Earrings for Sensitive Ears | Hypoallergenic Hoops, Studs & Cuffs

The most important factor is the base metal, not the finish. Look for earrings made from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or 925 sterling silver — these are all nickel-free and biocompatible. Avoid anything described as "nickel-safe" or "alloy" without specifying the exact composition, as these often still contain enough nickel to trigger reactions. Our entire earring range uses either 316L stainless steel or 925 sterling silver, including the posts and backs, which is where most reactions actually start.

Green discolouration is caused by copper oxidation. When earrings with copper or brass components come into contact with moisture and your skin's natural acidity, the copper produces copper salts that leave a greenish deposit. It's harmless and washes off, but it's a sign that the base metal is reacting with your skin. Earrings made from stainless steel or sterling silver don't contain copper in reactive quantities, so this doesn't happen. For a deeper explanation, see our guide on why jewellery turns skin green.

Technically, "hypoallergenic" means "less likely to cause an allergic reaction" — but the term isn't regulated, so any brand can use it. What actually matters is the specific metal composition. The safest options are 316L stainless steel (nickel-free surgical grade), pure titanium, solid gold (14k+), and 925 sterling silver. We use 316L stainless steel and 925 sterling silver specifically because they're proven biocompatible materials that the vast majority of people can wear without any reaction.

Yes, as long as the design is comfortable for it. Huggies, small hoops, and flat-backed studs are the best options for overnight wear because they sit close to the ear without catching on pillows or hair. Our earrings use smooth finishes and lightweight construction specifically to make extended wear comfortable. The hypoallergenic materials mean there's no risk of irritation from prolonged skin contact.

Standard gold plating uses an electrochemical process to deposit a thin layer of gold (typically 0.5–1.5 microns) onto a base metal. PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating uses vacuum technology to bond gold to the surface at a molecular level, creating a much stronger, more durable finish. In practical terms: standard plated earrings typically last a few months of regular wear before the gold begins to thin, especially at high-friction points like posts and hinges. PVD-coated earrings maintain their finish for years. That's why we offer a two-year colour guarantee on our PVD pieces.

Yes. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% other metals (typically copper). While copper can cause green marks in some jewellery, the concentration in sterling silver is low enough that reactions are rare. Sterling silver is widely considered hypoallergenic and is one of the most trusted materials for sensitive ears. The main difference from our stainless steel pieces is that silver can develop a natural patina over time — a quick polish restores the shine, but this is a characteristic of the metal rather than a defect.