridge jewelry.

925 sterling silver is made from 92.5% real silver. The other 7.5% is made from metal alloys. The most used alloy types are copper, zinc, nickel, and platinum.

Pure silver on its own is too soft to make sturdy jewelry out of. These metal alloys allow sterling silver to be more durable, so it won't scratch or dent.

Gold-colored costume jewelry is usually made from 925 sterling silver with a layer of gold plating over it. This gives you the look and beauty of gold jewelry with the durability of sterling silver built in.

It Is Also More Affordable

Fine jewelry is beautiful, but it uses precious metals and precious stones which can drive the price up. This means that the average person can't afford to have a large collection of fine jewelry pieces to complement their wardrobe.

Choosing costume jewelry is a more cost-effective way to build up your jewelry collection. It lets you select from moderately priced items that appeal to your personal brand. This allows you to have access to affordable luxury with designer looks for every budget.

Costume jewelry gives you a fine jewelry look, but it uses less expensive materials like semi-precious gemstones or synthetic stones to mimic the real thing. Along with the use of sterling silver and gold plating, you can have a gorgeous jewelry collection for a fraction of the cost of fine jewelry pieces.

It Offers Style Versatility

With the reduced cost of costume jewelry also comes the freedom to play around with different styles. Costume jewelry pieces can be more easily obtained, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank.

You can have a wider array of styles to go with your fashion wardrobe. Coordinate your jewelry with your outfits instead of trying to make one fine jewelry piece the focal point of everything. You can also mix and match pieces to create new looks.

Costume jewelry is also great for everyday outfits and special occasion clothing. Dress it up or dress it down however you want to. You're sure to find the right jewelry pieces that speak to your unique sense of style and fashion.

It's Always On-Trend

If you're always looking to stay in touch with the latest trends, then there's good news for you. One of the main benefits of costume jewelry is that it keeps up with current trends.

For example, one of 2022's top jewelry trends is chunky gold chain necklaces. If you want a chunky gold chain style but don't want to pay real gold prices, you can find a comparable costume jewelry piece to fit in with this trend.

Trends can come and go in a flash, but you don't need to pay high prices to stay in the fashion loop. Costume jewelry lets you achieve the enviable styles of the hottest celebrities and top social media influencers without paying an arm and a leg to do so.

It's Hypoallergenic

Nickel allergies affect as much as 18% of the population in the U.S. Skin contact with jewelry pieces containing nickel can cause rashes, hives, and blisters. You shouldn't have to suffer to look good.

While nickel can be a common alloy used in the sterling silver process, it is possible to have jewelry that doesn't contain nickel. Look for bridge or higher-end costume jewelry that is nickel-free to ensure you or someone you love won't have a reaction.

Copper is a hypoallergenic metal alloy alternative. You can also choose jewelry with platinum and gold finishes. These metal overlays are also pure and hypoallergenic, creating a barrier between the wearer's skin and the alloy underneath.

It Gives You More Variety

With bridge jewelry, the modern equivalent of costume jewelry, you can have gorgeous coordinating jewelry pieces to accentuate your wardrobe. You no longer have to be restricted to rotating between a few central jewelry items.

You can choose from quality jewelry sets that look every bit as beautiful as their fine jewelry counterparts. Whether you want classic gold and silver chains or opt for semi-precious stones like elegant pearls, glimmering topaz, alluring amethyst, and colorful mystic quartz, you can find something to suit your needs.

Natural elements like coral and abalone offer their own unique characteristics to your jewelry repertoire. Costume jewelry also features brilliant Swarovski crystal designs that dazzle the eyes and catch the light from every angle.

It Lets You Express Yourself

Modern bridge jewelry isn't the disposable fast fashion accessory it used to be. This high-end costume jewelry upgrade lets you add more quality jewelry staples to your accessory collection while also reflecting your distinct fashion sense.

You can express your personal style with modern costume jewelry pieces. For example, if you want to express your faith, you can find stylish and tasteful faith-based jewelry designs.

If your style is simple and understated, you can still find minimalist jewelry pieces that complement your style without overshadowing it. If you prefer big statement pieces with bold colors for special occasions or as a part of your normal wardrobe, costume jewelry lets you change up and play with your style with ease.

