Like gold, sterling silver is usually a safe bet if you have sensitive ears. Sterling silver may be marketed as a safe and permitted metal for people with sensitive ears, but it isn't. No, but it's a good metal to use if you don't have a nickel allergy or a very mild sensitivity to nickel. Stainless steel retains its shine and is resistant to corrosion and heat.
Most sterling silver jewelry is made of 316 stainless steel, which is an alloy that contains 20% chromium and 11% nickel. It has a low nickel content and, on the other hand, more chromium and molybdenum. It's durable, chemically resistant and affordable, but it's not hypoallergenic because it's made of nickel, even if only in a small amount. If you feel naked without earrings, invest in a higher-quality pair.
Sterling silver, gold and platinum rarely cause infections, so technically they can be called hypoallergenic. One of the possible safe earrings for sensitive ears are gold-plated sterling silver earrings. Lower-quality sterling silver contains nickel instead of copper, which can cause irritation and even serious reactions. There is no jewelry made of pure silver, as pure silver is extremely soft and too malleable to be used to mold jewelry.
First, let's look at the common issues that can lead someone to seek out hypoallergenic silver jewelry. Sterling silver is one of the most popular options for wearing earrings, especially for sensitive ears, as it is often described as hypoallergenic jewelry. In general, 925 sterling silver is suitable for earrings, specifically high-quality 925 sterling silver, as it does not contain nickel alloys. You should also avoid sterling silver earrings that are too heavy if you suffer from sensitivity, as they can clump your ears.
The wide range of styles and designs in sterling silver means you'll find a pair (or 20) that perfectly fits your style or personal preference. When reacting with oxygen, sterling silver forms a thin black film that could react with the skin, especially if the ears are too sensitive or if recent piercings have not healed 100%. Gold-plated sterling silver jewelry is an excellent and high-quality material, as these earrings maintain their shine and luster for longer. Another advantage of rhodium-plated sterling silver is that it acts as a shield to prevent contact between nickel and skin.
As for earrings, 925 sterling silver is a very durable metal and is generally prone to tarnishing, quickly turning black or green if properly maintained and used regularly. Jewelry with 958 and 999 stamps are considered sterling silver and pure silver jewelry, respectively, since they contain 95.8% and 99.9% silver.
