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Jewelry Basics
 

SOLUTION: I Think I'm Allergic to my Ring

If you’re experiencing red and itchy skin on your ring finger, it could be an irritation or an allergy. 

Irritation: For those who like to always keep their ring on, you run a risk of developing a skin irritation. Wearing your ring constantly means water, soap, and dirt can become trapped between the ring and your skin. Friction can also cause or compound this issue, especially if you have an active lifestyle.  

Solving this issue is quite simple – just take your ring off for a bit. Let your skin breathe and make sure to clean your ring. Having your ring cleaned professionally at KAY is always a good idea, no matter how much you wear it. Consider a silicone band for working out or other physical activities, as it is more flexible and comfortable. 

If your skin improves after taking these steps, you can rule out an allergy. 

Allergy: Depending on the alloys in your ring and your sensitivity, you may need to swap out the band. You can also speak to a KAY consultant about coating the inside of your ring to protect your skin. 


Which Metals Are Hypoallergenic? 

A metal allergy or sensitivity is quite common. Most people with metal allergies are allergic to nickel, which is often mixed with other metals to create alloys. If you are allergic or sensitive to metals, it doesn’t mean you have to swear off jewelry forever.   

Consider styles made of hypoallergenic metals like stainless steel, titanium, cobalt, or sterling silver. Silicone bands are also a great alternative for a wedding ring. 

Gold can be a good option for those who have sensitivities, but not always. Pure 24 karat gold is hypoallergenic, but it is often too soft to use in jewelry. Most jewelry is made from 14K or 10K gold, which means that it has 14 or 10 parts gold. The other parts come from other metals that may not be hypoallergenic.  

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is at least 92.5% silver. Since it’s mostly pure, it is more likely to be safe for those with allergies. 

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