🌸 The Itchy Jewellery Dilemma

A little comfort + clarity from Em

Some things in life should spark joy: warm cups of tea, soft playlists, and your favourite pair of earrings. But sometimes jewellery… doesn’t love us back.

If you’ve ever put on something cute and immediately felt the itch, the redness, or the quiet betrayal of your own earlobes — you’re not alone. It’s a common irritation, and thankfully, it’s usually an easy mystery to solve.

Most of the time, the culprit is one tiny, un-magical ingredient:

Nickel.

Some people react to it straight away; others only after repeated wear. But once your skin decides it’s done, it’s done. So here’s a gentle rundown — no drama, no panic — just a little guidance to help you keep accessorising comfortably.

Em gives great advice!

💖 Why Nickel Causes Problems

Nickel is often added to jewellery to make it durable, but many of us are sensitive to it (hi, it’s me). When it touches your skin, it can trigger irritation, redness, and that uncomfortable itchy feeling that ruins an otherwise lovely outfit.

If you’re buying for someone else, it can be even trickier — allergies aren’t always obvious. So here’s what to look for.

🌟 Em’s Jewellery Comfort Checklist

🧁 Good options

Look for pieces labelled nickel-free or hypoallergenic, especially if you’ve reacted before.

Materials that tend to be gentler include:

• Titanium – durable, lightweight, and very skin-friendly

• Niobium – great for sensitive ears

• Argentium sterling silver – a higher-quality silver with fewer irritants

• Pewter, fine silver, or platinum – softer on skin

👻 Use caution with

• Sterling silver (925) – usually fine, but the remaining 7.5% can contain nickel

• Surgical steel – safe only if marked hypoallergenic

• Gold under 14k – can be alloyed with nickel or other reactive metals

💬 “Isn’t sterling silver always safe?”

Mostly! But not always.

✨ The good news: everything at emlee.uk listed as sterling silver is nickel-free, so you can wear it without worrying about surprise irritation.

If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to check with a seller — it’s absolutely okay to ask.

🎀 Want to skip the guesswork entirely?

Try making your own earrings or charms. Elastic cord, beads, stainless findings, a few tools — and suddenly you’ve created something cute, safe, and completely personal. It’s especially handy for gifting, cosplay, or matching your favourite character aesthetic.

🧚 Final Thoughts

Jewellery should feel like a little ritual of joy — not something you endure.

If you keep reacting to different metals, or if the irritation gets worse, please speak with a medical professional. Sensitivity varies, and your comfort comes first.

And if you ever need help choosing something gentle on the skin, or you’re searching for a gift that won’t cause trouble, I’m always here to help.

Shine bright (and comfortably),

Em ✨