The best answer can only be given to the meaning of nickel free jewelry by first knowing what the term “nickel free” is all about. Nickel free means, there is no nickel present.
In essence, nickel free jewelry means that there is zero (0) quantity of nickel present in the jewelry. It does not contain any nickel. This term is so confusing because jewelry marked nickel free still contain some amounts of nickel, but a very tiny amount.
In the United States, there is still no known standard for the allowable amount of nickel in jewelry, but in the European Union (EU), there is a recommended amount of nickel allowable to be released onto the skin from jewelry and some other products. For example, 0.2 micro-grams/cm weekly for post assemblies inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts of the human body are recommended while 0.5 micro-grams/cm weekly for other products anticipated coming into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
Sometimes people usually misuse the two terms-nickel free jewelry and hypoallergenic. The word hypoallergenic means going below the actual level of allergy. It is a popular term used by the cosmetics industries in the year 1950 and has become known to be a marketing term in the jewelry industries.
Hypoallergenic does not have legal or medical relevance in the jewelry business, and it does not mean nickel free. It will be better to look for the specimen component make of the jewelry before you buy it, than to be looking for the material labeled-hypoallergenic which can lead you to make a wrong choice.
Some jewelry components that meet the standards of nickel free jewelry are Ear wires and Nuts Clasps, Links and Connectors, Balls, Beads, and Charms. When making your custom jewelry, use only elemental and precious metals and you should ensure that you do not use base-metal alloys entirely to ensure you get nickel free jewelry.
Additionally, you can read more about the following which are good examples of nickel free jewelry:
1. Titanium is an element and by nature it is nickel free. Just like niobium, it is highly resistance to corrosion. It is usually used in medical implants and exquisite for making earrings.
2. The 14kt yellow gold is nickel free, and it is often made of the following components, 25% pure silver, 17% pure copper and 58% pure gold. Gold is often alloyed with other metals. However, the white gold contains nickel which is added to give it strength and color.
3. Niobium as an element and it is not mixed with any metals. Naturally, it is nickel free, and it is also resistant to corrosion. It comes in different varieties of anodized or non-plated colors.
4. Sterling silver does not contain any nickel, it is an alloy and wearable by various segments of the population. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver with the remaining 7.5% made of copper. The Tarnish resistant argentium sterling silver is made up of 6.3% copper., 1.2% germanium and 92.5% silver.