Find Modern and High-Quality Costume Jewelry from wehoautodetail

The right piece of jewelry can do so much to instill confidence and make the wearer feel beautiful. When you look good on the outside, you also feel good on the inside. Every woman deserves the chance to sparkle in their own way.

wehoautodetail is more than just typical costume jewelry. It's a way to enhance your personal style brand affordably and stay up to date with current trends. With wehoautodetail, you're getting quality and timeless jewelry pieces that let you shine brighter.

Visit our site today to browse our selection of new arrival jewelry pieces.

How to Wear Multiple Rings At One Time

Research done in 2021 revealed that 56% of jewelry buyers were women. Revealing that more women are buying jewelry for themselves than men buying it for them.

Women are now buying themselves jewelry more than ever as they want to treat themselves. Good quality jewelry could last a very long time, giving you years of wear.

Rings are especially popular options as they are classy and timeless. Every woman should own a variety of rings that she can mix and match.

You can even wear several rings at once for a more unique look. This also allows you to get the most out of your rings so that you can enjoy them more often.

Keep reading to find out how to wear multiple rings at once while still looking sophisticated.

Buy Ring Sets

Ring sets are by far the easiest way to wear multiple rings at once. These sets are usually designed to be worn together as they go well together.

This can help you to avoid the issues that come up when mixing rings together. So you don't have to worry about mixed metal or different gemstones.

Ring sets are usually designed to match each other and to fit well together. They are often more minimal and can be stacked seamlessly for that polished look.

If you love to wear several rings on one hand, these are a great option for you. Ring sets are also a great way to add versatile pieces to your jewelry collection.

Choose Simpler Rings

When mixing rings, you are safer sticking to simpler ring designs. Though you may love your statement rings, they aren't always ideal for stacking.

Statement rings or more glamorous rings are going to stand out a bit too much. They will likely clash with the other rings on your hand, making everything look clunky.

It is best to stick to rings that are more minimal in design. Or that have a similar design that can be mixed and matched with other kinds of rings easily.

Mix Your Metals

When wearing multiple rings on one hand, the hardest thing is matching your metals. This is especially true if your rings come from different brands.

If you want to wear all gold rings, you should wear rings that have the same shade of gold. The same goes for silver rings, they should match if you are matching your metals.

Though you do not have to go to these lengths if you don't want to. Mixed metal rings are also a great idea and can give you a unique edge.

Plenty of people mix their metals to create a unique look that is all their own. Doing this can also help you to avoid the hassle of trying to match your rings exactly.

Choose Stackable Rings

If you don't have ring sets, the easiest alternative is to buy stackable rings. These kinds of rings are designed to be worn with other rings for a polished look.

Stackable rings are usually more delicate and don't have pieces that stick out too far. They can be layered with other rings without looking clunky or fitting awkwardly on your fingers.

These kinds of rings are very common and can be worn on their own just as easily as stacked. They are beautiful and delicate, creating an elegant look that sets you apart.

Limit Gemstone Rings

While gemstone rings are beautiful, they may not always be ideal for stacking. These rings should be used minimally when you are wearing multiple rings on one hand.

If you want to wear gemstone rings with other rings, you should only have one or two. One or two minimal gemstone rings will look beautiful without clashing.

You should choose gemstones that are like colors or even the same color for a more cohesive look. They can often be paired with gold or silver rings, depending on the gemstone.

Choose the Right Fingers

Each finger can represent a different meaning when it comes to rings. Though most people don't worry too much about this when stacking their rings.

You can wear rings on any finger that you like, though some will look better than others. It is often best to wear the most rings on your longest fingers.

You should also avoid wearing rings on your thumb finger as this is not very classy looking. Shorter fingers should also have fewer rings to avoid them looking crowded.

Match Them With Your Outfit

When wearing several rings, you should consider your entire outfit. Will the rings that you want to wear go with the outfit that you are wearing?

Are you dressing more sophisticated, or is it a more casual day? These kinds of details matter when you are picking out your rings.

This is important as jewelry may not go with just any kind of clothing. You don't want to pair more casual pieces with a glamorous gown.

That is why it is a good idea to invest in timeless pieces that look sophisticated no matter what. So you won't have to worry about your rings looking too casual.

How to Wear Multiple Rings

If you want to wear multiple rings on your hand, there are some ways to go about doing this. You want to do this in a way so that your appearance remains classy and elegant.

