Truly Hypoallergenic: What It Means and How to Recognize It

If you have sensitive skin and have ever had to remove a piece of jewelry after just a few hours because it irritated your earlobe or collarbone, you know well that "hypoallergenic" on labels is not always a guarantee. The term is used very loosely in marketing — and as a result, millions of people in Italy give up wearing costume jewelry for fear of skin reactions.

In this guide, we will see what the regulations really say, which metals are truly safe for reactive skin, and how to perform home tests before investing in a piece.

What Is Contact Allergy to Jewelry

It is not a food allergy nor an immediate reaction like hives. It is called allergic contact dermatitis and is a delayed immune system response. 80% of cases in Europe are caused by nickel; the rest by chromium, cobalt, gold (yes, even that), mercury, and a few others.

Typical symptoms:

• Redness and itching at the contact point (24-72 hours after wearing)
• Small blisters
• Peeling or thickening of the skin with repeated use
• Chronic eczema in areas of prolonged contact (earlobes, wrist, lower neck)

Women are more affected than men (6-8% versus 2-3% of the population), especially due to earring use and early exposure. Once sensitivity develops, it does not disappear: it becomes a permanent characteristic of the skin.

The European Standard EN 1811: The True Criterion

"Nickel-free" is a claim difficult to meet 100%. Stainless steel always contains 10-14% nickel in the alloy; 18-carat gold may contain traces; even 925 silver sometimes has tiny amounts.

What matters is not the presence of nickel, but the release. The European regulation EN 1811:2015+A1:2025 is clear: a piece of jewelry in prolonged contact with the skin must release less than 0.5 micrograms of nickel per square centimeter per week. For jewelry inserted into the skin (piercings), the limit drops to 0.2 µg/cm²/week.

A metal that respects this threshold is hypoallergenic by law. This does not mean "zero nickel" — it means "nickel chemically unavailable to trigger a reaction".

Materials that stably comply with EN 1811:

• Stainless steel 316L (surgical): nickel is locked in the crystal matrix. Typical release below 0.03 µg/cm²/week.
• Titanium grades 2 and 5: completely nickel-free. The safest material overall.
• 18-carat gold: stable. Only a very small percentage of people develop allergy to gold itself.
• Pure silver (999): rare in commercial jewelry (too soft), but safe.
• Platinum: very safe, but prohibitively expensive for costume jewelry.

Materials that do NOT stably comply:

• Brass, copper, bronze: very high release, not hypoallergenic.
• 925 silver: depends on 7.5% copper. Some people react to oxidized copper.
• Generic steel (304, 301): releases more nickel than 316L. Less safe.
• Gold plating on nickel alloy: plating wears off, nickel comes out. The worst case scenario.

Why 316L Stainless Steel Became the Standard

Among all technically hypoallergenic materials, 316L has become the standard for quality modern costume jewelry for four reasons:

1. It resists seawater better than all others (more than 304 and similar)
2. It is economically accessible (titanium costs 4-5x, 18k gold 50-100x)
3. It is workable in mass production (titanium requires slow turning, difficult for small productions)
4. It has medical certifications (the same material as orthopedic screws and heart valves)

When Argenta selects suppliers, we require updated EN 1811 tests for each batch. Not just "316L steel" as a declaration — but the nickel release test certificate for that specific batch. The safety margin we provide to the customer is important.

How to Test a Piece of Jewelry Before Buying

If you have reactive skin and want to be sure before spending, three practical tests:

Nickel test kit (pharmacy): diagnostic DMG (dimethylglyoxime) kits are sold for about 8-15 euros. Rub a swab on the jewelry: if it turns pink, nickel release is above the threshold. It is not the official EN 1811 test, but it is a 90% reliable indicator for home use.

30-minute test: wear the jewelry for only 30 minutes on a non-sensitive area (inner wrist, not the earlobe). Remove and wait 48 hours. If no redness, extend to one hour. If after 24 hours no symptoms, the jewelry is probably fine for normal use.

Patch test: not a home test, must be done by a dermatologist. They apply patches with common metal allergens. It tells you precisely what you are allergic to, not just nickel. Cost 50-100 euros via public health system, free with referral if you have confirmed dermatitis.

If You Are Already Sensitive, Here’s How to Manage It

Once nickel allergy develops, there are behaviors that reduce daily exposure.

Prefer certified 316L stainless steel jewelry, titanium, 18k gold. Strictly avoid unbranded costume jewelry bought at markets.

