“There is no scientific definition of the term ‘hypoallergenic.’ It is a marketing term,” Dr. Barbaud said. “We can hope that ‘hypoallergenic’ jewelry complies with European regulations that limit the release of nickel from objects in close contact with the skin. However, for someone who is already sensitized to metals, particularly nickel, even hypoallergenic jewelry may still cause a reaction.”High-end gold jewelry can present problems, too, because 24-karat, or pure, gold is soft and usually is mixed with some other metals for strength. And the 9-karat or 12-karat gold used in inexpensive jewelry could contain a high percentage of alloy. regulation applies to all jewelry, but the rules are different depending if it is for piercing or for regular jewelry,” said Nina Andersson, chief executive of Blomdahl, a jewelry company founded in 1985 in Halmstad, Sweden, that focuses on jewelry allergies.

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Persons: Barbaud, ”, Nina Andersson, Ms, Andersson Organizations: European Union Locations: United States, Halmstad, Sweden