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Gold-tone double-chain drop earring on the earlobe

Nickel-Free & Hypoallergenic Jewellery: What It Really Means

If earrings leave your lobes sore or a necklace turns your skin red, the culprit is almost always nickel. Here is what you need to know — and how to avoid it.

Why nickel causes reactions

Nickel is one of the most common causes of contact allergy in the world. When it touches skin — especially warm or damp skin — it can trigger redness, itching and irritation in sensitive people.

What “hypoallergenic” actually means

Hypoallergenic simply means a piece is far less likely to cause a reaction. In practice, the most important thing to look for is that the jewellery is nickel-free, so there is no nickel in contact with your skin.

How to shop for sensitive skin

Look for the words “nickel-free” and “hypoallergenic” in the product details, avoid unbranded costume jewellery with no material information, and take pieces off before swimming or showering to keep the finish intact.

Where ZAKO fits in

Every ZAKO piece is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so you get the look of delicate gold-tone jewellery without the irritation. Browse the full range in the ZAKO shop.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a persistent skin reaction, speak to a healthcare professional.

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Size guide

Find your fit before you order. Measurements are in millimetres and centimetres; if you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.

Rings

Our rings use US sizes. Measure the inside diameter of a ring that fits you well, or wrap a strip of paper around the base of your finger and measure the circumference.

USUKEU / PL sizeInside diameterCircumference
5J½4915.7 mm49.3 mm
6L½5216.5 mm51.9 mm
7N½5417.3 mm54.4 mm
8P½5718.2 mm57.0 mm
9R½6019.0 mm59.5 mm
10T½6219.8 mm62.1 mm

Necklaces

Each product page lists the exact chain length. As a guide to where a chain sits:

LengthSits
35 cm / 14 inChoker, close to the neck
40 cm / 16 inAt the base of the neck
45 cm / 18 inOn the collarbone
50 cm / 20 inJust below the collarbone
55-60 cm / 22-24 inAbove the neckline, good for layering

Bracelets and anklets

Measure your wrist or ankle snugly and add 1-2 cm for a comfortable fit. Most bracelets fit wrists of 15-18 cm and most anklets fit ankles of 21-25 cm; adjustable pieces have an extender chain, listed on the product page.

Still unsure?

Write to us through the contact page with the product name and your measurement, and we will help you choose.