What does “nickel-free” mean on jewelry, and which rules apply?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

"Nickel-free" is a marketing phrase, not a single legal standard everywhere. In the EU, the REACH regulation limits how much nickel can be released from jewelry that touches the skin, and a seller can show compliance with a test. Elsewhere, requirements differ. Sterling silver is mostly silver and copper, but it can contain small amounts of other metals, so ask for evidence, and if you have a diagnosed allergy, ask your doctor.

What the EU rules say

Fact Entry 27 of Annex XVII to the EU REACH regulation restricts nickel in articles that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin, including jewelry, so that they must not release more than 0.5 microgrammes of nickel per square centimetre per week. For posts inserted into pierced ears and other body parts during healing, the limit is lower, at 0.2 microgrammes per square centimetre per week, unless the post is nickel-free in the sense of the regulation.

Uncertain These limits are release limits, not a ban on any nickel in the alloy. Different countries have different rules, and we have not found one US federal rule that defines "nickel-free" for jewelry, so treat the term as a claim to be checked.

What sterling silver contains

Fact The FTC Guides say "sterling silver" must be at least 925/1,000 pure silver (16 CFR 23.5). They do not say what the remaining 7.5% must be.

Our advice The remainder is usually copper, but the maker chooses the alloy. Some alloys, solders or platings can include nickel. So "925" does not tell you whether there is nickel in the piece.

What a good claim looks like

1. A statement of what the piece is made of: base metal, alloy and plating.
2. A reference to a test, such as a nickel release test to the relevant European standard, or a supplier's declaration of conformity.
3. A clear statement of the market the claim applies to.
4. Contact details for questions.

What to do if you are allergic

Our advice Ask the seller for the alloy details and test evidence before you buy, and look for pieces with a plain, documented alloy. If a piece causes redness, itching or a rash, take it off.

It depends Because individual reactions vary, a claim that something is "hypoallergenic" or "nickel-free" cannot promise you will have no reaction. A doctor or dermatologist can tell you more about your own allergy.

For sellers

Our advice Do not use "nickel-free" unless you can support it with an alloy specification and test results for each material and coating on the piece, including clasps and posts.

Related reading: Is 925 Silver Hypoallergenic? Nickel, Plating and Sensitive Skin · Silver Earrings for Sensitive Ears: Studs, Hoops and Hypoallergenic Options

Sources

• ECHA, REACH restriction on nickel in articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin (entry 27)
• 16 CFR 23.5, FTC Jewelry Guides: misrepresentation as to silver content

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.