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Raise your hand if you’ve gotten itchy lobes after donning a pair of earrings. You may have sensitive ears, and the cause of irritation is likely the type of metal in your jewelry.
“An allergy to nickel, which is mixed in with most gold jewelry (except 24k gold), is the probably culprit for your allergic reaction,” explains board-certified dermatologist Rosemarie Ingleton, MD. Symptoms typically include redness, itching, rash, and swelling around the earring area, she says. If this sounds all too familiar, she recommends cleaning your ear with fragrance-free soap and water before applying hydrocortisone cream to the affected place until it heals.
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Best Hypoallergenic Earrings on Amazon
Amazon Collection Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver Round-Cut Studs
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Best Gold Earrings
Auvere Golden Moon Earring, Small Polished
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Top Seller 2.1 Carat T.G.W. Created Emerald 18kt Gold over Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
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We hate to break it to you, but it could also be best to toss aside the styles you scored at your favorite fast-fashion retailer. While you should always double check the material content or packaging (some will denote "nickel-free"), Ingleton advises anyone with an allergy to “avoid wearing costume jewelry in general, as these are commonly made with nickel” to keep the manufacturing costs down.
So what sensitive-skin-friendly metals should you look for in earrings and other jewelry to prevent irritation? According to Ingleton, sterling silver (which is marked with a 925 stamp), 18k or 24k gold (which contains 75 percent or 100 percent pure gold, respectively), nickel-free stainless steel, and platinum are your safest bets since these metals are less likely to contain nickel. Yes, some of them may cost a bit more, but because they are so durable, these pieces will last longer in your jewelry box, too.
From studs to hoops to statement styles (and everything in between), we found the prettiest hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive pierced ears.
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Best Hypoallergenic Earrings on Amazon
Amazon Collection Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver Round-Cut Studs
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Best Hypoallergenic Earrings on Amazon
Amazon Collection Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver Round-Cut Studs
These platinum-plated 1 carat (total weight) cubic zirconia studs are so sparkly, they look like the real deal. Plus, a reviewer with sensitive lobes said her ears had "no reaction at all" to them.
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Best Gold Earrings
Auvere Golden Moon Earring, Small Polished
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Best Gold Earrings
Auvere Golden Moon Earring, Small Polished
You truly can't go wrong with simple and classic ball studs in 22k gold. Buy as either a single or pair, and you'll be wearing them every day.
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Nordstrom Pavé Open Circle Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings
Set in sterling silver and platinum (and also available in 14k gold), this is a modern alternative to the solitaire stud.
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Best Sterling Silver Earrings
Pandora Pavé Heart Hoop Earrings
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Best Sterling Silver Earrings
Pandora Pavé Heart Hoop Earrings
These sterling silver pavé hoops are perfectly sized for day or evening. Tiny cutout-heart detailing provides a romantic wink.
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PAVOI 14K Yellow Gold-Plated Sterling Silver CZ Initial Earrings
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PAVOI 14K Yellow Gold-Plated Sterling Silver CZ Initial Earrings
Personalize your ear stack with initials. While these are 14k gold-plated over sterling silver, the brand notes that this bedazzled pair is hypoallergenic.
Offered in 14k gold fill (which is gold layered over a metal) or sterling silver, these little hearts are cute on their own or in second holes. Etsy reviewers with sensitive ears note that these are comfortable to wear.
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Top Seller 2.1 Carat T.G.W. Created Emerald 18kt Gold over Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
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Top Seller 2.1 Carat T.G.W. Created Emerald 18kt Gold over Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
Your friends will be green with envy when you tell them these 18k gold-plated emerald-like studs were so affordable. Or you know...don't tell them.
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Monica Vinader Siren Semiprecious Stone Drop Earrings
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Monica Vinader Siren Semiprecious Stone Drop Earrings
Drop earrings are a lovely finishing touch, especially these faceted rose quartz gemstones set in 18k rose gold vermeil.
Gold vermeil is a thick coating of gold over a base of sterling silver for a durable finish. This Mejuri pair features organic-shaped pearls dangling off 18k gold vermeil hoops, and makes for an elegant statement. P.S.: Oprah herself has been spotted wearing these.
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Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Bar Stud Earrings
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Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Bar Stud Earrings
Here's a pair of simple, subtle, silver bar studs that can be worn with your casual everyday outfit.
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Lightbox Lab-Grown Diamond 1ct. tw. Princess Cut 14k Gold Studs
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Lightbox Lab-Grown Diamond 1ct. tw. Princess Cut 14k Gold Studs
This radiant pair is all about the princess-cut stones. Boasting vibrant lab-grown pink diamonds set in 14k rose gold, think of these as a colorful update on classic studs.
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Best Stainless Steel Earrings
Machete Kate Hoops in Tortoise Checker
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Best Stainless Steel Earrings
Machete Kate Hoops in Tortoise Checker
Checking in: Not only do these lightweight acetate hoops feature an on-trend pattern, they have stainless steel posts. Be sure to check out the other colors and shapes, too.
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Delicate chains and cubic zirconias prove to be a pretty face-framing combo. Constructed with 18k gold-plated sterling silver, these are certified nickel- and lead-free.
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Sterling Forever Half Halo Opal Stud Earrings
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Sterling Forever Half Halo Opal Stud Earrings
Glittery cubic zirconias encase iridescent opals for a sweet silver stud that picks up the color of whatever you're wearing.
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Best Titanium Earrings
Tini Lux Offshore Huggies
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Best Titanium Earrings
Tini Lux Offshore Huggies
Jewelry brand Tini Lux specializes in hypoallergenic earrings that are safe for those with metal allergies. Choose between colorful birthstone styles like the pair shown, classic hoops, studs, and more—everything is made with a base of medical-grade titanium, which is not only skin-safe, it's also non-tarnishing and water-resistant.
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Best Platinum Earrings
Platinum Born Enchant Platinum Drop Earrings
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Best Platinum Earrings
Platinum Born Enchant Platinum Drop Earrings
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These linear beaded drops will twinkle and shimmer with any hint of movement. Made in lightweight and durable platinum, it's a pair for special occasions and beyond.
With a retro feel, these glass button studs are nickel-free and have 18k gold-plated posts so you can wear them all day in comfort.
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Lisa Bridge Onyx & Mother of Pearl Earring Jacket & Studs
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Lisa Bridge Onyx & Mother of Pearl Earring Jacket & Studs
Add a bit of edge to your ensemble with these geometric earring jackets. Designed to be worn as a set hugging the earlobe or with the hexagonal onyx stud on its own, this sterling silver pair pays homage to South American culture.
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Slip on these dainty, nickel-free threader hoops for an effortless accent to both your casual and more dressy looks.
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Levears Stainless Steel Earring Back Set
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Levears Stainless Steel Earring Back Set
Give your lobes a lift with these clever earring backs. Engineered specifically for each ear, the stainless steel posts provide support for heavy earrings and prevent drooping. Switch out your other backs with this set of four.
Freelance Fashion Editor
Paula Lee is a freelance Fashion Editor. Off duty, she can be found day-tripping around the tri-state area, hanging around farm animals, or browsing the library stacks.
