How do I know if I have a nickel allergy?

[sparkle_more]

I'm getting ready to order my ring and I know I want it to be white gold. The vendor asked if I have a nickel allergy. I've never had any issues with jewelry, but I've mostly worn yellow gold in the past. I'm approaching my 40th birthday. Would I know by now if I have a nickel allergy?

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[Niel]

if youve worn WG before then i think you would know. If not buy a cheap ring and wear it for a few days, see what happens

 

[ruby59]

It takes time to build up an allergy from nickel, but if you have been wearing jewelry containing it for a lenghty period of time, you would see red bumps on the part of you that came in contact with it that would then turn into a rash. And it would be VERY itchy.

 

[ChristineRose]

You can ask a dermatologist to give you a battery of patch tests (not real pleasant) or you can find something you know to contain nickel and tape it to your skin for two days. The rash will not develop immediately, and it will last long after you see it and put the nickel away.

You are not born with allergies, you develop them. It is quite possible to wear a ring every day for years and then develop the allergy. It's also quite possible to make white gold without nickel, and nickel gold isn't even legal in the European Union. I'm not sure how much money the jewelers save by using nickel, but for something that supposed to last a lifetime, I wouldn't even consider nickel.

To be fair, I'm not typical, as I am highly allergic to several things, but on the other hand, my problems are actually life threatening. It's a small risk of a huge problem, and the payoff is saving you a little money.

 

[Niel]

also, let me just say, if you are worried about it, go yellow (or even rose!) so unique these days and you wouldnt have to worry!

 

[AprilBaby]

I get very red, itchy, bumpy rash under ring. I can only wear 14kt and above yg. No 10kt, no white gold, no rose gold.