How to Choose Jewellery That Loves Your Skin Back

For those with sensitive skin, the materials and craftsmanship of jewellery play a key role in comfort and wearability. This guide explains how to choose pieces that are gentle on the skin, durable, and suitable for everyday wear.

1. Start with the Right Foundations

The base metal beneath your jewellery matters more than most people realise. Many inexpensive pieces are made with alloys that contain nickel, lead, or cadmium, all of which can cause irritation, discolouration, or allergic reactions over time.
Nickel, in particular, is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis, while lead and cadmium can be harmful with prolonged exposure.

At BY TONIN, we use 925 sterling silver as our foundation, known for its purity, strength, and skin-friendly nature. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and longevity from the very first wear.

2. Jewellery That Commonly Causes Sensitivities

Not all metals are created equal. Some are more reactive than others, especially when mixed with certain alloys or exposed to moisture and heat. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid:

• Nickel — the leading cause of jewellery-related skin irritation

• Brass — often mixed with copper and zinc, which can oxidise and cause discolouration or itchiness

• Copper — known to react with skin acids, sometimes leaving a greenish tint

• Cobalt — occasionally found in white gold or inexpensive metal blends, and known to trigger allergic reactions

• Base-metal fashion jewellery — often unregulated, with unclear composition and coatings that wear away quickly

These metals can cause anything from mild itching and redness to more persistent allergic responses, especially when worn for long periods or in humid environments.

3. Understanding Standards and Safety

Globally, jewellery safety standards vary, but some regions have introduced important regulations to protect consumers. California’s Proposition 65, for example, requires clear warnings on products that may contain chemicals linked to health risks, including certain metals and coatings used in inexpensive jewellery.

We believe transparency is essential. Our materials are sourced only through RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) and ISO 9001 certified partners, ensuring every component is tested and verified to meet international safety and ethical standards. This means you can wear your jewellery with confidence, knowing it’s crafted with both quality and care.

4. Look for Thoughtful Plating

High-quality plating not only enhances beauty but also creates a protective barrier between your skin and the metal beneath. Our pieces are finished with 18k gold vermeil or 18k gold plating, using a multi-layer process that includes:

• Two layers of pure silver for extra smoothness and shine

• A palladium layer for anti-tarnish and durability

• A final nano-ceramic e-coating to protect against moisture, friction, and daily wear

This meticulous approach helps maintain the integrity of each piece while keeping it gentle on your skin.

5. Consider Solid Gold or Demi-Fine Jewellery

For those with extremely sensitive skin or allergies, solid gold can be a beautiful, low-reactivity choice. Its purity and stability make it less likely to cause irritation, especially when you choose higher karat options such as 14k or 18k.

While solid gold jewellery often comes with a higher price point, demi-fine jewellery offers a thoughtful alternative, combining precious materials with refined craftsmanship for lasting comfort and accessibility. Demi-fine pieces, like those created by BY TONIN, use a base of sterling silver layered with thick 18k gold plating.

Both solid gold and demi-fine jewellery prioritise quality and care, providing options that are kind to sensitive skin while supporting more sustainable and transparent production practices, values we deeply respect and share.

6. Choose Hypoallergenic Craftsmanship

The word hypoallergenic can be used loosely in jewellery marketing, but it should signify genuine consideration for your skin. Our pieces are free from nickel, lead, and cadmium, three of the most common irritants found in mass-produced jewellery. 

Each batch undergoes chemical resistance and abrasion testing, ensuring that the surface remains stable and safe for long-term contact with skin. It’s this level of care that defines true hypoallergenic craftsmanship.

7. Care with Intention

Even the most carefully crafted jewellery benefits from a little care. Remove your pieces before showering, swimming, or applying lotions and perfumes. Gently clean them with a soft cloth and store them in a dry place when not in use.

8. Pieces Made to Wear Well

Choosing jewellery that loves your skin back means investing in quality, transparency, and craftsmanship that respects both you and the world around you. Each BY TONIN piece is designed to be as kind as it is beautiful, refined, considered, and made to bring comfort and confidence to your every day.