NICKEL-FREE JEWELRY FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
One woman had a serious nickel allergy. This jewelry brand is her stylish solution.
Grayling is committed to creating nickel-free jewelry that is safe for sensitive skin. Our founder, Katy, is highly allergic to nickel. She created Grayling specifically for people with sensitive skin who need their jewelry to be stylish and functional.
Grayling adheres to both European Union and ASTM standards that regulate the presence of nickel in jewelry components. Our nickel-free jewelry designs are backed by a one-year warranty against all defects, including anything in our materials that may bother your skin. Go on, it's time to start wearing jewelry again.
NO NICKEL (NO KIDDING)
Reports from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) revealed that 16.2% of the US population showed a positive reaction to nickel* (1)
"I wanted to enjoy jewelry, but my skin had other plans. That's why I founded Grayling in 2009. Our high-quality nickel-free jewelry can be worn by virtually everyone without a risk of irritation. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Grayling makes it possible to have both.
Our entire collection of nickel-free jewelry is backed by a one-year warranty against all defects so you know you're getting the best. If I can't wear it, we won't sell it."
-Katy, Founder
SOLITAIRE FLAT BACKS
"I have sensitive skin and these don't irritate me at all. Love that I can just keep them in and sleep comfortably."
Kelsey M.
MYA RINGS + HOOPS
"I literally never take them off - shower, sleep, sweat, anything. Once you click them closed they are *in* and definitely not opening."
Kathryn S.
OPAL BEZEL FLAT BACKS
"These are probably the best jewelry purchase I've made online... worth the price and just as beautiful and authentic looking as they were online."
- Shannon L.
THE NITTY GRITTY ON NICKEL ALLERGIES
What causes a nickel allergy?
One major cause is piercing. If the object used to pierce the body contains nickel, or a stud contains nickel, skin can become sensitive and an allergic reaction is triggered.
Can I get rid of my nickel allergy?
Despite the fact that nickel allergies affect roughly 20% of people, there is no “cure”. Limiting exposure to items that aren’t nickel free is the only way to manage a nickel allergy (1), making nickel-free jewelry an ideal choice.
Why am I allergic to nickel?
More women than men are allergic to nickel. This is probably because women are more likely to have pierced ears. Studies show that body piercing is the single most common cause of nickel allergy (2). Nickel allergy (or allergic contact dermatitis) occurs when a substance to which you’re sensitive triggers an immune reaction in your skin. Reactions vary depending on exposure and range from redness to hives and swelling (3). We follow APP standards for initial piercing jewelry to ensure biocompatibility.
What jewelry can I wear if I am allergic to nickel?
The following tip may help you avoid nickel exposure: wear hypoallergenic jewelry! Avoid jewelry that contains nickel. Purchase nickel-free jewelry made of materials that aren't likely to cause allergic reactions, including items made from ASTM-F138 stainless steel, ASTM-F136 implant-grade titanium, solid 14k or higher nickel-free white or yellow gold.
What should I look for in nickel-free jewelry?
Look for jewelry made from such metals as nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, or nickel-free yellow gold and sterling silver (4). Buy from a reputable source with lots of authentic product reviews. It's also good to refer to the current list of materials recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers. (5)
SOURCES:
1. “Management of Contact Dermatitis due to a Nickel Allergy: An Update" . Torres, Fernanda et al. National Institutes of Health. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.
2. "Two Cents About Nickel Allergy", The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Web. 10 Jan. 2024.
3. "Diseases and Conditions - Contact Dermatitis" Mayo Clinic. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.
4. "Nickel Allergies: Symptoms & Causes" Mayo Clinic. Web. 03 Aug. 2021.
5. "Jewelry for Initial Piercings" Association of Professional Piercers. Web. May 2020.