Do you want to buy timeless rings that you can wear together? Contact us today at wehoautodetail for access to designer ring options.

What Are Huggie Earrings and How Do You Style Them?

Earrings are pieces of jewelry that can make or break an entire look. Whether you want to spice up an outfit or just look a little more put together on a casual day, earrings will achieve it.

In fact, earrings (and other jewelry) are so popular that the global jewelry market is expected to exceed $266 billion in value by 2027.

Have you heard of huggie earrings? These are a new style of earring that is easy to wear, comfortable, and effortlessly trendy.

To learn more about these daily wear earrings, keep reading this article!

So What Exactly Are Huggie Earrings?

Huggie earrings, often known as huggers, are earrings that don't use a back. Instead, a hinge at the top of the earring allows the post to open and shut.

The word "huggie" comes from the fact that the earring is designed to sit snuggly against your earlobe.

Huggie earrings were originally relatively tiny and practically enclosed the earlobe. However, because these earrings were so well received, jewelers took the next step and created increasingly bigger versions.

Most hoops have a visible hinge in front—on top where your ear hole is. This can detract from a hoop's elegant and clean appearance. The way the earring links with your earlobe, especially with smaller hoop earrings, influences the overall elegance of the design.

Because the hinge is located in the lower portion of the earring, a huggie provides a clean line from earring to lobe.

Huggie earrings are generally shaped like a heart or a rectangle. Huggies are available in a variety of sizes.

Benefits of Wearing Huggie Earrings

One of the most appealing aspects of huggie earrings is their versatility. Because these earrings exist in many forms, sizes, and materials, you can easily match them to your clothing.

Knowing how much ladies adore hoop earrings, some bright jewelry designer devised a brilliant concept. They created a hoop earring with a bottom hinge. When the earring is clicked shut, the hoop post is fastened to the rear of the ring, sealing the circle.

Because no backing is required and the earring hangs onto the post, a one-of-a-kind earring was created.

You'll wear your post earrings less after discovering how comfy huggies are!

Huggie jewelers caught the word and began to get imaginative. They knew we needed the hinge and didn't want to bother with the backings. But we still wanted options, and we got them.

Do you wear post-style earrings? Have you ever been pricked in the neck by your post?

If you wear your huggies and grab your phone and lean it against your shoulder while multitasking, it won't hurt. Since there is no backing, you won't have a needle jabbing into the side of your head if there's any pressure on your ear.

Because they are so close to your skin, it is nearly hard to snag them on your clothes when you remove them.

Huggie earrings are also versatile. They may be worn as a single pair or numerous stacked pairs to create as big or tiny a statement as you wish.

Hoop earrings may be worn not just casually but also to more formal parties and dressier situations.

Huggies are light so they won't dangle from your top ear or earlobe. They can also be worn for more extended periods than studs or hoops. And when the time comes, cleaning is simple.

How to Wear Huggie Earrings

Now that you get the gist of huggie earrings and why they are great, it's time to start styling them!

Wearers often place one pair in their lobes for a simple, simplistic style or stack them in other ear piercings up the ear for a more layered bohemian aesthetic.

Pull out a pair of large huggie hoops if you've put together a look but still need that additional touch to take it to the next level.

You may match the color of the hoops to your dress or personal tastes.

For example, perhaps most of your jewelry is gold; therefore, you want to wear a pair of large gold hoops with your attire. Or maybe you've decided to wear your silver jewelry on a specific day and want to wear matching hoops.

You can't go wrong with any of the gold huggie earrings you select! Pair your hoop earrings with a strong red lip for an additional bonus and splash of color. Consider pushing your hair back from your face to highlight your lips and earrings.

Pair your hoops and red lip with a basic blouse and torn jeans for a daytime look. If you need to spruce up your look, hoops and red lips look great with an evening gown or festive holiday costume.

Consider wearing many pairs of hoops in varied sizes if you have more than one piercing per earlobe to create a more detailed look. For example, some people wear the largest pair in their primary holes and smaller pairs in their second or third holes.

You may mix and match hoop earrings sizes and metal hues to create a unique and eye-catching style. This allows you to display your originality and distinctive flair.

Stay On-Trend and Comfortable With Huggie Earrings

Huggie earrings compliment any outfit or style. They look beautiful in anyone's ears, but they are also comfortable, trendy, and easy to wear since they don't feature an annoying earring back.

