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Pearl Earrings For Sensitive Ears

Hypoallergenic Pearl Earrings Designed for Sensitive Skin

Shopping for hypoallergenic pearl earrings shouldn’t be hard. At Pearls of Joy, we’ve created a whole collection of pearl earrings dedicated to wearers with sensitive ears who are looking to buy pearl earrings that won’t cause them allergic reactions, while still getting luxury quality pearl jewelry that you’ll be confident and comfortable wearing every day. Our collection focuses on pearl earrings mounted in sterling silver and 18kt gold, which minimizes allergic reactions; paired with lustrous, beautifully matched pearls, every pair of earrings in this collection are lightweight, comfortable to wear, will minimize skin irritations and are always created by hand, to order, by our pearl specialists.

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Why Some Pearl Earrings Irritate Ears (and How to Avoid It)

Gold jewelry is hardened through the use of alloys like nickel, silver, copper and zinc among other metals. Pure 24kt gold is very orange in color, and extremely soft for jewelry use; diluting the purity of the gold with various alloys is the method jewelers and goldsmiths use to harden it, making gold easier to work with and more durable for daily wear. But not everyone’s skin can tolerate the alloys that are traditionally used. Some wearers require metals that don’t have alloys like nickel which can irritate the skin. That’s where sterling silver and 18kt gold come in to play; these metals are considered to be “pure metals”, with sterling silver being 92.5% pure silver, and 18kt gold being 75% pure gold. These metals are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than 14kt or lower-grade alloys. Look for pearl earrings mounted in sterling silver or 18kt gold, and make sure the mountings have smooth posts and secure, properly polished mountings to avoid irritation.

Studs vs Drops: Which Pearl Earrings Are Gentler on Sensitive Ears?

Pearl stud earrings in smaller to more moderate sizes under 9.5mm are generally going to be more gentle on sensitive ears than pearl dangle earrings. Dangles actually add more weight to the earlobe piercing, and can drag down the piercing hole, while moderately sized pearl studs will sit flush with the piercing and distribute weight more evenly, reducing the chances of irritation. Dangle earrings can of course still work well for sensitive ears, but they should be lightweight, smaller to moderately sized and set with sterling silver or 18kt gold mountings. The key is minimizing pull and friction on the earlobes. So moderately sized pearl studs tend to offer the most consistent all-day comfort, delicate dangles are best reserved for shorter wear times or special occasions.

Hypoallergenic Pearl Earrings Frequently Asked Questions

Are hypoallergenic pearl earrings better for sensitive ears than regular earrings?

Yes, stick with pure metals like sterling silver, or metals with the least amount of alloys in their gold to avoid triggering an allergic response. 

What type of metal should I choose if my ears react easily?

If your ears are highly sensitive, then we would recommend choosing sterling silver as your first choice, as this metal is a "pure" metal with the least amount of potential to cause irritation. 18kt white gold mountings are also a pretty safe bet, as this metal is rhodium plated - rhodium is another pure metal - which brightens the white gold look and coats the gold, adding an extra layer of protection for sensitive ears.  


Can pearl earrings still cause irritation even if the pearls are real?

Yes, because it is extremely unlikely that anyone is allergic to pearl nacre itself; it is the metal alloys that are most commonly the culprit. Be sure to select earring mountings that have the least amount of alloys in the metal.  


Are pearl stud earrings safer for sensitive ears than drop earrings?

Pearl studs will be easier and more comfortable to wear, especially in small to moderate sizes. Studs sit flush on the earlobe, and add minimal weight and drag to the lobe. Dangles tend to pull down on the piercing hole, with added weight and movement that can irritate sensitive ears over time.  


How can I tell if pearl earrings are truly suitable for sensitive ears before buying?

Purchase your high-quality pearl earrings from a trusted vendor that specializes in pearls and who will clearly disclose the materials used in your jewelry. A reputable vendor will also have a solid return policy allowing you to get a full refund if you are unsatisfied with your purchase. 

Learn More: Pearl Care Guide

 

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