If your ears itch after a few hours in earrings, or you've ever taken off a ring to find a green line where it sat, you're not allergic to jewelry — you're reacting to nickel.
Nickel is the most common cause of jewelry-related skin irritation, and it's hidden in most cheap fashion pieces. The gold paint wears off, the base metal makes contact with your skin, and a reaction starts.
Metals to avoid if you have sensitive skin
- Nickel — the #1 culprit. Even small amounts can cause redness, itching, or rashes
- Brass and copper — react with sweat, leave green marks on skin
- Cheap gold plating — wears through within weeks, exposing whatever's underneath
Metals that are safe for almost everyone
- Surgical-grade stainless steel — used in medical implants; almost no one reacts to it
- Titanium — also safe, but expensive and hard to work with for delicate designs
- Solid 14K+ gold — safe, but priced for special occasions, not daily wear
- Platinum — safe and beautiful, but the most expensive option
How to read a jewelry listing
Look for the base metal, not just the plating. "18K gold plated" tells you nothing about what's underneath. The question to ask is: what does the gold sit on?
If it's brass, copper, or unspecified mystery metal, expect tarnish and possible irritation. If it's surgical stainless steel or sterling silver, you'll have a much better time.
Why NORA works for sensitive skin
Every NORA piece is built on surgical-grade stainless steel — the same material used in medical-grade piercings and implants. It's nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and doesn't react with sweat or skin chemistry.
The 18K gold (or rhodium) coating on top is bonded via PVD, meaning it won't wear through to expose anything underneath. If you've spent years avoiding fashion jewelry because it irritates your skin, this is the pile that's worth trying.
Browse the collection → Every piece comes with our 60-day return window and lifetime color warranty.
0 comments