Why am I having an allergic reaction to my engagement ring?
The most frustrating situation happened. You just said yes to a marriage proposal from the love of your life and received a beautiful engagement ring. Now you’re possibly having an allergic reaction to your ring.
We’re here to help you identify why you’re having this reaction and what you need to do to avoid your skin irritation from getting worse.
What causes an allergic reaction to my engagement ring?
Before anything else, it’s important to take note that only a dermatologist or a skin allergy expert will be able to give you an accurate answer to what may be causing your allergic reaction to your engagement ring. As jewelry experts, we do, however, have a good idea of what the possible causes are.
You’re allergic to the metal used on your engagement ring
This is most likely your answer to your question ‘why am I having an allergic reaction to my engagement ring?’ Metal allergies affect an average of about 15% of people. This reaction happens when your body identifies metals as a toxin due to an autoimmune reaction. This causes symptoms such as rashes, inflamed skin, itching, or blisters.
Here is a list of the common metals used in rings that you may possibly be allergic to:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Silver
- Tungsten Carbide
- Titanium
- Palladium
You’re allergic to components used with the metals of an engagement ring
It’s also possible that you’re allergic to a component that’s used alongside the metal in your engagement ring. For example, a white gold ring is not made of pure gold. Gold on its own is too soft to withstand the day-to-day use of rings. Metal alloying is the method used to combine different metals to create stronger, more durable products.
Metals used for alloying to make rings more durable for everyday use:
- Silver
- Copper
- Nickel
- Iron
- Zinc
- Tin
- Manganese
- Cadmium
- Titanium
These are possible metals used for alloying that you are allergic to. The most common causes of allergic reactions to engagement rings are Nickel. In fact, Nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of ring allergies. It is also one of the common metals used for alloying.
What to do if you’re having an allergic reaction to your engagement ring
First things first. You need to find out what’s causing your reaction if it is in fact your ring, and before anything else, remove your ring and let your skin heal. Here are the steps you should take if you think you’re having an allergic reaction to your engagement ring.
- Remove the ring – You’ll need to let your skin rest and heal if it has become inflamed and irritated. This will also help you identify if it is your ring that’s causing your allergic reaction, or if it’s something else.
- Find out what materials your ring is made from – You’ll need to know what metals and components were used to make your ring. You can do this by reaching out to the jewelry shop you bought your engagement ring from.
- Go to an Allergist – If your skin does not heal or persists to be irritated, itchy, and inflamed, it’s best to go to a Doctor to get to the bottom of the problem. Skin allergies that go untreated can lead to possible infections.
- Replace your ring – If you do determine that it is your engagement ring that’s causing your skin irritation, it’s best to replace your engagement ring entirely with one that’s made from hypoallergenic materials.
Once you learn the true cause of your allergic reaction, it’s easier to take the right precautions to guarantee that you avoid this in the future.
Hypoallergenic Metals for Engagement Rings
- 950-grade platinum
- Cobalt/Cobalt Chrome
- Nickel-free Sterling Silver
- Nickel-free stainless steel
- Surgical-grade stainless steel
- Titanium
- 18-karat yellow gold
These are some of the possible options you may have that are recommended for sensitive skin, nickel allergies, or other common metal allergies.
Conclusion – Ask a trusted jeweler for help
If you’re stuck with the problem of having an allergic reaction to your engagement ring, it’s a far more common situation than you might think. Ask for help from the jewelry brand you bought from and get some extra guidance on how to replace your current ring. It’s possible to have this re-made with a hypoallergenic metal. Or you can simply have this exchanged for a different ring.
We have a great customizing service at Brillianteers. You can send us your ring and we can replace the metal used while keeping the same diamonds and design. Send us a message! We’re available to chat 24/7!
1-888-265-2069
1-646-655-0691