Try putting clear nail polish on the metal that rests on you skin. I have had success curing the itchy red earlobe doing this.

I wear nothing but 14 or 18K gold for earrings (no 10K or plated) or I do the same, have had a reaction ever since I was a teen - And for the record that was many years ago, nothing has changed wearable earring-wise ;)

No costume jewelry earrings for me, I haven't tried the stainless (other than a favorite watch). I've been told titanium is a doable alternative but I have white gold I know will work so have stayed with that.

Surgical stainless steel only for the part that goes through my ears. I also have some titanium ones that are excellent too. I can't wear anything else. Metal they put in the body for replacement parts are those 2 metals so you pretty much know that you won't have a reaction to them.

I don't have as bad a reaction--it's more a kind of swelling. I find gold (14k and up) much more comfortable than surgical steel. Titanium is fine. The steel doesn't give me a reaction, or not much, but the gold...feels nice? And the steel doesn't.

I have the same problem. Nail polish chips off. SS, no luck, never tried titanium. 18k is the most comfortable, 14k & 10K is alright(the actual content can be higher than what is marked, just not lower).

I am a member of this club also. I find that I can wear stainless steel, and most gold. I am allergic to the nickle in the metals. You can buy the wire to make your own online at a decent price in which ever metal you choose. I will have to go hunting thru all of my notes to find you a couple of trusted sources, but if you google it, you will find many jewelry/bead sources. Also, it was recommended to me many years ago to try jewelry from this company nickle free jewelry. I am not affiliated with the company in the link, just a very satisfied customer. They garuntee you can wear their jewelry or your money back. They also have the findings so you can change your earring backs/hooks.

AAA....that is EXACTLY correct!

so how many who have trouble can use "nickel free"? Does it really make a difference?

I also have metal allergies. When I wear cheapie pierced earrings, I get infected. Even a metal belt buckle irritates the skin on my stomach. Go with 14 kt or better gold wires.

Thanks all for your comments. My earrings are one of a kind and deserve gold, white gold included. Will also look into titanium as I have and do enjoy fake or custom jewelry.

@rob3, it makes a great diff to me. For a while I didn't wear earrings until somebody helped me figure out what problem was

I think I worded it poorly. If one has trouble with gold plated, if you've tried nickel free, does it actually work?

I'm not asking for me. It's my niece. She has severe allergies and I wonder if it might help.

Rob333, yes, nickel free jewelry does make a big difference. It does work for me. As for your niece, it would depend on if she is allergic to nickel or not. Check the web site I linked to and see if she can wear a pair of the inexpensive ones. Or if you can find inexpensive ones at a store near you. I have gotten some at Walmart, but not recently.

Ah. Great to know. Thanks Tami!

That is great to know. I'm also allergic to cheapie metals. Never heard of the nickel free. Will be on the lookout from now on. Thanks.

I found this website dedicated to nickel-free. Hope it helps!

I also found this listing, when poking around a different site (Amazon?!)

"1.00 Carat Authentic Gemstone Simulated Princess Cut Aquamarine Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver"

Both authentic and simulated? Or is the stone authentic, but the cut is simulated?

It's an authenticated simulated gemstone. A certifiable fake! :)

I have the same problem and stopped wearing costume jewelry years ago. I stick to 14 karat gold or more.

have you tried to FIND yellow gold anything lately? I used to be lucky with kohls esp the clasp thru the ear (lobster??) but i'm down to one pair I wear 24-7...lucky for me they're wearable with anything....

If you have trouble changing the findings and don't want to pay a jeweler, you might be able to find someone at a bead store who can help you. They also usually sell high quality findings.

Rob333, that is the web site I was talking about! I haven't gotten anything from them in several years. I keep forgetting to go look and see what they have new.

I wear gold, they're small hoops I leave in 24/7, one of my holes tends to close up if I leave nothing in it for awhile...have had no problems.

I have two holes in each ear, and I wear the same earrings 24/7 day in day out, with no problems. One pair is gold hoops I bought back in the 70's. The others are one-tenth karet diaminds my hubby gave me as a gift before we were married. Not sure what the posts are made of , probably gold. I know there's a company "Simply Whispers" that sells hypo-allergenic earrings on line. They used to print catalogs, but no longer do.