Pay attention to earring hooks: often they are the only contact point with the skin and trigger the reaction. Verify that the hook is 316L steel (not plated brass) even if the pendant is made of another material.

Avoid cheap piercings: the initial hole must be made with pure titanium. A reputable studio will offer this immediately.

Do not "cover" nickel with clear nail polish: an internet method that does not work. The polish chips and contact returns. Better to change the jewelry.

Dermatological barrier cream: there are pre-application creams that reduce sensitivity. They work, but are not a permanent solution — better to use the right materials.

The Case of Children and Infants

For ear piercings in children or gifts for newborns, there are no compromises: only medical-grade titanium or 18k gold. 316L steel is safe for adults but pediatric regulations are stricter (0.2 µg/cm²/week as for piercings), and some 316L batches may be borderline.

A birth gift with a pendant: 316L steel is okay if it does not touch the newborn’s skin directly (necklace with clasp, hanging outside clothes). If it touches the skin, opt for 18k gold or titanium.

Purchase Checklist

Before buying jewelry for sensitive skin, ask or verify:

1. [ ] Declared material? (316L steel, titanium, 18k gold are OK)
2. [ ] Standards respected? (EN 1811 or third-party dermatological certification)
3. [ ] Hooks and closures made of the same material as the main piece?
4. [ ] Traceable manufacturer? (No Amazon "marketplace" without clear info)
5. [ ] Return policy if reaction occurs? (Good brands accept extended returns for this reason)

At Argenta all jewelry complies with EN 1811 and hooks/closures are made from the same 316L as the body. If you develop a reaction within 30 days, returns are always extended.

Explore the complete collection of 316L stainless steel jewelry or deepen the topic of the steel/silver comparison.

It is one of the questions we receive most often. And the honest answer is that there is no single right answer for everyone — because the two materials serve different needs, have different histories, and reflect different values in those who choose them. But there is much to say before reaching a conclusion, and too often this comparison is made superficially or with bias.

Let's try to do it differently.

A story of millennia versus one of decades

Silver has a history in goldsmithing that dates back 5,000 years. Mesopotamian civilizations were already working it around 3000 BC. In many cultures, it was the metal of the moon, associated with purity, femininity, and connection with time — gold was the metal of the sun, silver was its nocturnal complement. There were periods when it was worth more than gold (the historical ratio was about 1:10-1:15, while today it is about 1:80). It has been currency, art, and heritage.

Stainless steel in jewelry is a phenomenon of the late twentieth century. The first serious uses in the sector date back to the seventies and eighties, with the spread of steel watches. Costume jewelry in 316L began to establish itself truly in the nineties and two-thousands, when consumers started looking for alternatives to precious metals that lasted longer without requiring care.

This difference in history matters. Silver carries a symbolic weight that steel simply does not yet have. A silver 925 ring can be an object with meaning — passed down from one generation to another, with a patina that tells the story of time. A 316L steel ring is a highly functional object of the highest quality. They are different things, and confusing them is the first mistake in this type of comparison.

Composition: what’s inside

Silver 925: 92.5% pure silver (Ag) and 7.5% binding metal, typically copper. Pure silver (999) is too soft for practical jewelry — it deforms, scratches, and scuffs easily. The added copper improves hardness and workability, but it is also responsible for some of the issues we will discuss.

Steel 316L: an alloy of iron (about 65%), chromium (16-18%), nickel (10-14%), molybdenum (2-3%), with traces of manganese, silicon, carbon. It is an industrially designed material to maximize corrosion resistance, hardness, and chemical stability. It has no romantic history, but it has precisely documented technical specifications.

Oxidation: the point that truly separates the two materials

This is the practical factor that changes the experience of those who wear one or the other.

Silver 925 oxidizes. Not because it is of poor quality — it is in the nature of the material. The phenomenon is called sulfidation: sulfur present in the air (in very small amounts, but present) reacts with silver forming silver sulfide (Ag₂S), a black-gray compound that deposits on the surface. Sweat, certain foods (eggs, onions, shellfish), perfumes, and some creams accelerate the process.

The result is visible: silver 925 loses its original brightness over time, acquires a darker patina, and becomes "antique" in appearance. Some find this charming — and indeed, a hand-crafted silver ring with a beautiful acquired patina has a character that freshly polished silver does not have. But it requires maintenance: periodic polishing with a special cloth or specific products for precious metals.

