If you have allergies to certain types of metals, you’ll know all about the risks involved in wearing jewellery close to the skin. Even for non-sensitive types, cheap costume jewellery can present a problem in the form of the dreaded green rash caused by plated nickel jewellery.
For allergy sufferers, non-metal jewellery provides an array of alternative options to choose from, ranging from perspex pieces to wood and yarn, but for the magpies amongst us who long for something with a little more shine, there is an answer.
Metal Allergies
Pieces such as titanium earrings differ from other materials, in that they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction when worn, whereas other metals can lead to contact dermatitis, a skin condition causing weepy and itching skin. In addition to allergens such as plants, chemicals, metals such as nickel are a leading cause of this condition, affecting approximately 8% of people.
What Is Titanium?
Discovered in 1791 by William McGregor (and named after the Titans in Greek mythology), titanium is a nickel-free alloy composed of vanadium and aluminium. Dense yet durable, titanium offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, making it ideal for the construction of air and spacecrafts.
It’s also biocompatible, meaning that it’s less likely to interact negatively with human tissue or bodily fluids. These properties also make it a useful material for surgical devices such as prosthetic limbs and bone and spinal fixators, and its lightness means it can even be used in dental implants.
Is Titanium Hypoallergenic?
Since titanium is nickel-free, it’s far less likely to cause a skin reaction, making it a good option to consider for allergy-sufferers who want to wear metal jewellery. However, it’s a good idea to get an allergy test before wearing any metal you haven’t previously worn.
By definition, “hypoallergenic” means there’s a reduced chance of reaction, so while some metals are safer than others, there’s no guarantee that they’re 100% allergen-free. Titanium is considered safer than most, although there are specific grades of this metal that are considered safe for surgical use and use in making and wearing jewellery.
For example, in titanium body jewellery such as belly rings, implant grade is considered the best as it is both bio-compatible and approved for surgical use, making it a great option for first piercings.
Other Benefits
Titanium is primarily known as a white metal similar to silver, but it can also be anodized to create a range of cool effects and colours. The anodizing process involves dipping the jewellery in a solution before applying an electrical current. Different voltages produce results ranging from gold to vivid colours and even oil slick designs (with the exception of red and black).
Titanium is also tarnish-resistant, making it easy to clean using a soft cloth and warm water. It can also be polished, although polished titanium tends to look slightly more grey than other white metals.
While slightly more expensive than steel, it’s also more affordable than precious metals such as gold and platinum. The best selling point for allergy-prone wearers everywhere will be the opportunity to wear something shiny without fear of any itchy, uncomfortable results.