sterling silver?

Question

does sterling silver have nickel in it? I am allergic and might get a sterling silver ring. THANKS!

Answer 1

Most sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper--no nickel involved.

Since you have an allergy to nickel, I would be careful of any silver coming from questionable sources even if it is marked .925. For example, many of the very inexpensive "sterling silver" products bought by tourists in Mexico that I've been brought by clients to clean up or repair have ended up not being sterling silver but rather a base or pot metal that almost certainly had nickel in it. You get what you pay for, and if the price is too good to be true, it probably isn't.

All that said, with actual sterling silver you should not need to worry about exposure to nickel.

If, at some time, you wanted a white gold piece of jewelry there are now white gold alloys that do not contain nickel but rather an alloy from the platinum family--as close to non-allergenic as you can get. Ask a reputable jeweler to work with you if you decide to go for white gold at some point.

Nickel allergies are fairly common--some "experts" claim it affects over 5% of the population. Sometimes people who start with an allergy to nickel develop allergies to other metals over time. Just a word to the wise--always be aware of the metal you've been wearing in case an allergic reaction begins to develop.

Platinum is the safest metal for anyone with a tendency toward metal allergies. Expensive, but certainly worth the cost to someone who develops allergies to other metals.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't think it has nickel in it. I'm allergic to nickel too, and I don't have any problems with sterling silver.

Answer 3

my mom is allergic to nickel, too and she get's sterling silver and most of the time it's doesn't break her out, but when you get it ask someone who works there and they should be able to tell you. when you get earings at claires they have sensitive solutions.

Answer 4

**I am not sure...but my mom is allergic to everything BUT sterling silver. You just have to make sure it REALLY IS sterling...some people will lie to try and sell stuff to you.