Bracciale Amor

Bracciale Anima

Bracciale Bamboo

Steel 316L does not have this problem. The passivation mechanism — the chromium oxide film that forms spontaneously on the surface — prevents any oxidation of the underlying iron. The appearance remains unchanged over time, without any intervention. For those who wear jewelry pragmatically and do not want to think about it, this is a huge difference.

Hardness and scratch resistance

On the Mohs scale (the hardness scale of minerals and materials), pure silver is around 2.5-3. 316L is around 5.5-6. For reference: common glass is about 5.5; kitchen ceramics are 6-7.

In practice, this means that silver 925 scratches much more easily than steel. A polished silver surface acquires micro-scratches within a few weeks of normal use — friction with hard surfaces, rubbing against other objects. Over the long term, the surface changes appearance significantly. This is also part of the "character" of silver for many — the satin surface that forms over time is part of the piece's evolution.

Steel 316L resists scratches much better due to its high hardness. A 316L bracelet worn every day for years maintains an appearance much closer to the original compared to a silver 925 one with the same history.

Water resistance and daily use

Silver 925 does not like water, especially salt water. The copper present in the alloy reacts with chlorides accelerating oxidation. Wearing silver 925 regularly in the pool, at the sea, or during intense physical activity is possible but accelerates the deterioration of the appearance. It is not immediate structural damage — it is an acceleration of the aging process.

Steel 316L is designed to resist aggressive environments. The molybdenum present in the alloy specifically increases resistance to chlorides — this is why 316L is preferred over 304 for marine uses. Under normal conditions (shower, sports, occasional sea) it shows no appreciable deterioration.

The allergy issue

Silver 925 is generally well tolerated — pure silver is not a significant allergen. Copper, which is the main binder in 925, can cause reactions in people sensitive to copper, but it is less common than nickel allergy. A green/black mark on the skin under a cheap silver ring (not quality 925) is often due to copper.

Steel 316L contains nickel, which is the most common contact allergen in Europe. As explained in our dedicated article, 316L keeps nickel in a bound form with very reduced release — but for those with certified nickel allergy, it is still a factor to consider.

Cost: how much it really matters

The price difference between an equivalent piece in silver 925 and one in 316L can be significant — silver has an intrinsic material value that steel does not have. A handcrafted silver 925 jewel carries in its price the cost of the material (about 0.8-1 euro/gram at the moment), the workmanship, and often an artisanal markup.

316L steel has a much lower raw material cost (a few cents per gram), which allows — with equal artisanal quality — to sell at more affordable prices. The cost savings transfer to the consumer, not necessarily to the quality of design and finishing work.

That said, there is very variable quality silver 925 on the market, just as there is very variable quality steel. A silver 925 piece made in Italy, hand-crafted by a goldsmith, and a 316L piece mass-produced in an Asian foundry do not compare only by material — they compare by everything behind them.

Who should choose silver 925

Silver 925 is the right choice if:

Collana Ada gold

Collana Anita

Collana Egea

• You are looking for a jewel with meaning and history — an important gift, a piece to pass down
• You love the aesthetic of natural aging of metals, the patina that forms over time
• You want a material with intrinsic value, even if small
• You are willing to do minimal periodic maintenance
• You have no skin issues requiring special materials

Who should choose steel 316L

Steel 316L is the right choice if:

• You want jewelry to wear every day without thinking — shower, sports, work, everything
• You have had negative experiences with costume jewelry and seek something more reliable
• You prefer an appearance that remains constant over time without maintenance
• You seek the best quality-price ratio for everyday jewelry
• You have sensitive skin and have difficulties with cheap jewelry

The honest answer

There is no objectively superior material. They are answers to different needs.

Silver 925 wins on the symbolic meaning, history, and character it acquires over time. It requires attention but rewards with something steel cannot offer: the feeling of wearing an ancient, precious material that has crossed human history.

Steel 316L wins on absolute practicality, resistance to daily use, consistency in appearance, and economic accessibility. It is the material of modern life — designed to resist, not to tell a story.

At Argenta we have chosen 316L because we want jewelry to wear every day, without ceremony, without fear of damaging it. If you are looking for this, our rings, bracelets, and necklaces are built with this philosophy. If you are looking for something with more history and symbolism, quality silver 925 from a good artisan is probably right for you — and we won’t tell you otherwise.

When choosing a piece of jewelry, the material is probably the most important decision — more than the design, more than the price, more than the brand. It is the material that determines how long it will last, how it will react to your skin, whether you can wear it every day or only on special occasions.

