Silver and Nickel in Ear Wires
Question:
When making my earrings I had ordered Sterling Silver ear wires and lo and behold, they made everyone's ears turn red and itch! Mine too! So in making my ear wires myself, which is better, surgical steel or stainless steel? And is there any way I can incorporate this wire into my pendant and jewelry designs?
-Ellen in Fayetteville, West Virginia
When making my earrings I had ordered Sterling Silver ear wires and lo and behold, they made everyone's ears turn red and itch! Mine too! So in making my ear wires myself, which is better, surgical steel or stainless steel? And is there any way I can incorporate this wire into my pendant and jewelry designs?
-Ellen in Fayetteville, West Virginia
Instructions
Answer:
If the "sterling silver" ear wires you bought cause allergic reactions in everyone, they were likely mislabeled.
Sterling silver is marked .925 and contains 92.5% pure silver, usually mixed with 7.5% copper to add hardness.
Unfortunately, copper can cause allergies in some people.
Silver-plated ear wires might also cause reactions since they have a thin silver layer over a base metal, often nickel.
Both stainless and surgical steel used in jewelry contain about 8% nickel, which can trigger allergies.
For sensitive skin, look for "nickel free" products, which still contain a tiny amount of nickel (less than 0.05%).
Niobium was once considered a safe alternative, but allergic reactions have been reported as its use in body piercings grows.
To find stainless steel or niobium ear wires, search online using those exact terms.
Steel is also perfectly fine to use for pendants and other jewelry designs.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
If the "sterling silver" ear wires you bought cause allergic reactions in everyone, they were likely mislabeled.
Sterling silver is marked .925 and contains 92.5% pure silver, usually mixed with 7.5% copper to add hardness.
Unfortunately, copper can cause allergies in some people.
Silver-plated ear wires might also cause reactions since they have a thin silver layer over a base metal, often nickel.
Both stainless and surgical steel used in jewelry contain about 8% nickel, which can trigger allergies.
For sensitive skin, look for "nickel free" products, which still contain a tiny amount of nickel (less than 0.05%).
Niobium was once considered a safe alternative, but allergic reactions have been reported as its use in body piercings grows.
To find stainless steel or niobium ear wires, search online using those exact terms.
Steel is also perfectly fine to use for pendants and other jewelry designs.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
Gold Filled Earring Components
Sterling Silver Earring Components
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- Category: Findings
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Dale Armstrong
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