posted 09-06-2003 12:40 PM            

3 of the bracelets were/are unusually
"shiny" I later found out from the jeweler they are coated with rhodium. The 4th bracelet, a bangle bracelet, isn't. But is instead the soft natural color of silver.

Interestingly enough it is also the one bracelet I cannot wear. Within minutes my wrist became painfully swollen, red, inflamed - as I mentioned, highly allergic. Therefore, since the reaction was so quick and strong I maintain the bracelet cannot be sterling silver. Instead, I think, layman that I am, that none of the bracelets are sterling, but that the rhodium (what the heck is rhodium?) coating on the other 3 prevents (or at least hinders) contact with whatever alloys are mixed with the silver.

Since the 4th bracelet isn't coated there's no "protective barrier" and hence, I have a painfully inflamed wrist. I'm either right or wrong. What do any of you think?

All 4 bracelets are marked "925" which I understand from the jeweler (who by the way is reputable and has offered to exchange the bracelet) that "925" guarantees the bracelet to be "sterling silver". I am unfamiliar with this "mark". All my other sterling silver jewelery say "sterling".

Therefore, I guess my questions are, has the percentage of silver changed over the last couple of years? Is there less silver in "sterling silver" in 2003 then there was in 2002? Is there less silver in "925" than in "sterling" Have the alloys changed? Or have they always varied and I've just been lucky for 30 years only to become unlucky with this one bracelet? Curious and cautious. But then, if you saw my wrist, you'd be curious and cautious, too.

Thanks to anyone who can answer, or at least give me a clue.

posted 09-06-2003 12:57 PM            

If that is the case, you may have no choice but to face a trial and error with any sterling pieces you try

posted 09-06-2003 01:23 PM            

The sterling standard has not changed in the last few years. In fact, it has never changed since its establishment centuries and centuries ago. "925" and "sterling" on a piece mean the same thing: that the object is 92.5% silver, and 7.5% other metal (for strengthening).

Perhaps you could find a brand of sterling jewelry that worked for you and continue to buy pieces from that brand, since presumably it would make all its silver the same way.

Rhodium is a metal related to platinum (I think). It has a cool, silvery sheen (unlike the warmer appearance of sterling). It is popular as a coating over silver because then the pieces resemble white gold and platinum jewelry.

posted 09-06-2003 08:40 PM            

You might try coating a piece of sterling that affects you with a clear lacquer, and see what happens. The lacquer should form a protective barrier, will not harm the silver, and can easily be removed.

It will eventually wear off, and require re-coating, but it is small effort for something you like.

Before you try it, you will have to promise not to sue me if it doesn't work - after all I am not a physician and cannot give medical advice! Seriously, though, you might also want to consult an allergist if you haven't done so already, as you problem might not be all that uncommon, and he or she might know how to desensitize you. Exposure to metals is not limited to jewelry, and repeated exposure to any allergen can intensify the reactions to a dangerous level, so a desensitization program might make good sense, if it is feasable, and if this is an actual allergy.

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A further note on toxicity of metals that may be of interest; Many metals are essential nutrients in trace amounts, but can be toxic in greater quantities. Heavy metals exhibit oligotrophic (= few organisms) properties, and allow little growth of microorganisms; the metals traditionally used in coinage have these properties and thus usually are not instrumental in the dissemination of disease.

I also seem to recall that, before air conditioning became common, people who perspired a lot used to complain of localized reactions from cheap costume jewelry (possibly related to high nickle content?).

posted 09-07-2003 12:43 PM            

Back in those days, the simple solution to allergic reactions to metal jewelry was to coat the skin side of the jewelry with clear nail polish. Cheap, easy and I never heard of a case where it didn't work. We used to recommend it to customers who had problems with inexpensive costume jewelry but couldn't afford the real thing!

I've never tried Platinum jewelry, but I have also found some sterling that makes me react. OTOH, my skin actually will take the tarnish off jewelry, no matter how black. It takes a while, but I can put on a heavily tarnished piece of silver jewelry and within a few hours, it looks like it was just polished!

posted 09-08-2003 08:05 PM            

Furthermore, allergies are often progressive. After all these years, my allergies to some things have gotten far worse and the reactions for more rapid. I highly suggest you see an allergist about this. It could be that you need some medical care as well.

If I recall right, white gold contains more nickel and less copper and it is probably the copper content you are reacting to. Some sterling, if you look closely, has a very warm, rich look which it gets from the copper. You need to look for either pieces that are coated with rhodium (which also doesn't scratch or tarnish like silver does, and so stays looking nice forever), or ones which have a "cold look", which indicates a piece in which the silver is heavier on the nickel.

Or have your jewelry tested by a professional for actual alloy content. I like the warm look of silver and don't react to the copper at all, but you could be getting a worse and worse reaction from years of allergenic contact. It may be you will have to stop wearing jewelry entirely, if that is the case.