Are you in the mood to add more jewelry to your collection? Click here to shop in our sales section!

7 Things You Should Know About Silver Jewelry

Are you interested in learning about silver jewelry? Then check out some things you should consider before making your next purchase.

Keyword(s): silver jewelry

Silver has always been a popular choice for jewelry, decor, and more. However, sterling silver jewelry is making a comeback in a big way. More and more people are choosing silver jewelry over gold to stay up to date with the latest beauty trends.

If you're looking to add more jewelry to your jewelry box, here are seven things you should know about silver jewelry before your next purchase.

1. Different Types of Silver

Before you make your purchase, you should be aware that there are three main types of silver on the market. Let's take a close look at each of them.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is the most common and found in most silver jewelry. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The addition of copper makes sterling silver hard and also malleable, making it easy to work with and create different kinds of jewelry such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings.

You'll want to be sure you are purchasing real sterling silver before handing over your credit card. All sterling silver pieces are marked and stamped with a .925 or an abbreviation of "sterling" to let you know it's real.

Fine Silver

Fine silver is the purest form of silver at 99.9%. Fine silver may seem like the best type of silver to use for jewelry, but it is actually a very soft metal. Because of this, it can be easily damaged and can change form over time.

Silver Plate

The metal that makes up a silver-plated product is not actually silver, but another metal that is then covered with a thin silver plate on top. Depending on the type of metal used, such as copper, your jewelry can be pretty durable. However, because it is only a coating, silver-plated jewelry can tarnish easily. 

Silver-plated jewelry is considered a lower-quality silver and is therefore much less expensive than sterling. 

2. How to Maintain Your Jewelry 

Even though sterling silver is the most durable of all silver jewelry, it can tarnish when exposed to heat, air, or moisture. However, there are some precautions you can take to help prolong this. 

The first step in maintaining your jewelry is to keep it dry. Remember to take off your silver jewelry before taking a shower or swimming. The sweat and grease from your hands can also cause corrosion over time. You should also avoid getting lotions or serums on your jewelry.

You can also store your items in closed storage spaces so they aren't overly exposed to air. Purchase anti-tarnish bags to help keep them enclosed.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

Keeping your jewelry clean is a great way to keep it staying shiny and fresh. Be sure to give your pieces a cleaning once a month or after each use if possible. 

Silver jewelry cleaner or polish are great cleaning methods. There are also many home remedies you can use instead of polish. Try washing with warm water and soap. You can also use toothpaste, baking powder, or vinegar to keep your silver clean. 

3. Are You Allergic to Silver?

One of the reasons why sterling silver is so popular is because most people with allergies can wear it without having an allergic reaction. Nickel-free metals, like silver, are commonly known for being hypoallergenic. 

There is, however, a small exception to this rule. We know that sterling silver is also made with 7.5% of other metals. Most often, the 7.5% is copper, which is also nickel-free. However, if the other 7.5% is made up of non-nickel-free metals, you could potentially have an allergic reaction to the jewelry. 

An allergic reaction can cause your skin to turn red and itchy. To avoid this, your best bet is to go with sterling silver jewelry that has the smallest chance of causing an allergic reaction.

4. How to Style Your Jewelry 

Silver jewelry is beautiful on its own, but there are ways to style your jewelry to keep it looking fresh and new. Jewelry layering, for example, is a big trend in the beauty world. Layer your necklaces with one long and one short to create some definition and a sophisticated look. 

You can also compliment your stand-out silver with more subtle pieces. Try wearing small rings to support a pair of large hoop earrings to help them stand out and complete the look. You can also utilize your silver chains with a variety of different pendants and stones to constantly create new looks.

5. Different Ways to Buy

If you're looking for one piece of silver jewelry, there are many retailers whose quality you can trust. However, it is still important to check their credibility by looking at reviews when purchasing higher-priced items.

If you're looking to purchase wholesale silver jewelry, you may want to shop around to find the right seller. Artists who need silver for jewelry-making businesses or hobbies should buy wholesale to get the most bang for their buck, as bigger quantities often result in bigger discounts. 

Be sure you look for a reputable wholesaler with loads of positive reviews and testimonials. Schedule a consultation with their staff before buying so you can go over the terms of your purchase.

