To expect a £60 silver bracelet to not contain nickel?

[Yerwanoverthere]

Hi guys, I got a beautiful silver bracelet as a gift and after only one wear I have a terrible reaction. There must be nickel in the bracelet even though it said sterling silver, is there anything I can do? I really don't want to tell the gift buyer!

It has to be mixed with something I thought? Same for gold or it wouldn't be strong enough to make jewellrey with. I've only ever bought jewellrey that stipulates it is nickel free for that reason

my dh who has worked in jewellery making says that sterling silver is mostly silver but also has about 7% other metals present, usually copper but nickel can also be present. have a chat with the gifter and explain, it would be a shame not to enjoy your present.

Sterling silver is only 92.5% silver - the balance is mainly copper and nickel. Pure silver would be too soft for jewellery. Any pattern or design on it would be rubbed away merely by cleaning it.

Sterling silver is 7.5% by mass other metal, usually copper. Nickel isn't mentioned in that link, I'd be narked too. Can you stick something to the inside of the bracelet so it doesn't touch your skin? I've heard of people using clear nail varnish in similar situations.

Some silver is only 875 rather than 925. that's enough of a difference for me to react (and I can tell within 3 minutes).

As others have said the 925 mark on silver is for 92.5% silver, the other 7.5% is nickel and copper to make itk strong enough.

Oh? Really... So a bracelet from Tiffany would have nickel in it too? Is that right?

There was EU legislation about this; have a look at the last section on this page - the amount of nickel is very small but not non-existent:

www.bja.org.uk/en/consumer/consumer-help-advice/precious-metal-and-nickel.cfm

Perhaps your bracelet, though only bought a year ago, was made before this came in? I'm also allergic to nickel but have found earrings so much better now than 20 years ago.

And yes, 26Miles, Tiffany is the same, but should be wearable.

yes, it it's the same set up no matter where you brought it from, silver is a very soft metal on its own.

That depends on what Tiffany mix their silver with. If nickel is in their particular mix then yes.

Thanks all, I didn't realise that sterling silver can still be mixed! I'll try the clear nail varnish. It really is a lovely piece I would hate not to be able to show it off.

I have a nickel allergy and although the EU legislation brought in new rules I still avoid silver jewellery as I have had a few reactions. I limit my jewellery to my wedding rings ( platinum) and a single pair of studs as it's just not worth all of the hassle of a flare up.

Thanks, yes kelpeed, it has 925 on clasp but there is also a very thin chain around clasp to prevent bracelet falling off so it may be that part that is causing the reaction.

I am very sensitive to nickel. I had a terrible flair up from wearing a white gold ring. Not immediately, but after I'd worn it for a few years. Was told by a jeweller that no such thing as white gold and that it is an alloy made from yellow gold and other metals.