How Do Gold and Platinum Compare in Allergy Risk

Metal allergies (especially to nickel) can cause skin irritation, discolouration, or discomfort when wearing jewellery. When selecting rings, allergy risk is an important consideration.

Platinum

• Because jewellery-grade platinum is typically very high purity (often about 95% platinum and 5% alloy metals), there is minimal risk of allergic response from the base metal.
• Platinum’s naturally white colour means it does not rely on rhodium plating (which can wear off and expose underlying metals) to appear white, reducing chances of exposure to underlying alloy metals that might cause reactions.
• For persons with sensitive skin or known metal-sensitivity (nickel allergy, for example), platinum is often recommended.

Gold

• The allergy risk in gold jewellery depends significantly on the alloying metals used. Lower-cost white gold often uses nickel as an alloy; nickel is a common allergen.
• Higher-karat yellow or rose gold (e.g., 18K, 22K) have more gold and less alloy metal, reducing allergy risk; however they are softer.
• If white gold loses its rhodium plating (used to give it a white finish), the underlying alloy can show, which may contain nickel or other base metals, potentially increasing allergy risk.

Summary If allergy risk or skin sensitivity is a concern, platinum is the safer choice. With gold, choose high-karat gold (18K or above) and ensure that any white gold piece is unplated or uses a non-nickel alloy if sensitivity is known.