Stainless Steel & Allergies

[Ron Spokovich]

I plan to make a pendant as a gift to a girl I know, with an engraved obverse and a laser engraved reverse. I have a pile of stainless laying around, grade unknown. Have any of you guys out there, who've made such out of stainless, received any customer feedback, to the negative, of skin rash developing out of contact merely, and not a chaffing because of maybe an unexcuseable burred edge? Some wear such against a bare neck, and some have clothing which would prevent contact. I know a guy who is a tattoo artist, and one of the best, and who can ink a shield on your arm that looks like it came right out of the bluing tank. . .he's that good. He no longer sells pierced type of jewelry out of gold, due to skin reactions, and used titanium exclusively. What does the fraternity out there feel on the situation?

 

[GTJC460]

Generally hypoallergenic. Most medical implants (like knees and hips) were made of stainless till they started using titanium, cobalt chrome and zirconium

I've generally found that 99% of the folks that claim a skin allergy really don't have one. It's a mater of personal hygiene. Meaning they never take the items off their body.

I've also found that pendants are usually not a problem. Items like earrings and rings which have intimate contact with the skin are the biggest concern.

 

[diandwill]

Generally hypoallergenic. Most medical implants (like knees and hips) were made of stainless till they started using titanium, cobalt chrome and zirconium

I've generally found that 99% of the folks that claim a skin allergy really don't have one. It's a mater of personal hygiene. Meaning they never take the items off their body.

I've also found that pendants are usually not a problem. Items like earrings and rings which have intimate contact with the skin are the biggest concern.

And at 99% you are being generous. I feel like you could easily add another '9' to that.

 

[Marrinan]

I've made some copper bracelets, rings and pendants for people because they like the color and natural oxidization but as you probably know these will turn most peoples arm or finger or chest green or black. I just sweat solder 26 gauge sterling to the back or inside before I start the work on them. A few people will have trouble with the copper in sterling so I use fine silver. Did one bracelet with 28 gauge 14 kt gold. Fred

 

[monk]

i began making copper bracelets years ago. started to get complaints. so i lined them with soft leather. in time, such brought problems. as in a previous post. i don't think leather was intended to be worn during showers, playing tennis, etc. i now just give a good protective coating of automobile clear coat, and naturally, how to care for such an item.

 

[Ed Westerly]

If any of your customers have a problem with skin allergies from your products, have them send the product to me, and I will hang it on the wall and look at it often.