Allergy-Friendly Jewellery - Choosing the Right Gold for Sensitive Skin
Jewellery should be comfortable to wear, but for people with sensitive skin, certain metals can cause irritation. Redness, itching, or rashes often appear when the metal contains nickel or other alloys that don’t react well with the skin. The good news? Gold is one of the best choices for allergy-friendly jewellery, if you know which purity works best.
Here’s a simple guide to understanding gold purity and how to choose pieces that keep your skin safe and comfortable.
Why Purity Matters
Gold on its own is naturally hypoallergenic. Pure gold (24K) does not usually cause irritation. However, pure gold is also very soft, so jewellers often mix it with other metals to make it stronger. This mixture lowers the purity and can sometimes introduce metals like nickel, copper, or zinc — which may cause allergic reactions.
That’s why knowing the differences between 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K gold can help you make a smarter choice.
Which Types of Gold Are Allergy-Friendly?
24K Gold (999 Gold)
The purest form of gold, with very little risk of causing allergies.
Soft and easily scratched, so it’s better for pendants or pieces not worn daily.
22K Gold (916 Gold)
Contains 91.6% gold and small amounts of other metals.
Still considered safe for most sensitive skin, especially in yellow gold form.
Popular for traditional jewellery and everyday wear in Asia.
18K Gold (750 Gold)
Made up of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals.
Usually safe for sensitive skin, but reactions may occur if nickel is used in the mix (especially with white gold).
A good balance between durability and skin-friendliness.
14K Gold (585 Gold)
Contains 58.5% pure gold.
Strong and affordable, but higher alloy content increases the risk of irritation.
Better for those with mild sensitivity rather than strong allergies.
|
Gold Purity |
Karat |
Skin-Friendliness |
Durability & Notes |
|
24K |
Pure Gold |
✅ Hypoallergenic, safe for most sensitive skin |
Very soft – bends and scratches easily, not ideal for daily wear |
|
22K |
91.6% |
✅ Good for sensitive skin, minimal alloys |
Still soft, better for occasional or cultural jewellery |
|
18K |
75% |
⚠️ Usually safe, but may contain nickel/palladium |
Stronger balance of durability and luxury |
|
14K |
58.5% |
⚠️ May irritate very sensitive skin (due to alloys) |
Durable and affordable, but not best for allergies |
|
10K |
41.7% |
❌ Not ideal – higher alloy mix can trigger allergies |
Very durable but least skin-friendly |
What to Avoid:
White Gold: Often alloyed with nickel to get its silvery colour. If you have sensitive skin, check that it’s rhodium-plated and labelled nickel-free.
Gold-Plated Jewellery: The thin layer of gold can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath — which may trigger allergies.
Tips for Sensitive Skin
- Choose higher purity gold (22K or 24K) for the least chance of irritation.
- Stick to yellow gold or rose gold, which are usually gentler than white gold.
- Clean your jewellery regularly to prevent buildup of sweat and dirt that may cause irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, gold jewellery can still be a safe and stylish option. By choosing the right purity, such as 22K or 24K gold, you reduce the risk of irritation while enjoying pieces that are timeless and beautiful. Remember: the purer the gold, the kinder it is to your skin.
At Arthesdam Jewellery, every piece of gold jewellery is individually stamped with the official Singapore Assay Office (SAO) hallmark. This stamp guarantees that the gold meets Singapore’s strict standards of purity and authenticity. Whether you choose 24K for its purity, 18K for its balance of durability and elegance, or 14K for everyday wear, you can shop with confidence knowing your jewellery has been tested and certified. For customers with sensitive skin, this hallmark also provides extra assurance that the metal content is transparent and trustworthy.