Gold vs. Platinum for Reactions: Which Metal is Best for Sensitive Skin?

When choosing fine jewellery, especially for pieces worn daily like engagement rings or wedding bands, the metal you select is just as crucial as the design and gemstones. For individuals with sensitive skin, the choice between gold vs. platinum isn't merely about aesthetics or price; it's about minimising the risk of allergic reactions. Understanding the composition and typical reactions associated with each precious metal is key to making a comfortable and confident purchase.

Understanding Allergic Reactions to Precious Metals

Most jewellery allergies are not to the pure precious metal itself, but rather to the alloys mixed with it. The most common culprit by far is nickel, which is frequently used to strengthen and whiten gold alloys. When nickel comes into prolonged contact with the skin, it can leach out and trigger allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, itching, swelling, or a rash. While rarer, some individuals can also react to copper, often found in yellow and rose gold alloys, or even to the platinum group metals (PGMs) themselves, though reactions to pure platinum are extremely uncommon. The key takeaway is that the other metals mixed in with the primary gold or platinum are often the true cause of skin irritation.

Platinum: The Hypoallergenic Champion

Platinum is widely considered the most hypoallergenic and safest precious metal for sensitive skin. This is primarily because it is used in exceptionally high purity in jewellery, typically 90-95% pure (e.g., Pt950). The remaining percentage is usually made up of other platinum group metals like ruthenium or iridium, which are also highly inert and rarely cause allergic reactions. Because platinum is naturally white, it does not require rhodium plating, which can wear off and expose underlying alloys that might cause issues. Its inherent high purity and unreactive nature make platinum an ideal choice for anyone prone to metal allergies, offering a virtually irritation-free experience for daily wear.

Gold: Purity Matters, Especially for White Gold

The potential for allergic reactions to gold varies significantly depending on its purity (karatage) and the specific alloys used. For yellow gold, higher karats like 18K (75% pure gold) are generally very safe, as the remaining 25% is usually copper and silver, which most people tolerate well. 14K yellow gold contains more alloys, increasing a slight, though rare, possibility of reaction. Rose gold gets its pink hue from a higher copper content; while generally hypoallergenic, those with specific copper allergies might react. The most common reactions with gold come from white gold. Traditional white gold is alloyed with nickel to achieve its white colour. Although it's typically rhodium-plated to provide a bright finish and act as a barrier, this plating wears off over time, exposing the nickel alloy underneath. This often leads to allergic reactions, necessitating replating for comfort. For individuals with nickel allergies, specifically seeking palladium white gold is crucial. This type uses palladium instead of nickel as the whitening alloy, making it a truly hypoallergenic white gold option, though it might have a slightly greyer tone and can be more expensive.

Making Your Choice for Comfort

When deciding between gold and platinum, particularly if you have sensitive skin or a known allergy, platinum is the safest and most reliable choice due to its high purity and hypoallergenic nature. If you prefer gold, opt for higher karats (18K or 22K) for yellow or rose gold. If choosing white gold, it is imperative to ask for palladium white gold to avoid nickel. Always inquire about the specific alloys used to ensure your chosen piece brings only joy, not irritation, allowing you to wear your fine jewellery comfortably and confidently.