Reactions while wearing gold jewelry are possible, but pure gold is not always the cause. Most wearable gold jewelry is an alloy containing other metals that improve strength, change color, or reduce cost.

Possible sources of irritation

• Nickel: sometimes used in white-gold alloys and a common contact allergen.
• Copper: common in yellow and rose gold and capable of causing irritation in some wearers.
• Plating wear: a worn surface may expose an underlying alloy.
• Residue: soap, sanitizer, lotion, and moisture can become trapped under a ring.
• Fit: a tight ring can create friction and retain moisture.

Common signs of contact irritation

Symptoms may include redness, itching, scaling, swelling, tenderness, or small blisters where the jewelry touches the skin. Green or dark color transfer without discomfort is not necessarily an allergy.

What should you do?

Stop wearing the piece until the skin settles. Clean the jewelry using a method appropriate for its metal and stones, and have the piece evaluated if the surface is worn, damaged, or of uncertain composition. A dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional can help identify a true contact allergy through appropriate evaluation or testing.

Does a higher karat always solve the problem?

Higher-karat gold contains more gold and less alloy metal, but it is not automatically suitable for every wearer. Alloy formulas vary, and even high-karat pieces can contain metals that cause sensitivity.