6. Sterling Silver vs. Gold

When purchasing jewelry, consumers tend to buy silver or gold pieces. Both are precious high-quality metals and very durable. In fact, sterling silver and white gold are easy metals to mix up because of their similar color and look.

The biggest difference between sterling silver and gold is the price. Gold, white gold, and rose gold tend to be about 75 times more than the price of sterling silver. Although sterling silver is less expensive, it is still a durable, beautiful metal that makes for some amazing jewelry items. 

7. Value

Sterling silver is an inexpensive option when buying jewelry. However, it also holds a ton of value!

Silver can be worth up to $20 an ounce or more depending on if it's vintage, what type of silver it is, and if it was well taken care of. If you're looking to sell some of your older silver pieces—including tableware, picture frames, and jewelry—rest assured that you can make a decent profit. 

Silver Jewelry

There are many ways in which you can purchase, wear, maintain, and even sell your silver jewelry. Be sure you know the type of silver you're buying and the best way to prolong its life and shine, and don't forget to have fun styling your jewelry with other pieces and clothing. 

For more information about silver jewelry, visit our blog today!

Hypoallergenic Alchemy: How Is Hypoallergenic Jewelry Made?

If your body is particularly sensitive to metals, you may want to consider buying hypoallergenic jewelry. How is this jewelry made, you ask? Find out here.

Keyword(s): hypoallergenic jewelry

If you have metal sensitivity, you've probably bought or considered buying hypoallergenic jewelry before--but do you know how this jewelry is made?

Scientists agree that a high percentage of the population has metal allergies. This can lead to a search for the right jewelry that won't irritate your skin, as you look for labels that say "hypoallergenic" on any metal item you buy.

Jewelers must choose the right materials to make jewelry that can be worn by anyone. In this guide, we'll show you how they do it, so you know what you're getting when you buy hypoallergenic jewelry. Keep reading to answer all your questions about allergy-safe metal jewelry!

What Causes Metal Allergies?

When you're hypersensitive to certain metals, it's actually an issue with your immune system. Basically, your immune system sees something that's not actually a threat--metal--as a threat to your body.

Your immune system is responsible for using tools like inflammation to get rid of dangers like viruses and bacteria. But sometimes, when metal touches your body, they'll attack that too. You might find yourself reacting to jewelry and watches, metal buckles on your clothes, or even coins and your cell phone.

There can also be traces of metals in your cosmetics and hygiene products, which might trigger surprising reactions. Many people are allergic to only certain kinds of metals--nickel is one of the most common.

If you have an autoimmune disorder already, you're more likely to also have a metal allergy. Since your immune system is naturally hyperactive, chances are good that it will also target certain kinds of metals.

How Can You Tell if You Have Metal Allergies?

Metal allergies usually manifest themselves as inflammation or other uncomfortable reactions to metal items that come into contact with your body.

You might see swelling or a rash in this area, or feel pain on the surface of your skin. This might be coupled with red or itchy skin. Sometimes, metal allergies are also linked to bigger and more serious conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Most of the time, you'll see the reaction in the part of your body that was touching metal. But sometimes, the immune response can also affect other body parts that are far from where your metal jewelry was, creating confusing symptoms.

If you have a metal implant in your body, like an IUD or artificial joint, this can cause more serious symptoms if you have a metal allergy. Having it implanted in your body for a long period of time can create a big immune system response if your body sees that metal as threatening.

How is Hypoallergenic Jewelry Made?

"Hypo" means below, so hypoallergenic means below allergenic. The jewelry might contain some allergens, but not enough to cause a reaction in most people with allergies. To be named hypoallergenic, jewelry has to contain few or no possible irritants.

To make hypoallergenic jewelry, jewelers simply use metals that won't cause allergic reactions. Next, let's take a look at the metals they can choose from.

Types of Hypoallergenic Metals

If you need jewelry that won't irritate your skin, look for these metals.

Platinum

Platinum has become a popular recent choice for jewelry, in part because it's one of the best hypoallergenic metals.

It does cost more than many materials, but almost never triggers allergic reactions in the wearer, and also is resistant to tarnishing. And since it's incredibly durable, this type of investment piece is something you can wear for years to come.

Stainless Steel

Although it's less glamorous than platinum, stainless steel is also a good choice if you want jewelry that won't trigger a reaction. It's also very strong and tarnish-resistant, so jewelry made with a stainless steel base will last a long time.

