Jewelry allergy is a common cause of rashes on the skin due to allergic reactions. Most jewelry allergy is caused by the metal nickel which is used in the manufacture of precious metal alloys. In less expensive jewelry, nickel is often used in the base metal which is then plated with gold or silver. Many people who believe that they are allergic to gold or silver jewelry are allergic to nickel, which can occur as a trace element in gold or silver or has been used in the manufacture of gold jewelry to whiten and strengthen the piece. Jewelry allergy presents as dermatitis in places where nickel-containing metal is touching the skin. The affected areas become intensely itchy and may become red and blistered or dry, thickened and pigmented.

The most common sites of jewelry allergy:

• earlobes 
• the fingers
• around the neck

How to avoid jewelry allergy?

• If you have a jewelry allergy, a dermatologist can perform a skin patch test to determine if you have a nickel allergy. Once your nickel allergy is confirmed, it is essential to avoid contact with nickel-containing metals. The following tips may help when purchasing jewelry.
• Alternative white gold alloys are available based on palladium, silver and other white metals, but the palladium alloys are more expensive than those using nickel. High-karat white gold alloys are far more resistant to corrosion than are either pure silver or sterling silver.
• Look for jewelry that is hypoallergenic, i.e. made of stainless steel, at least 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or polycarbonate plastic.
• If you must wear earrings that contain nickel, add plastic covers made specifically for earring studs.
• If your wedding ring or another item of jewelry that you wear daily causes a reaction, you can ask a jeweler about having it plated in a non-allergic metal, such as rhodium or platinum. However, the coating will eventually wear off and need re-plating.

See original at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/jewellery-allergy/