Gold plated jewellery is only as hypoallergenic as the metal underneath the gold. Over 316L stainless steel, it is gentle on most sensitive skin. Over brass, copper or nickel alloys, it can cause irritation once the plating wears thin.
At DANSK Copenhagen, every design starts with 316L stainless steel, and our gold is 18K ION plated. Here is what that means for your skin.
Why isn't all gold plated jewellery hypoallergenic?
Gold plating is a thin layer on top of another metal. Gold itself rarely irritates the skin, but the base metal can.
Friction, sweat, water and skincare slowly wear plating down. When that happens, the base metal touches your skin. If it contains loosely bound nickel or copper, redness, itching or a rash can follow.
What makes gold plated jewellery gentler on skin?
- The base metal. 316L stainless steel is one of the most skin-friendly base metals used in jewellery. Brass and copper alloys are more likely to react.
- The plating method. ION plating bonds the gold directly to the steel. It is harder and more wear-resistant than standard electroplating, so the base is protected longer.
- How you wear it. Rings and bracelets meet more friction than necklaces, so they show wear first.
Is it a gold allergy or something else?
True gold allergies are rare. Most reactions come from other metals in the alloy, usually nickel.
A green or dark mark on the skin is not always an allergy either. It is often copper reacting with sweat. If you react to jewellery, the base metal is the first thing to check.
Who should choose carefully?
If you have sensitive ears, a known nickel allergy or eczema, choose jewellery that names its base metal. Earrings matter most, because they sit in a piercing all day.
Our hypoallergenic earrings are all made from 316L stainless steel, in natural silver tone or 18K ION-plated gold.
How to shop gold jewellery for sensitive skin
- Check the base metal. "Gold tone" and "gold finish" describe colour, not material. Look for "gold plated 316L stainless steel".
- Check the plating method. ION or PVD plating lasts longer than standard plating.
- Choose waterproof for daily wear. Waterproof jewellery in 316L steel keeps its finish through showers and workouts, so the base stays covered.
Gold plated vs hypoallergenic: what is the difference?
"Gold plated" describes the finish. "Hypoallergenic" describes how gentle the jewellery is on sensitive skin. A design can be both, when the gold sits on a skin-friendly base like 316L steel.
Prefer to avoid plating altogether? Our silver tone is the natural colour of the steel, solid to the core, so there is no layer at all. Read more about hypoallergenic jewellery or browse our ESSENTIALS.
Frequently asked questions
Is gold plated jewellery safe for sensitive ears?
It can be, when the gold is plated over 316L stainless steel. Over brass or copper, irritation is more likely once the plating wears.
Does 18K gold plating cause allergies?
The gold itself rarely does. Reactions usually come from the metal underneath, which is why the base metal matters most.
Is ION plating better than gold plating?
ION plating is a type of gold plating that bonds directly to steel. It is harder and lasts longer than standard electroplating.
No stockist near you yet? Get in touch and we'll do our best to find one in your area.