5 Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears That You Can Wear All Day

Raise your hand if you’ve gotten itchy lobes after donning a pair of earrings. You may have sensitive ears, and the cause of irritation is likely the type of metal in your jewelry.

“An allergy to nickel, which is mixed in with most gold jewelry (except 24k gold), is the probably culprit for your allergic reaction,” explains board-certified dermatologist Rosemarie Ingleton, MD. Symptoms typically include redness, itching, rash, and swelling around the earring area, she says. If this sounds all too familiar, she recommends cleaning your ear with fragrance-free soap and water before applying hydrocortisone cream to the affected place until it heals.

We hate to break it to you, but it could also be best to toss aside the styles you scored at your favorite fast-fashion retailer. While you should always double check the material content or packaging (some will denote “nickel-free”), Ingleton advises anyone with an allergy to “avoid wearing costume jewelry in general, as these are commonly made with nickel” to keep the manufacturing costs down.

So what sensitive-skin-friendly metals shouldyou look for in earrings and other jewelry to prevent irritation? According to Ingleton, sterling silver (which is marked with a 925 stamp), 18k or 24k gold (which contains 75 percent or 100 percent pure gold, respectively), nickel-free stainless steel, and platinum are your safest bets since these metals are less likely to contain nickel. Yes, some of them may cost a bit more, but because they are so durable, these pieces will last longer in your jewelry box, too.

We found the prettiest hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive pierced ears.

Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver Round-Cut Studs

These platinum-plated 1 carat (total weight) cubic zirconia studs are so sparkly, they look like the real deal. Plus, a reviewer with sensitive lobes said her ears had “no reaction at all” to them.

14K Yellow Gold-Plated Sterling Silver CZ Initial Earrings

Personalize your ear stack with initials. While these are 14k gold-plated over sterling silver, the brand notes that this bedazzled pair is hypoallergenic.

Tiny Heart Stud Earrings

Offered in 14k gold fill (which is gold layered over a metal) or sterling silver, these little hearts are cute on their own or in second holes. Etsy reviewers with sensitive ears note that these are comfortable to wear.

925 Sterling Silver Round-Cut Blue Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings

 These outstanding blue cubic zirconia stud earrings go a long way in sprucing up your sense of style for an elegant look. Made from .925 sterling silver and plated with the white gold, the jewelry is built with quality and durability in mind. This is world-class craftsmanship meant to merge value with authenticity and class.

Dainty Earrings for Women

Flutter through the day in confidence with 14K yellow gold plated womens butterfly studs. These AAAAA quality cubic zirconia butterfly stud earrings are the sweetest touch to any outfit, and make an excellent second hole earring.