Why hypoallergenic jewelry matters: my journey from skin allergies to Ocarina

Why hypoallergenic jewelry matters: my journey from skin allergies to Ocarina

Growing up in Colombia, getting your ears pierced as a newborn is almost a rite of passage. It's so common that I never questioned it—until my European friends recently pointed out how wild the concept actually is. Looking back, I can’t help but agree. But for me, there was an extra challenge: I was allergic to everything that wasn’t gold.

From a very young age, I learned that wearing the wrong earrings came with a price—swollen, itchy earlobes within hours. While jewelry plays a significant role in different phases of a woman's life—whether as gifts from loved ones or as a way to express personal style—I was stuck with the same boring gold earrings. Every time I tried something different, my ears made sure to remind me why I couldn’t.

Fast forward to 2024, I took a deep dive into understanding what makes jewelry truly hypoallergenic. I wanted to build a brand where women could swap earrings as often as they pleased—without worrying about irritation. Here’s what I found.

What makes jewelry hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic jewelry is designed to minimize allergic reactions, usually by avoiding metals like nickel, which is one of the most common culprits of skin irritation. Here are the key metals that make jewelry safe for sensitive skin:

  • Gold (14k and above) – Pure gold (24k) is too soft for everyday wear, so it’s usually alloyed with other metals. However, 14k and 18k gold alloys tend to be safer for sensitive skin.
  • Sterling silver – Made of 92.5% pure silver, this is generally hypoallergenic, but lower-quality silver can still contain trace amounts of nickel.
  • Titanium and platinum – These are naturally hypoallergenic and highly durable, but they come at a much higher price point.
  • Rhodium jewelry – One of the best solutions for hypoallergenic wearers, rhodium is a rare metal that acts as a protective barrier over silver or gold, preventing direct contact with reactive metals like nickel.

Why rhodium jewelry is a game-changer:

Rhodium is a member of the platinum family, known for its corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic properties. When used as a plating over sterling silver or gold, it:

  • prevents tarnishing, keeping jewelry looking fresh for longer.
  • adds a brilliant, reflective finish.
  • acts as a barrier between the skin and any potential allergens in the underlying metal.

This is why at Ocarina, we ensure that all our pieces are crafted with hypoallergenic materials—gold vermeil (thick 18k gold plating over sterling silver) and rhodium-plated finishes. No more worrying about irritation, just bold, expressive jewelry that feels as good as it looks.

A brand for women who want to change their earrings anytime

When I set out to build Ocarina, I knew that versatility and self-expression were at the heart of it. I wanted women to feel free to swap their jewelry as often as they change their mood—without limitations. Every piece is designed to be bold, high-quality, and skin-friendly, so you can wear what you love without discomfort.

If you’ve ever struggled with sensitive skin but still want to enjoy statement jewelry, Ocarina is for you. Hypoallergenic, stylish, and made to last, because no one should have to settle for the same earrings forever!

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