The Hypoallergenic Jewellery Checklist: 20 Red Flags To Spot Before You Buy

If your skin reacts to earrings, necklaces or rings, you are far from alone. Metal sensitivity is on the rise and the marketplace is full of jewellery that claims to be nickel free or skin safe without actually meeting the standards. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can avoid irritation completely.

This checklist reveals the twenty biggest warning signs that a piece of jewellery is not truly hypoallergenic. If a product triggers even a few of these, your skin is telling you to walk away. If you would rather skip the guesswork, you can go straight to our hypoallergenic stud earrings collection or explore all Epione hypoallergenic earrings.

1. There is no clear metal information

If the product description does not list the exact metal, you should assume the worst. Hypoallergenic jewellery brands like Epione are always transparent about materials and testing.

2. It uses phrases like “nickel compliant” or “nickel safe”

These terms do not mean nickel free. They simply meet a minimum standard that can still irritate sensitive skin. Look for a clear nickel free guarantee instead.

3. There is no mention of plating thickness

Thin plating wears off fast. High quality hypoallergenic jewellery will tell you how thick the coating is and what sits underneath it. Our pieces, such as the Minimalist Round Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings, are made from 316L surgical stainless steel with a hypoallergenic PVD coating.

4. It relies on base metals such as brass or copper

Brass and copper are two of the most common irritation triggers. If they are hiding underneath a thin layer of plating, sensitivity is very likely once that top layer wears away.

5. You can see colour changes in the metal

Discolouration around edges or posts often means the plating is thin and the base metal is already coming through. True hypoallergenic pieces should keep their colour with normal wear.

6. The brand will not disclose where or how the jewellery is made

Reputable manufacturers meet strict metal regulations and are happy to share details. If sourcing and testing feel like a secret, that is a warning sign.

7. The jewellery has a strong metallic smell

That “penny” smell usually indicates a high copper content. Skin safe stainless steel and titanium jewellery should have little or no noticeable smell.

8. The clasp irritates you even if the rest does not

Clasps are often made from cheaper alloys even when the main piece is better quality. If your ears tolerate chunky hypoallergenic hoops but the necklace clasp makes you itch, the clasp is probably the culprit.

9. It contains mixed metals without explanation

Hypoallergenic pieces tend to keep metals simple. When multiple unknown alloys are used in one design, the risk of sensitivity increases.

10. The product only says “stainless steel”

There are many types of stainless steel. Some grades are safe, many are not. Look for medical or surgical grade references such as 316L surgical stainless steel, which you will find across the Epione stud earring range.

11. The jewellery is unusually lightweight for its size

Very light alloys can feel flimsy and often contain nickel or other irritants. While comfort is important, good quality hypoallergenic metals still have a reassuring weight.

12. You react faster when you sweat

Some metals release more irritants in warm or humid conditions. If your ears always flare up in summer or during exercise, it might be the alloy. Hypoallergenic earrings, such as our Hammer Stick Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings, are designed to remain stable against the skin.

13. The coating is described as “flash plated”

Flash plating is a very thin coating that wears away quickly and exposes base metals beneath. For sensitive ears, this is a fast track to irritation.

14. It is very inexpensive compared with similar designs

Cheap jewellery often uses cheap alloys. High quality skin safe materials cost more to produce and test. If the price looks too good to be true, your skin may pay the difference.

15. It has vague words like “allergy friendly”

If there is no supporting metal data, “allergy friendly” is just a marketing term. Look instead for specific phrases such as hypoallergenic 316L surgical stainless steel and nickel free guarantee.

16. Customer reviews mention irritation

If other shoppers with sensitive skin react, your chances are high too. When reviewing earrings like our Sparkling Butterfly Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings, customers often mention being able to wear them all day with no itching or redness. That is what you should be looking for.

17. The earring posts do not match the rest of the piece

One of the most overlooked red flags. Posts are the part that actually sits inside the ear, so they should always be hypoallergenic and made from the same skin safe metal as the visible part.

18. The company sells costume jewellery alongside “hypoallergenic” pieces

Many brands mix categories, and quality control is inconsistent. If you are highly sensitive, it is safer to buy from specialists whose whole focus is jewellery for sensitive skin.

19. There is no reference to EU or UK nickel regulations

True hypoallergenic brands understand and follow legal standards. If there is no mention of regulations, testing or guarantees, the metal mix might not be as kind to skin as it appears.

20. Your skin tingles within minutes of trying it on

It is not “just you”. Early tingling is usually the first sign of metal sensitivity. Remove the jewellery quickly and switch to a verified hypoallergenic piece such as our Dragonfly Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings or children's hypoallergenic earrings designed for even the most delicate ears.

So what should you look for instead?

A genuinely hypoallergenic piece will always:

• List the exact metal and grade used
• Reference medical grade materials like 316L surgical stainless steel, titanium or niobium
• Be free from nickel, cobalt and other common irritants
• Use durable coatings if any plating is added
• Come from a brand that specialises in jewellery for sensitive skin

This is the standard Epione Jewellery is built on. Every piece is designed to minimise irritation and support comfortable, confident wear all day long. From everyday studs like the Minimalist Round Hypoallergenic Stud Earrings to elegant drop earrings and classic hoops, our collection is created with sensitive skin in mind.

If you have struggled with reactions in the past or have questions about which metals are right for you, our team is always happy to help. You can learn more on our About Our Jewellery page or get in touch with us directly.

Ready to find jewellery that finally feels as good as it looks? Explore the full Epione Jewellery collection here.