Yet it is something that is rarely considered. Most people choose jewelry because it is beautiful, because it costs the right amount, because they like it. The material remains in the background. Until something happens: the color changes, the skin irritates, the surface scratches.

This guide is designed to help you understand the real differences between the most common materials in jewelry, without judgment — just facts.

Gold: the timeless classic

Gold is the most iconic material in the history of jewelry. It has a charm that spans cultures and millennia: from the Egyptians to the Romans, from India to Japan, gold has always represented beauty, value, and durability.

From a technical point of view, pure gold (24 karats) is too soft to be used in jewelry. For this reason, it is used in alloys: 18 karat gold (75% gold), 14 karat gold (58.5% gold), 9 karat gold (37.5% gold). The other metals in the alloy — copper, silver, palladium, zinc — determine the color (yellow, rose, white) and hardness.

The advantages of gold are evident: it does not oxidize, maintains its shine over time, and has an intrinsic value recognized globally. A gold piece of jewelry is an investment you can pass down.

Considerations to keep in mind: the price reflects the value of the material, alloys with lower gold percentages may contain nickel (beware if you have sensitive skin), and gold jewelry requires some care — 18K gold scratches more easily than steel.

Silver 925: accessible elegance

Sterling silver (925) is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. It is a beautiful material, with a cool and bright shine that has its own character.

Silver is more accessible than gold and offers incredible versatility in design. Many artisans prefer it for its ease of working, allowing details and finishes impossible with harder materials.

The main characteristic to know: silver oxidizes. When exposed to air and sweat, it forms a dark patina (silver sulfide) that must be removed periodically. This is not a defect — it is the nature of the material. Some people love the oxidized patina, others prefer to polish it regularly. It is a matter of taste.

For those with sensitive skin, silver 925 is generally well tolerated, although the copper in the alloy can occasionally cause reactions in particularly sensitive individuals.

Stainless steel 316L: the material that makes no compromises

Anello Armonia gold

Anello Aura gold

Anello Azzurra

Surgical stainless steel 316L is the material we use for Argenta jewelry. The reason is simple: we wanted a material that asks for nothing in return.

316L is the same alloy used in surgery for prostheses, scalpels, and medical instruments. This means it is designed to be in contact with the human body without causing reactions. It contains chromium (which creates an invisible protective layer on the surface), nickel (in a stable, non-releasable form), and molybdenum (which increases corrosion resistance).

In practice: it does not oxidize, does not change color, does not scratch easily, does not irritate the skin. You can wear it in the shower, at the pool, at the gym, at the beach. You don’t have to take it off before washing your hands. After a year, it looks exactly like the first day.

The compromise? Steel does not have the intrinsic value of gold, and the weight is different — heavier than silver, with a solid feel that some like very much and others less so. It is a matter of personal preference.

Other materials: titanium, tungsten, ceramic

The landscape of jewelry materials has expanded greatly in recent years:

Titanium is very light, hypoallergenic, and durable. Excellent for those seeking extreme comfort, especially in earrings. It has a natural gray color that can be modified with surface treatments.

Tungsten (or tungsten carbide) is the hardest of all: it practically never scratches. Ideal for men's rings that must withstand manual work. The downside: it cannot be resized and is difficult to cut in emergencies.

Technical ceramic is light, hypoallergenic, and available in intense colors (white, black). Fragile to direct impacts, but aesthetically very interesting for statement pieces.

How to choose: three practical questions

Bracciale Armo

Bracciale Bamboo Silver

Bracciale Core

1. How often will you wear it? If you are looking for an everyday piece of jewelry, durability is fundamental. Steel and titanium win on this front. If it is for special occasions, any material is fine.

2. Is your skin sensitive? If you have had reactions to jewelry in the past, opt for 316L steel, titanium, or high-karat gold (18K+). Avoid cheap, uncertified alloys.

3. What is your lifestyle? Sports, manual work, contact with water? Steel is unbeatable. Formal elegance? Gold and silver have a charm that is hard to replicate. The nice thing is that you can mix them: a steel ring with a gold bracelet works very well.

The right choice is the one that works for you

There is no "best" material in absolute terms. There is the right material for your style, your skin, your daily routine.

In our catalog, you will find rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings in stainless steel 316L — a material that allows us to offer refined designs at an accessible price, with the assurance that each piece will last over time without requiring maintenance.

Whatever material you choose, the important thing is that it makes you feel good every time you wear it.