Stainless steel is made with a small amount of nickel, a possible allergen. However, the amount is usually low enough that even people with nickel allergies can wear it. There will be a different nickel content depending on the grade of the stainless steel, so jewelers making hypoallergenic jewelry will choose a grade with less nickel.

Aluminum

Aluminum isn't a very common jewelry choice, but it's used in some items--the soft metal is great for stamped designs, for example. It contains no nickel or lead, making it unlikely to trigger a reaction on your skin.

Gold

Gold is another one of the more traditional options for hypoallergenic jewelry. The higher the karats, the purer the gold, making it even less likely to cause a reaction.

That said, pure gold is generally too soft to make jewelry out of. Most gold jewelry has at least some other metals in it to make it harder. Sometimes, the mix can involve allergens like nickel. But jewelers making hypoallergenic items will take steps to minimize those allergens. High-quality gold jewelry that is mostly pure generally won't cause a reaction, even if there are traces of nickel in it.

Niobium

If you haven't heard of this metal, that's because jewelers have just recently started to use it in jewelry. However, it's one of the best choices for anyone with sensitive skin, since it appears to cause no reaction whatsoever even in the most sensitive wearers.

Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic? 

Genuine sterling silver jewelry from reputable sources is hypoallergenic, but make sure you look for a stamp of authenticity. Sterling silver always includes some other metals but is mostly made of silver, so it shouldn't trigger any reaction. For uber-sensitive skin, look for sterling silver finished in rhodium (platinum family) for even more protection. 

Is Hypoallergenic Jewelry Right for You?

Are you considering buying hypoallergenic jewelry?

A large percentage of the population has no metal allergies and will never need to buy hypoallergenic jewelry. However, if you have a metal allergy, you'll probably quickly realize it when you put on jewelry that contains allergens. We recommend a 925 sterling silver chain to begin with. Luckily, many jewelers make jewelry with these issues in mind.

Looking for a good jeweler to buy hypoallergic items from? Check out our guide to finding reputable jewelers.

Have you given up on cheap silver-tone jewelry because it always causes an allergic reaction? Have you tried wearing sterling silver jewelry? If you're wondering, "is sterling silver hypoallergenic," this post if for you!

Keyword(s): Primary KW - is sterling silver hypoallergenic; Secondary KWs - hypoallergenic earrings, nickel free earrings, is sterling silver good, hypoallergenic metals, jewelry allergy

 Have you ever found your perfect piece of jewelry, only to be severely disappointed the next day when you break out into itchy rashes?

Then, you may have a metal allergy. Symptoms include rashes on the skin, redness, swelling, and itching where the metal makes contact with the skin. This can be especially uncomfortable somewhere like the ears if you unknowingly wear a pair of earrings made of metal you are allergic to.

Knowing the difference between hypoallergenic jewelry and normal jewelry can help you make an informed decision. You may also be wondering: is sterling silver hypoallergenic?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about sterling silver and allergies.

Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

The answer to that question is: it depends.

Genuine sterling silver gets the label "sterling" because it must be at least 92.5% pure silver. However, the remaining 7.5% can be filled in by other types of metal. Most of the time, the remaining percentage is copper. Copper is great because it is also a non-allergenic metal.

However...

There are "less-than-reputable" jewelry manufacturers (mostly in China)  that will mix in cheaper options like nickel. Approximately 5-10% of the population has a nickel allergy. The nickel allergy is also the most common metal allergy. Coming into contact with any nickel when you have this allergy results in skin irritation and itching.

Something else you may see from dubious manufacturers is "silver" jewelry that's actually just silver plated. Silver-plated means that there is a thin layer of silver coating over the base metal. This thin layer of silver can easily flake or scratch off, exposing your skin to whatever metal is underneath - usually inexpensive brass or other cheap base metals.

Another term on jewelry labels is "silver filled". This term can be quite confusing, as it may lead you to believe that this means that the middle of the jewelry is filled with silver. That is not the case.

Silver filled jewelry is essentially just a thicker layer of silver plating, supposedly thick enough so that it won't flake off. However, this thick layer of silver plating does not guarantee that you will not get an allergic reaction. It may be cheaper in cost, but the uncomfortable symptoms of an allergic reaction may not be worth it.

Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Hypoallergenic jewelry is specifically made for those who experience allergic reactions to certain types of metals. Most people who have an allergic reaction are reacting to nickel. Always check labels to see if the piece of jewelry you are interested in is nickel-free.

Below are some other types of metal that are hypoallergenic, and would be great options for those who experience allergic reactions.

Gold

Gold is a great hypoallergenic option. Gold is measured by different karat counts. 24kt gold is the highest karat count, it is pure gold. It means that 24 out of 24 karats are made of pure gold.

However, 24kt gold is very soft, oftentimes too soft for jewelry. Most of the time, you will find jewelry made out of 14kt gold, which means that 14 out of 24 karats are made of pure gold. The other 10 parts are made from other metals.

Small to very small amounts of nickel can be found in the other parts. But most people who are allergic to nickel may still wear these pieces without a reaction if they purchase high-quality gold. These pieces are usually a high percentage of gold and a very small percentage of other metals.

Platinum

Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal and a great choice for jewelry. Although it tends to usually be a bit more expensive than other metals, it rarely tarnishes and won't leave you with an itchy rash.

Platinum is also known as one of the strongest, most durable metals in the world. So, investing in platinum pieces is a great idea because you know that they will last forever, if not for a long time.

Rhodium

Rhodium is in the same metal family as platinum and is a hypoallergenic metal as well. It is used to "finish" white gold and is responsible for the long-term shine and luster of white gold pieces. Although it also tends to be a bit more expensive than other metals, it rarely tarnishes and won't leave you with an itchy rash.

Many designer jewelry companies are now using rhodium to finish their sterling silver jewelry pieces as well. This rhodium plating over sterling silver gives the customer the best of both worlds: A reasonable price point + anti-tarnish qualities of more expensive white gold jewelry. 

One great example of a brand using rhodium over sterling silver is Eros Milano of Italy. Premium-quality sterling silver designer jewelry made in Milan, Italy. 

Argentium

Argentium is a type of silver. It is hypoallergenic because it uses germanium for a hardener. Using germanium as a hardener leads to a slightly brighter silver color. Many have also noted that it is tarnish-resistant.

Argentium sterling silver is also certified 100% recycled, reducing demand for mining virgin silver ore. Of course, that also means that it is environmentally friendly, reducing pollution and harmful emissions.

Niobium

Niobium is another great choice for people with metal allergies. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is used in medical implants and tools. Niobium is never plated or painted, so the color will not flake or wear down.

Niobium contains no nickel, lead, or other additives which is why it is hypoallergenic. It is available in a variety of colors, which is great for the more eclectic jewelry wearer.

Ready to Purchase Hypoallergenic Jewelry?



It may seem a little overwhelming to figure out which jewelry pieces will give you an allergic reaction or not. The most important thing is to always read labels and make sure the ingredients of the piece are as hypoallergenic as possible.

There is both high and low-quality sterling silver used in jewelry. The lower the quality, the more likely there will be metal elements such as nickel in it. If you have a metal allergy, chances are it is to the nickel.

While the notion of "Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?" can be confusing, investing in high-quality hypoallergenic jewelry is always a smart idea. These pieces are investment-worthy, and you know you will be able to wear them for years to come without worrying about your skin having a bad reaction.

We recommend a high-quality 925 sterling silver chain to begin with. 

Click here to learn about all things jewelry!

Earrings for Sensitive Ears: Your Ultimate Guide

Tired of getting allergic reactions or infections from your jewelry? Check out this guide to learn how to choose the best earrings for sensitive ears.

Keyword(s): primary: earrings for sensitive ears secondary: best hypoallergenic earrings, best metal for sensitive ears, sensitive earrings

It's Saturday night. Date Night. Hair is done, make-up perfected, your trusty little black dress is on, but something is missing...

You reach into your jewelry box and pull out a pair of dangly earrings to complete your outfit. Your dress' high neckline basically begs for this shiny pair.

But the last time you wore them, your ears were crusty, itchy and infected for almost a week.

Beauty is pain, right?

Actually, wrong. It doesn't have to be that way!

Here's a handy guide to learn how to choose the best earrings for sensitive ears.

Have Your Ears Pierced By a Professional

This may sound obvious, but it really makes a difference. Your roommate or friend armed with a needle, an apple, and ice does not count as a "professional ear piercer," no matter how many ears they have pierced.

