| Sterling silver chains are the staple of many a | | | | to the individuals who suffered from this |
| jewellery collection, yet many people profess not | | | | prevalent allergy, but more and more options are |
| to be able to wear them, due to an inexplicable | | | | becoming available. These beautifully crafted |
| allergy. Imagine buying your mother a pair of | | | | pieces of jewellery can be a staple in your |
| earrings for her birthday only to discover that | | | | collection, offering years of pleasurable use as |
| they causes any number of symptoms from | | | | opposed to the alternative, usually a return to the |
| itching, redness, a rash, bumps, dry patches of | | | | store. |
| skin and in sever cases, blistering! | | | | Sterling silver chains are durable, beautiful and the |
| As a child who had such a mother, with a severe | | | | sort of item which may be passed down through |
| nickel allergy, I can describe to you years of | | | | generations in any one family. Allergic reactions to |
| dreading upcoming birthdays until this relatively | | | | metal alloys added to this lustrous material should |
| unknown allergy was finally recognised and | | | | no longer be a problem and are now easily |
| high-lighted. What a relief! Sterling chains were on | | | | avoidable. Should you find that amidst your |
| the menu again! Naturally, nickel free became a | | | | collection of favourite pieces that you have a |
| buzz word around birthday season. | | | | sterling silver chain or other jewellery item that |
| Sterling chains are comprised of 92.5% silver and | | | | does aggravate your nickel allergy, there is a |
| 7.5% other metals, mostly copper, but | | | | solution, albeit a temporary one. |
| sometimes lead and nickel. These other metals | | | | A very thin layer of clear nail varnish applied to |
| are added to the mix to strengthen the silver, as | | | | the back of the chain, watch or other items |
| pure silver is too soft a metal, especially for the | | | | creates a temporary barrier which protects the |
| crafting of larger objects. | | | | skin from the nickel exposure, meaning that the |
| It has now become commonplace to inquire | | | | item can then be worn. Reapplication of the nail |
| whether a particular item of jewellery such as a | | | | varnish should be done when necessary. |
| sterling chain is nickel free or not. Hypoallergenic | | | | Alternatively, you can have your sterling silver |
| sterling silver is guaranteed to exclude dermatitis | | | | item plated in nickel free sterling silver, though this |
| causing materials such as nickel and lead. You may | | | | too is a temporary solution and will need to be |
| find that although the actual piece of jewellery | | | | redone every few years. The difference between |
| may not contain nickel that the clasps do, so be | | | | the various alloys added to the silver makes little |
| sure to check with the sales assistant at the | | | | difference to its lustrous appearance and you can |
| jewellery store before making your purchase. | | | | be assured that whether you are able to wear |
| Many manufacturers now are opting to use | | | | jewellery containing nickel, or not, you are still |
| nickel-free silver to create their sterling silver | | | | assured of a beautiful quality product that you will |
| chains. At first, there were few options available | | | | enjoy for many years to come. |