Please read the following post for important information on how I’ve chosen my recommendations:
TLDR: It’s really hard to make stuff out of 24K gold because it’s such a soft metal. If you are very sensitive, even items that are 18k gold can cause an allergic reaction.
Why you should care: It sucks to have an allergic reaction.
What you should buy: Buy jewelry from a reputable place that has a return policy. Wear it for at least a full day. Just a reminder that nickel reactions can take up to 72 hours to appear. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17842-nickel-allergy
Did everyone know about the percentages rules of gold? I was totally in the dark. “18K gold is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals. And therefore, it is 75% gold and 25% other metals.” https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/jewelry/gold-karats-guide/ If the jeweler doesn’t tell you what those other metals are, it could contain something you’re allergic to, like nickel. About 18% of people in North America are allergic to nickel. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/insider/nickel-allergy This would explain why my ears got swollen, even though I was wearing 18K gold earrings. Some people are just sensitive!
I haven’t done sustainability research on this one. Mostly because I rarely buy nice jewelry. Someone please get at me with your collected info!
Photo Credit: Syed F Hashemi