Are Gold Plated Bracelets Hypoallergenic? Your Complete Guide to Skin-Friendly Jewellery

What Does Hypoallergenic Actually Mean?

When we say jewellery is "hypoallergenic," we're telling you it's designed to minimise allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic doesn't mean completely allergy-proof – rather, it means the item is less likely to cause an allergic response compared to standard jewellery.

For jewellery to be considered hypoallergenic, it typically contains minimal amounts of common allergens or creates a barrier between potential allergens and your skin. This is exactly what makes our gold plated bracelets at Ella & Eve hypoallergenic – the gold layer acts as a protective shield.

Why Gold Plated Jewellery Is Skin-Friendly

Yes, gold plated bracelets are hypoallergenic – and here's why they're such a good choice for sensitive skin:

• Protective Barrier: The gold plating creates a layer between your skin and the base metal underneath, preventing direct contact with potential allergens.
• Pure Gold Surface: The outer layer that touches your skin is genuine gold, which is one of the least reactive metals and rarely causes allergic reactions.
• Quality Base Metals: At Ella & Eve, we use quality base metals beneath our gold plating, further reducing the risk of skin irritation.
• Nickel-Free Options: Our gold plated jewellery is designed to be nickel-free, eliminating the most common cause of jewellery-related allergic reactions.

This combination of features makes our gold plated bracelets, necklaces, and earrings suitable for most people with sensitive skin.

Common Jewellery Allergens: What to Avoid

Understanding what typically causes jewellery allergies helps explain why gold plating is such an effective solution:

• Nickel: The most common culprit, affecting an estimated 10-20% of the population. Nickel is often used in cheaper jewellery and can cause redness, itching, and rashes.
• Copper: While less common than nickel allergies, some people experience reactions to copper, which can be found in many metal alloys.
• Cobalt: Sometimes used in jewellery alloys, cobalt can cause allergic reactions similar to nickel.
• Lead: Found in some low-quality jewellery, lead can cause skin irritation and has other health concerns.

Gold plating works by covering these potential allergens with a layer of pure gold, which is biocompatible and rarely causes reactions. This is why our Ella & Eve collection focuses on quality gold plated pieces.

Ella & Eve's Hypoallergenic Gold Collection

Our gold plated jewellery collection is designed with both style and skin sensitivity in mind. Here's what makes our pieces special:

• Quality Gold Plating: We use a generous layer of 18K gold for durability and skin protection.
• Nickel-Free Base: Our base metals are carefully selected to be nickel-free, reducing allergy risks even if the plating eventually wears.
• Versatile Styles: From delicate gold bracelets to statement necklaces and elegant earrings, our collection offers hypoallergenic options for every style preference.
• Anklet Options: Our gold anklets are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your summer look without skin irritation.

Every piece in our collection comes with a complimentary gift box and bag, making them perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Plus, with our current offer, you can buy one piece and get 50% off your second item!

Caring for Your Gold Plated Jewellery

To maintain both the beauty and hypoallergenic properties of your gold plated jewellery, proper care is essential:

Daily Care Tips

• Remove Before Showering: Water, soaps, and shampoos can accelerate the wear of gold plating.
• Avoid Chemicals: Remove your jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or applying perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays.
• Last On, First Off: Make your jewellery the last thing you put on when getting ready and the first thing you take off when returning home.
• Gentle Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing to remove oils and residues.

Storage Recommendations

• Store Separately: Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments to prevent scratching.
• Avoid Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place away from bathroom moisture.
• Use Original Packaging: The Ella & Eve gift boxes provided with your purchase are perfect for storage.

With proper care, your gold plated jewellery will maintain its hypoallergenic properties and beautiful appearance for much longer.

Extra Tips for Those with Sensitive Skin

Even with hypoallergenic jewellery, those with particularly sensitive skin may benefit from these additional precautions:

• Test New Pieces: Wear new jewellery for short periods initially to ensure no reaction occurs.
• Clear Nail Polish Barrier: For extra protection, you can apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to parts of the jewellery that touch your skin directly (reapply as needed).
• Keep Skin Dry: Moisture trapped between jewellery and skin can increase irritation, so keep the area dry, especially in hot weather.
• Choose the Right Pieces: Looser fitting bracelets may cause less friction and irritation than tight ones.
• Clean Your Skin: After removing jewellery, gently wash the area where it was worn to remove any residue.

Remember that individual sensitivity varies, so what works perfectly for one person might still cause mild irritation for another. Our full collection offers various options to help you find what works best for your skin.

Gold Plated vs Other Hypoallergenic Options

While gold plated jewellery is an excellent hypoallergenic choice, it's helpful to understand how it compares to other options:

• Solid Gold: The ultimate hypoallergenic option, but significantly more expensive. Gold plating offers similar skin benefits at a more accessible price point.
• Sterling Silver: Generally hypoallergenic for most people, though some may still react to the small amount of copper in the alloy. Our silver bracelets are another excellent option.
• Titanium: Extremely hypoallergenic but limited in style options and more difficult to craft into intricate designs.
• Stainless Steel: Usually hypoallergenic but may contain some nickel, though it's typically bound in the alloy and less likely to cause reactions.

Gold plated jewellery offers an ideal balance of hypoallergenic properties, beautiful appearance, style variety, and affordability. This makes our gold bracelets and other gold plated pieces perfect for everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does gold plating last?

With proper care, gold plating can last from several months to a few years, depending on wear frequency, care practices, and the thickness of the plating. Our Ella & Eve pieces feature quality plating for extended durability.

Can gold plated jewellery be replated?

Yes! If your gold plating eventually wears, many jewellers offer replating services to restore your piece to its original beauty.

Is all gold jewellery hypoallergenic?

Pure gold (24K) is hypoallergenic, but most gold jewellery contains other metals. Gold plated jewellery is hypoallergenic as long as the plating remains intact and covers the base metal completely.

Can I wear gold plated jewellery in water?

It's best to avoid exposing gold plated jewellery to water, as it can accelerate wear of the plating. Remove your pieces before showering, swimming, or washing hands for longer-lasting beauty.

Discover Our Hypoallergenic Gold Collection

Ready to enjoy beautiful jewellery without skin irritation? Our Ella & Eve collection offers a wide range of hypoallergenic gold plated pieces designed with both style and skin sensitivity in mind.

From delicate gold bracelets and stunning necklaces to elegant earrings and summer-ready anklets, you'll find the perfect piece to complement your style without compromising comfort.

Every purchase includes our complimentary gift box and bag, perfect for storage or gifting. And don't forget our special offer: Buy one piece and get 50% off your second item!