Have you ever worn a beautiful gold necklace or ring, only to end up with an itchy rash or redness on your skin? If so, you might have thought, “I must be allergic to gold.” But here’s the truth: most people aren’t allergic to gold at all—they’re reacting to something else entirely. As a jeweler serving the Edmonton area, we often hear this concern, and we’re here to clear up the confusion and help you confidently choose pieces you’ll love and feel comfortable wearing.
It’s Not the Gold—It’s the Metal Mixed With It
Pure gold—also known as 24-karat gold—is actually too soft to be used for most jewelry. That’s why it’s usually mixed with other metals to strengthen it. These additional metals form what’s called an alloy. And it’s typically one of those metals—not the gold itself—that triggers a reaction.
The biggest culprit? Nickel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 18% of people are allergic to nickel, and women are more commonly affected than men. Other allergenic metals that might be present in gold jewelry include copper, zinc, or palladium (AAD).
This is why some people say, “I can’t wear gold,” when what they really need is to choose the right kind of gold—made with hypoallergenic materials.
Yellow Gold vs. White Gold vs. Gold-Plated: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break down the different types of gold commonly used in jewelry and how they may affect your skin:
- Yellow Gold: The most traditional type, yellow gold is often mixed with copper and silver. Higher-karat yellow gold (like 18k) contains more pure gold and fewer alloy metals, which makes it less likely to cause irritation.
- White Gold: Created by mixing gold with white metals such as nickel or palladium and then coating it with rhodium for a shiny finish. White gold that contains nickel is more likely to cause skin reactions—especially once the rhodium wears off over time.
- Rose Gold: Rose gold has a warm pink tone thanks to a higher copper content. While copper is generally not as allergenic as nickel, some people with sensitive skin may still react to it.
- Gold-Plated Jewelry: This is not solid gold—it’s a base metal (often brass or copper) coated in a thin layer of gold. Once that layer wears down, your skin may be exposed to the allergenic base metal underneath, which can trigger reactions.
In short: higher-karat yellow gold is usually the safest choice for sensitive skin, while lower-karat or plated options tend to contain more metals that can cause irritation.
Why Some Jewelry Causes Skin Reactions
The karat number tells you how much gold is in the piece. 24k is pure gold, but most jewelry is 10k, 14k, or 18k:
- 10k gold = 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy metals
- 14k gold = 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy
- 18k gold = 75% gold and 25% alloy
The lower the karat, the more non-gold metals are present—and the higher the risk for those with allergies. That’s why people with sensitive skin may find 10k jewelry uncomfortable, while 18k gold is much gentler on the skin.
What If I Have Sensitive Skin? You Still Have Options
You don’t have to give up on gold jewelry. There are beautiful, safe options available for those with sensitive skin. Here’s what we recommend:
- Look for hypoallergenic gold: Ask your jeweler if the gold contains nickel or other allergenic metals.
- Opt for higher karat gold: 18k or 22k gold generally causes fewer issues than 10k.
- Choose solid gold over plated: Gold-plated items often have base metals underneath that can trigger a reaction.
- Consider rhodium-plated white gold (with caution): If you love white gold, go for a nickel-free alloy and make sure it’s rhodium-plated for extra protection.
At Gem Gallerie, we’re happy to help you find something both stunning and safe.
Our Favorite Piece for Sensitive Skin
We’ve selected a beautiful example from our collection: the
18K Yellow Gold Bezel Set Diamond Pendant
This classic, minimalist pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, meaning it’s high in pure gold and gentle on sensitive skin—making it a great hypoallergenic option for daily wear.
FAQs – Gold Jewelry & Sensitive Skin
1. Can I be allergic to pure gold?
It’s very rare. Most people who react to gold jewelry are allergic to the metals it’s mixed with, especially nickel.
2. What type of gold is best for people with allergies?
18k yellow gold is generally safest because it has a high percentage of pure gold and fewer alloy metals that can trigger reactions.
3. Is white gold safe for sensitive skin?
It depends. If the white gold is mixed with nickel, it may cause irritation. Look for nickel-free alloys and check if it’s been rhodium-plated.
4. What’s the difference between solid gold and gold-plated?
Solid gold is gold throughout, while gold-plated jewelry has a base metal underneath. Once the plating wears off, sensitive skin may be exposed to allergenic metals.
5. Can gold cause a rash even if it’s real?
Yes—if the gold is low-karat (like 10k), it contains more alloy metals that may irritate the skin. Even real gold can cause a rash if mixed with the wrong materials.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
We understand how frustrating it can be to fall in love with a piece of jewelry, only to have it irritate your skin. The good news? There’s a gold piece for everyone—even those with the most sensitive skin. At Gem Gallerie, we’re always happy to guide you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect match.
If you’ve had trouble with jewelry in the past, don’t give up on gold—reach out to us or visit our collection online. We’ll help you discover a piece that’s not only beautiful but also safe and comfortable to wear.