I have sensitive ears, are these ok to wear?
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One of the most common questions I am asked is if my earrings will cause a reaction to sensitive ears.
I totally understand this having sensitive ears myself, and I put thoughtful consideration into what earring components I buy, use and make, to minimise chances of reaction, whilst also using a metal that is affordable.
To minimise chances of ear sensitivity and allergic reaction I source from trusted Australian suppliers with special attention to the design of the post as well as the metal it is made from.
I like to buy posts with specially designed rounded ends to ensure the post isn't too rough on the ear as it goes through, and with a grove in it to ensure the backs are secure and not squashing the lobe.
I buy earring components and posts made from a surgical stainless steel (medical grade) metal base for my creations. Buying from trusted sources means I trust in the grade & quality of metal I am using as there are so many types out there...but I think that's a topic for another story.
If you are a bit of a metal geek, more specifically I purchase 304 surgical stainless steel for my designs, and if they are coloured (shiny silver, gold, rose gold or black) then this is achieved with a rhodium plating (another metal that adds to durability, shine and is hypoallergenic) over the base metal.
304 surgical stainless steel is highly durable, used in medical and surgical instruments (hence the name), considered hypoallergenic, affordable and readily available, tarnish and corrosion resistant making it suitable for everyday wear.
Compared to other lesser grade metals, 304 surgical stainless-steel metal will remain untarnished for a longer period of time and is considered to be hypoallergenic. Another popular grade of surgical stainless steel is 316 that has the addition of molybdenum (for more corrosion resistance), but it also tends to have a higher nickel content (a common allergen that a lot of customers are concerned with...plus it costs more) so I personally use 304 instead -and enjoy the added bonus of less cost I need to pass on to my customer whilst still remaining hypoallergenic.
It is worth noting that there is no formal medical definition for the term hypoallergenic, it simply means that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction( which is often is concerned with the content of nickel and copper) - So if you do have metal allergies it's important to do your own research into what individual brands actually mean when they say hypoallergenic.
Chemicals from items like lotion, hair spray, cosmetics and perfume can cause jewellery to tarnish or corrode, no matter what they are made from. Tarnishing can be prevented for a long period of time by avoiding contact with chemicals as well as water, over-handling and keeping them out of direct sunlight.
The reality of jewellery is that unless you know specifically what exact metal you have an allergy to, and the jewellery manufacturer/designer is able to tell you the exact composition of their metal components... then there will be a chance of sensitivity and local reaction.
Signs of an allergic reaction to earrings include redness, itching, swelling, discharge or pain around the earlobe or piercing area- Should you experience any of these whilst wearing your earrings, stop wearing the earrings immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
And please do get in touch!