Up until recent times there was little or no restriction on the content of fashion jewellery. In short, manufacturers were free to use almost any base metal 22ct gold for the ear post and clips of your jewellery. The most popular addition to any piece of costume jewellery came within the plating process, and whether the article in question was to be silver or gold plated made little difference; the one common element in all plating of jewellery was - the use of 'Nickel'.
Nickel was added to enhance the shine of the earrings or necklet. Unfortunately it was a well documented fact that in certain cases the addition of nickel could cause an allergic skin reaction. Exact figures were never collated as to how many people this process actually affected, but that didn't stop the Eurocrats from acting with vigour. Soon the 'Boys in Brussels' declared that all earrings, necklets, rings and brooches, in fact - any fashion jewellery or accessory that came in contact with the surface of the skin must be 'Nickel free'.
So to sum up - now, when you buy your fashion earrings or that pretty necklet, by and large they should be nickel free. This however doesn't mean that all ear-care stops there - Oh No !
There is still a basic 22ct gold jewellery hygiene code you should adhere to if you want to avoid future problems. This is where BACKS is on hand to help. Our Product range of replacement earring backs, clip pads, sterile studs and anti-allergenic solution has over the past fifteen years helped people manage their jewellery wearing problems. Available widely throughout retail outlets in the U.K. The Backs Earcare Products range is now available direct for your convenience.