There is a number that appears on almost all stainless steel jewelry you find online: 316L. You see it in product descriptions, technical specifications, fashion shop posts. But no one ever really explains what it means. And above all: why should you choose it over silver, gold, or any other shiny item in the showcase?

This article aims to do just that — without slogans, without exaggerated promises.

Anello Armonia in acciaio 316L: gold and silver versions

An Alloy with a Precise History

Stainless steel was born in the early twentieth century, simultaneously in several countries. But it was in 1913 that Harry Brearley, an English metallurgist from Sheffield, deliberately produced a high-chromium steel resistant to stains for the first time. He was looking for it for cannons — internal barrel corrosion was a serious military problem. What he obtained, as a happy side effect, was also resistant to food acids. The story goes that he noticed this when he saw discarded metal scraps in his yard that were not rusting.

The industry took decades to understand all the implications of that discovery. Today there are over 150 grades of stainless steel, classified by composition and properties. 316L is one of those that has earned a stable place in history: used in surgery, architecture, the food industry, industrial plant engineering. And in jewelry.

What Exactly "316L" Means

The number 316 identifies the chemical composition of the alloy according to the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) classification, which is the international reference standard. The "L" stands for Low Carbon, meaning low carbon content — at most 0.03% compared to 0.08% in standard 316.

This technical detail has important practical consequences. Carbon at high temperatures tends to bind with chromium, reducing its protective function. By lowering it, more free chromium remains available to form the passive film that makes the metal stainless. The result is superior corrosion resistance, especially in welded areas — and greater stability over time.

The typical composition of 316L is as follows:

• Iron: main component (about 65%)
• Chromium: 16-18% — responsible for rust resistance
• Nickel: 10-14% — improves workability and mechanical strength
• Molybdenum: 2-3% — the element that distinguishes 316 from 304, increasing resistance to chloride environments like seawater
• Manganese, silicon, nitrogen: in smaller amounts, for stability and hardness

It is the presence of molybdenum that makes 316L superior for marine use and for those who sweat a lot or wear jewelry in the pool. 304 — which is another very common stainless steel — does not have it and is less resistant in saline environments.

Why It’s Called "Surgical" Steel and What That Implies

The term "surgical steel" is not a marketing gimmick. 316L has actually been used in the medical field for decades: scalpels, forceps, dilators, metallic sutures, orthopedic screws, vascular stents. Its biocompatibility has been studied and documented in international scientific literature.

This means three concrete things:

First: it does not release toxic substances over time. Unlike many cheap costume jewelry alloys, 316L does not degrade into metal ions that penetrate the skin in significant amounts. It is chemically stable in contact with biological fluids — sweat included.

Second: nickel release is controlled and contained. 316L contains nickel (10-14%), but it keeps it bound within the alloy’s crystalline structure. The European REACH Regulation sets precise limits for nickel release from jewelry: maximum 0.5 μg/cm²/week for pieces that penetrate the skin (like piercings), and 0.5 μg/cm²/week for those in prolonged contact. Quality 316L normally falls within these limits — and that is why it is chosen for jewelry also intended for sensitive skin.

Third: it resists sterilization. The fact that it withstands autoclaves, aggressive disinfectants, and hospital environments is an indirect guarantee of how well it holds up in daily life — cosmetics, perfumes, pool chlorine, sweat, soap.

The Passivation Mechanism: Why It Doesn’t Rust

The key phenomenon of stainless steel is called passivation. It is a spontaneous process that occurs whenever the metal comes into contact with oxygen.

The chromium in the alloy reacts with oxygen in the air forming a very thin layer of chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) on the surface. This layer is transparent — it does not change the color of the metal — and is only a few nanometers thick. But it is incredibly impermeable: it blocks oxygen diffusion to the underlying iron, preventing rust formation.

The most remarkable feature is that this layer self-repairs. If scratched, abraded, or mechanically removed, it regenerates within seconds upon contact with air. No action is needed: it’s automatic.

Ordinary steel does not have this mechanism — iron oxidizes directly forming Fe₂O₃, common red rust, which does not protect but accelerates degradation. Stainless steel blocks it before it can start.

Behavior in Real Everyday Use

Everything we have said technically translates into concrete behaviors that those who wear 316L jewelry notice quite soon.

