hypo allergenic Kidney Wire?

[tokyogold77]

I like these kidney wires a lot https://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/Kidney-Wire-47mm-Antiqued-Brass-Plated-984p24667.htm

Are those above hypo-allergenic?

Thank you

[Russ Nobbs]

"Hypo-allergenic" is an often mis-used word for jewelry parts. As far as we can tell the name only has an accurate meaning when used with  cosmetics,  lotions and the like.

Are gold plated brass ear wires nickle free and suitable for sensitive ears? No.

Nickel is the metal that most commonly irritates people.
If you want earwires for sensitive ears or people with metal allergies I'd suggest our sterling silver or surgical stainless steel earwires.

Will the 34-172-6 ear wire bother every wearer's ears? No. Many people have no problem with them.

I often see earrings for sale on cards labeled "hypo-allergenic" that are gold plated brass like the ones you mention. As far as I can tell, all the name means in the jewelry trade is that they are clean. But that doesn't mean I think it is an accurate or fair way to label this material.

[Luann Udell]

Just a tip on the instructions for attaching a charm on those ear wires, I've found that if I sort of hold the "catcher" part firmly as I squeeze that loop closed, I can maintain the same "angle" on the catcher.  Makes it easier to open & close them afterwards.

Re: metal allergies, I know some people who are so sensitive, they can't even tolerate 14k gold ear wires--they're allergic to whatever metal is added to strengthen the gold.

Russ, I'm trying to Google to discover what metals are commonly mixed with gold--it's harder to find than I thought!  (Or I'm asking the wrong question....)  Do you happen to know off-hand?

[Polly]

I recommend a copy of The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight. It's a great resource for almost any question you might ever have about the metals used in jewelry. I can't count how many times I've looked up basic information in it. It has nearly every chart you can think of, from birthstones for months, saints, etc. to alloys for every color of gold, to every type of gauge chart, to geometrical formulas for volume and area and great home-made formulas for patinas on various metals.

I've misplaced my copy, or I'd give you the real answer right now. In the meantime, try searching for 14kt yellow gold alloy or yellow gold alloys and see if that does the trick. Or maybe check on ganoksin.com. Sometimes it's hard to find what you're looking for there, but it is an excellent jeweler's resource.

I second the comments about "hypoallergenic" -- it isn't a legally defined term. Even in cosmetics, I believe it means that less that 50% of the people who use it, have a bad reaction to it.
"Nickel-free" metals works for the most common jewelry/metal allergy. But some people are allergic to other aspects as well.
Nearly everyone can wear Niobium, because it is a very non-reactive metal. Niobium ear wires are available in a variety of colors (including pink, blue, purple and copper), but not many shapes.

Have a great weekend!

--Polly

[Polly]

Your best bet for the style/size of jumbo kidney wire you're interested in, to avoid metal allergies, would be the Gold-Filled kidney wires or sterling silver kidney wires.

[tokyogold77]

Thank you!
You are all very helpful!
I am getting the book, it is just what I need.

[Russ Nobbs]

We didn't give an answer to Luann's question about what metals are added to make various gold alloys.

It depends.....

According to Knuth's Jeweler's Resource book 14Kt yellow gold typically uses gold, silver and copper. White gold usually contains nickel and zinc.

I just noticed we've discontinued this book. I don't know if it is now out of print or just a slow seller. It's one of my favorite reference books. I guess I need to start using the even more complete book The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight.