Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic? What 925 Can Tell You

By Dmitry Strugovshchikov, founder of STRUGA

Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. That describes the alloy; choosing it for sensitive skin also means considering the whole piece, its fit and your own response.

“Hypoallergenic” offers no guarantee for every wearer. Start with the materials of the particular design. STRUGA's Signature Asymmetric Ear Cuff (L), for example, is sterling silver; a carbon cuff with a similar form has a different composition.

Updated October 26, 2026

What does 925 mean?

Of every thousand parts of the alloy, 925 are silver and 75 are other components: 92.5% and 7.5%. The US Federal Trade Commission explains the number in these terms.

It is useful information about the material, but it does not list the composition of every clasp, joint, post or inlay. With a diagnosed allergy, the relevant question concerns the finished piece. Our sterling silver guide explains the alloy and how it differs from silver plating; this guide focuses on contact with skin.

Why does skin react to jewelry?

A rash beneath jewelry can result from an allergy or from irritation. In allergic contact dermatitis, the immune system responds to a substance touching the skin. In irritant contact dermatitis, an irritant such as soap damages the skin. These are different causes, even when the visible symptoms look similar.

NHS guidance describes both mechanisms and explains that friction can aggravate existing irritation. Alongside the alloy, consider how the piece is worn: where it presses, what gets underneath it when you wash your hands, and whether the skin stays damp. These observations can help a clinician investigate a recurring reaction.

The colour of a mark on the skin is not enough to identify its cause. Itching, a rash, soreness or blisters need attention even when the metal looks unchanged. Neither shine nor the price of a piece explains those symptoms.

The surface and the whole construction

Living Silver is STRUGA's name for sterling silver without rhodium plating. The surface darkens over time: rubbing lightens the raised edges while recesses grow darker. A matte finish or polishing gives the surface its texture. Oxidizing is a separate process that darkens the silver beforehand.

This describes how a surface changes. Choosing for sensitive skin still involves the materials that touch it. With a plated piece, find out what the surface layer and the underlying metal are; with inlays, include the materials of the inserts and their fittings.

Carbon also needs to be considered as part of a particular construction. The Signature Asymmetric Carbon Ear Cuff — Arctic Graphite contains no silver. That is a fact about the design, rather than a recommendation to replace silver with carbon when you have an allergy. Other CARBON forms are in the carbon collection.

Why a fitting is not an allergy test

A fitting tells you whether a cuff stays in place, a ring presses against the finger or a bracelet is easy to fasten. Testing for an allergy takes a different approach. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that skin allergies can develop over hours or days. Half a day without a rash gives no assurance about later wear.

A dermatologist who suspects contact allergy may arrange patch testing. Small amounts of substances are placed on the skin beneath patches. In the procedure described by the AAD, the patches are removed after 48 hours, with a further assessment after 4–7 days. This is a medical investigation; taping a piece of jewelry to your skin at home is not a substitute.

Past tolerance does not rule out a new reaction either. Sensitivity can develop after previous exposures. If a familiar piece starts to cause a rash, stop wearing it and have the cause investigated.

What to establish before buying

Choose a design, then gather information about how it is made. That keeps the discussion focused on the piece you plan to wear.

Contact STRUGA with the product link and your question about its materials. If a clinician has identified an allergen, name the component you need to avoid. A purchase decision involving a known allergy needs precise information; establish any missing details before buying.

Three STRUGA constructions compared

STRUGA's catalogue includes silver, carbon and mixed-material objects. These three designs show why the brand name alone is not enough to describe a material.

The silver cuff belongs to SIGNATURE ASYMMETRIC in CODEX. Earrings, rings and bracelets each differ in material and fit. For the international market, STRUGA objects are made in Bali. The selected product page lists its available options.

For earrings, continue with our guide to silver earrings for sensitive ears, which focuses on attachments and the parts that touch the ear. This guide covers the broader question of skin reactions across jewelry types.

What to do if a rash appears

Take off the piece beneath which the rash appeared. The AAD recommends stopping wear when jewelry causes a rash. Note where and when the symptoms began, what you wore and which products touched your skin. See a dermatologist if the rash persists, returns or has no clear cause.

Rapidly worsening symptoms, discharge, increasing pain or feeling generally unwell need urgent medical advice. These signs are described in the NHS symptoms guide.

Care for the object serves another purpose: removing dirt or changing the appearance of its surface. Silver, inlays and finishes need an appropriate cleaning method. STRUGA offers free lifetime cleaning and minor repairs while you own the piece; you cover shipping to us. Contact us to discuss care. Before wearing the piece again after a skin reaction, have the cause investigated.