Pure Pearls Glossary
Hypoallergenic
Metal unlikely to cause a skin reaction. In practice it means nickel-free, since nickel causes most jewellery allergies.
Contact dermatitis from jewellery is nearly always a nickel reaction. Nickel is used to harden and whiten many alloys.
Surgical steel, titanium, niobium, platinum and high-karat gold are the reliably safe choices. Sterling silver is usually fine, though some alloys contain traces of nickel.
Reactions concentrate at piercings, where metal sits in broken skin for long periods.
When you are buying
If ear posts have caused problems before, ask specifically for nickel-free or surgical steel posts. Most sellers can swap the finding on an earring at little or no cost.
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Korean Metal
A light, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used for fashion jewellery findings. Holds plating well and does not rust.
925 Sterling Silver
An alloy of 92.5% silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The international standard for silver jewellery.
Brass
A copper and zinc alloy with a warm gold tone. Strong and inexpensive, but it tarnishes and can react with skin.
Stud
An earring that sits directly on the lobe, held by a post through the piercing.
Not sure what you are being sold?
Paste any pearl description — another shop’s listing, a message from a jeweller, an old certificate — and we will break it down term by term.