Stainless steel is better, but . . .

A lot of stainless steel jewelery is identified as being hypoallergenic. And indeed, many people have solved their allergy problems caused by jewelery thanks to this metal.

For other people, though, stainless steel does not solve the allergy problem, and they also end up with reactions when they wear this kind of jewelery.

The culprit is probably the nickel that is present in stainless steel. Many people believe that stainless steel is nickel-free, but most stainless steel alloys (even surgical stainless steel) contain 8 to 12 percent nickel. On the other hand, stainless steel retains nickel molecules better, and that is why many people are fine with stainless steel jewelery.

Look for steel jewelry made from 316L (surgical steel) or better yet 304 stainless steel.

316L grade stainless is Surgical Steel. It’s a low nickel steel used in surgical instruments, and other medical equipment. It’s considered hypoallergenic, and will not tarnish or rust.

304 grade stainless is even better. It’s lower nickel than 316L, which makes it an even better choice. It will not tarnish or rust.

If you are allergic to stainless steel, maybe our nickel-free solutions will suit you. Otherwise, biocompatible metals such as titanium would be the preferred option.

https://www.nickelinstitute.org/about-nickel/stainless-steel