If your ears were not professionally pierced that could be why you have sensitive ears that are prone to infection. Consult a doctor about an ointment that may be able to heal the infection.

Know Your Earring

Before buying your earrings, check to see what material your jewelry is made out of. Nickel is the cheapest and often causes "nickel itch." Whereas gold, platinum, and silver, while expensive, almost never cause issues. It's very rare to get an infection from these noble metals.

For a cheaper, but good quality option, try titanium and plastic, which are also rare to get an allergic reaction from. But do know there are typically fewer earring options in titanium, and plastic breaks easily and looks cheap.

There's also surgical steel, which is hardwearing and rare to get an allergic reaction from. But these earrings' styles tend to be thicker and less delicate.

If your favorite pair earrings are already nickel, like your go-to pair for date night, you don't have to throw them away. Simply coat the backing with nail enamel (clear nail polish), and that should do the trick. If they're still infecting you after the nail enamel trick, then it's time to retire them.

Vaseline and Hydrogen Peroxide

If you still insist on wearing your nickel earrings, another trick to prevent infections and protect your skin from the earring post, is vaseline and hydrogen peroxide. First clean your earrings with hydrogen peroxide, then coat the backing of your earring in vaseline.

You do have to reapply the vaseline every couple of hours, which is why many prefer just doing the nail enamel trick.

Keep it Clean

Sometimes short-term sensitivity to your piercing is caused by a bacterial infection. This can happen after a new piercing by simply touching your ear with a dirty finger. A bacterial infection can be identified by swelling, redness, throbbing pain and even puss.

Prevent and cure your bacterial infection by keeping your piercings clean, and regularly swapping the area with an antiseptic. This should make the infection heal in a few days. If not, seek medical attention as you might need to go on antibiotics.

To prevent infections with new piercings, wipe the area twice a day with a saline solution.

Keep Nickel Back

Just like anyone at a jukebox knows, nickel back is never a good choice. And in this case, nickel back is not one of the most universally hated band and singer of the 2001 hit How You Remind Me. Now, we're talking about earrings with nickel backs.

Yes, it was mentioned earlier, but it's worth repeating. Earrings made of nickel are usually the most likely to cause an infection. So the best earrings for sensitive ears are not made out of nickel.

What About Hypoallergenic Earrings for Sensitive Ears?

Any earrings labeled "hypoallergenic" means the material used to make the earrings are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But do know that there is no standard a jewelry maker has to meet to get a hypoallergenic label. Don't assume because your earrings say "hypoallergenic," that they won't cause an infection.

Hypoallergenic earrings could mean there is no nickel on the surface, but the earring itself can still be made out of coated nickel. This can be okay if you don't wear earrings that often.

If you feel naked without earrings, then invest in a higher quality pair. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum rarely cause infections, so you can technically call them hypoallergenic.

A good rule of thumb when earring shopping is, instead of going for earrings that claim to be hypoallergenic, focus on what the earrings are actually made of.

Find Earrings That Match Your Skin Tone

Now that you know what your earrings should be made of, how do you pick a pair that looks the best on you?

Well, first you need to determine your skin tone. To do this, look at your wrists in good natural lighting.

If your veins look purple, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins are more green, you have a warm skin tone. If your veins look blue in some areas and green in others, then you're a ghost.

Kidding, you have a neutral skin tone.

People with cool skin tones look best in light or white metals like white gold, platinum or silver. They also look best in brightly colored gemstones like red, blue, purples and green.

People with warm skin tones look best in yellow or rose gold, copper, and brass jewelry. As for gemstones, warm skin tones should stick with orange, brown, yellow and turquoise.

If you have a neutral skin tone, you look good in both white and yellow metals and any gemstone. Lucky you!

Now You Know

By now you should know how to find the best earrings for sensitive ears. It all starts with a professional piercing and keeping that area as clean as possible. Instead of going for earrings that just say hypoallergic, know what your earrings are actually made out of.

And since it's worth repeating, avoid earrings made out of nickel. They are the worst earrings for sensitive ears. If your favorite earrings are nickel, treat them with nail enamel, hydrogen peroxide and or vaseline.

When it comes to picking out that perfect pair of earrings, know which metals and gemstones match your skin tone, and let the compliments roll in.

For more information on earrings and jewelry, check out our blog. Alos, be sure to browse our earrings collection to find an option that suits you.