You can experience an adverse reaction to white gold jewelry, though the gold itself is rarely the source. The problem lies within the materials mixed with the gold to create its pale color and strength. Allergic reactions stemming from white gold are a well-documented phenomenon, often causing skin irritation. This sensitivity arises from the specific alloys and coatings used in the jewelry manufacturing process.
Understanding White Gold’s Composition
White gold is an alloy created by blending pure yellow gold with one or more white metals to achieve a lighter hue and increased durability. The most common alloying metal is nickel, which can be present at concentrations up to 25%. Nickel is a frequent trigger for allergic contact dermatitis, affecting a significant portion of the population. Legal standards vary across countries, meaning some jewelry may contain higher concentrations of this allergen than others.
Most white gold jewelry is finished with a thin layer of rhodium plating, a member of the platinum family, to give it a bright, silvery-white appearance. This rhodium layer serves as a protective barrier, preventing the nickel alloy underneath from contacting the skin. Rhodium is thin and prone to wearing off over time, especially on high-contact areas. Once this plating erodes, the underlying nickel alloy is exposed, triggering an allergic reaction. This explains why a reaction may not appear immediately but only after months or years of wearing the jewelry.
Identifying Symptoms of Metal Sensitivity
The body’s response to allergenic metals like nickel is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms manifest as a rash localized to the exact area where the jewelry touches the skin, such as the earlobes or ring finger. This reaction usually appears between 12 and 48 hours after exposure. Physical signs include intense itching, redness, and a bumpy rash.
Diagnosis and Chronic Effects
In severe cases, the skin may show blistering or crusting. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic dermatitis, causing the skin to become dry and thickened. A dermatologist can confirm the specific allergen using a diagnostic patch test, which involves applying small amounts of common metal allergens, including nickel, to the skin.
Options for Managing Allergic Jewelry
When white gold jewelry causes a reaction, immediate treatment involves applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation and itching. Avoiding contact with the irritating jewelry is the most effective measure to allow the skin to heal.
Long-Term Solutions
For long-term management, professional rhodium replating offers a temporary solution. A jeweler can apply a new layer of rhodium to the white gold, restoring the hypoallergenic barrier. This plating typically lasts between six months and two years, depending on wear and abrasion. A more accessible fix involves applying a clear barrier coating, such as specialized jewelry lacquer or clear nail polish, to the interior surfaces. This protective layer must be reapplied periodically as it wears down, insulating the skin from the nickel alloy beneath.
Hypoallergenic Alternatives for New Purchases
Selecting an inherently hypoallergenic metal can prevent future allergic reactions when purchasing new white-colored jewelry. Platinum is widely regarded as the safest option, as it is used in a near-pure form (typically 90% to 95% pure) and alloyed with inert metals. Palladium is another excellent choice; it is a naturally white metal used to create nickel-free white gold alloys.
Karat Weight and Alloy Choice
High-karat gold, particularly 18K yellow gold, is less likely to cause a reaction because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold, reducing the proportion of allergenic alloys. The karat weight of white gold is also a factor, with 18K white gold often being safer than 14K. The higher gold content in 18K means there is less room for nickel or other alloying metals. When purchasing white gold, inquire if the alloy is palladium-based rather than nickel-based, as this substitution significantly reduces the risk of an allergic response.