Bracelet Anima and Necklace Ada: 316L steel designed for everyday use

With Water

316L resists fresh water, sweat, and pool water with normal chlorine concentrations well. Seawater is a more aggressive environment: the combination of chlorides and prolonged moisture can, over time, begin to affect even 316L — especially if water stagnates in hard-to-dry spots (perhaps in a pierced pendant). For normal use on seaside vacations — wearing, swimming, drying — there are no practical problems. For those living on boats or in constant marine environments, duplex steel or titanium are more suitable.

With Cosmetics

Creams, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants — all contain compounds that theoretically could interact with metals. 316L holds up well in almost all cases. Perfumes with high alcohol concentration can slightly dull the surface over time, but this is a superficial effect resolved with a simple rinse. There are no significant chemical reactions under normal usage conditions.

Over Time

This is perhaps the most visible difference compared to other materials. A 316L ring you wear today will look the same in five years. It does not tarnish like silver, does not lose color like plated metals, does not scratch like 9k gold. It maintains its brilliance without needing interventions.

Direct Comparison with Alternative Materials

316L Stainless Steel vs 925 Silver

925 silver (called so because it contains 92.5% pure silver, with 7.5% copper or other binding metals) has a long history in jewelry — it has been the democratic material of jewelry for centuries. The problem is sulfuration: sulfur present in air, sweat, certain foods reacts with silver forming silver sulfide (Ag₂S), which is the black coating seen on grandma’s cutlery. It is reversible — it polishes — but requires regular maintenance. Those who work a lot with their hands, sweat, use a lot of perfume, will find 925 silver more demanding to maintain.

Mechanically, silver is softer than 316L and scratches and deforms more easily. In terms of perceived and symbolic value, silver has a history that steel has not yet accumulated. The choice depends on what you seek: if you want a material that lasts without thinking about it, 316L wins. If you like the patina and character of a metal that shows time, silver has something steel does not.

316L Stainless Steel vs 18k Gold

18k gold is an alloy composed of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals (copper, silver, palladium depending on color). It does not oxidize or tarnish — in this it is superior to almost everything. But it has a price that puts it out of everyday reach for most people. And in 9k or 14k versions, the reduced gold content increases the share of binding metals, raising the risk of reactions for sensitive individuals.

316L steel offers the same everyday resistance at a fraction of the cost. It does not have the intrinsic value of gold — it is not an investment — but for a bracelet to wear every day, this difference is irrelevant.

316L Stainless Steel vs Gold/Silver Plated Brass

Here the comparison is sharper. Plated brass — which is the base of much low-to-mid price costume jewelry — is a copper and zinc alloy covered by a thin layer of gold or silver. The problem is that layer wears off. In areas of frequent friction (inside a ring, bracelet clasp zones) the plating disappears in a few months, exposing the underlying brass, which can oxidize and leave that characteristic green mark on the skin.

316L does not have this problem: it is stainless steel from surface to core. There is no thin layer that can wear away. What you see is what there is, throughout the piece’s depth.

The Nickel Issue: What You Really Need to Know

Nickel is the most common contact allergen in the European population. It is present in coins, belts, jeans buttons, glasses, phones — and obviously in many jewelry pieces. 316L contains between 10 and 14%, a percentage that may seem high but is held in bound form by the metal’s austenitic crystalline structure.

The distinction that matters is between nickel content and nickel release. A metal can contain significant nickel and release minimal amounts, or contain little and release it easily because the alloy is less stable. 316L belongs to the first category.

Those with clinically diagnosed nickel contact dermatitis should still be cautious and prefer certified nickel-free materials. But for the vast majority of people who simply "do not tolerate cheap costume jewelry well," 316L solves the problem — because that costume jewelry contains nickel in unstable alloys that release it easily, not because nickel per se is unbearable for their skin.

Why We Use It at Argenta

Ear cuff Elica: 316L steel that stays in contact with the sensitive skin of the earlobe

All Argenta jewelry is made of 316L stainless steel. It was not a random or purely economic choice — it was a conscious decision based on what we want to offer: jewelry that can be worn every day, without thinking about it, without extraordinary maintenance, without surprises on the skin.

When we design a Ring, we know it will be worn under water, at the gym, in the office, on the beach. It must survive all this while maintaining its original shape. 316L gives us this certainty.

When we make an Earring, we know it will be in contact with a sensitive skin area — the earlobe is a spot where reactions are immediately visible. Quality 316L, with nickel release within REACH limits, is the responsible choice.

When we build a Bracelet to wear all day, we want it to still look new in a year. 316L steel guarantees this without special instructions or care rituals.

It is a material that does what it promises, quietly, every day. It seems exactly what a good everyday jewelry piece should do.