Let’s be honest, most people don’t think too hard about what their jewellery is made of — until their skin starts reacting. If you’ve ever had a ring leave a green mark, or a necklace make your neck itch, you’re not imagining it. That’s your skin reacting to the metal.
And it’s exactly why hypoallergenic jewellery matters.
What Is Stainless Steel Made Of?
We use premium grade (304 and 316L) stainless steel in all Origins jewellery — but what does that actually mean?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the typical composition:
- Iron (Fe): 60–65%
- Chromium (Cr): 16–18% – adds corrosion resistance
- Nickel (Ni): 10–14% – increases strength and helps with smooth finish
- Molybdenum (Mo): 2–3% – adds extra protection against rust and pitting
- Manganese, Silicon, Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulphur: trace amounts
So yes — there is nickel in 316L steel. But here’s the crucial bit: it’s bound tightly within the alloy, meaning it doesn’t flake, leach or rub off the way it can in cheaper metals or plated jewellery.
This is what makes 316L medical-grade and hypoallergenic. It’s the same steel used in surgical tools and implants — so unless someone has a very rare and severe nickel allergy, it’s safe for everyday wear.
What Happens When Jewellery Isn’t Hypoallergenic?
Here’s what can go wrong:
- Skin irritation – burning, itching, or discomfort where the metal touches your skin
- Rashes or bumps – often confused with eczema or dry skin, but triggered by metal contact
- Discolouration – your skin turns green or black because the metal is reacting with moisture or sweat
- Infection risk – especially if you’ve got piercings or sensitive areas involved
This kind of stuff doesn’t just ruin the experience — it stops people wearing pieces they genuinely like.
The Problem with Marketplaces and Unknown Brands
One of the biggest risks today is buying jewellery from online marketplaces or cheap, drop-shipped websites. The price looks good, the photos look sharp — but you’ve got no idea what the piece is really made of.
Many of these sellers cut corners, use poor-quality base metals, or slap on thin coatings that flake off within weeks. Worst of all, you often don’t find out what’s actually in the jewellery until it’s too late — when your skin reacts.
The Origins Standard
At Origins, we make a promise: every piece we sell is made from premium, hypoallergenic materials. We use 304 and 316L stainless steel — a medical-grade alloy trusted in surgical equipment — and finish it with skin-safe PVD coatings.
Now, we’ll be straight with you — no brand can 100% guarantee no skin reaction at all, because everyone’s skin is different. But we can promise this:
We’ll never knowingly sell anything that could cause skin irritation.
No hidden metals. No dodgy coatings. No shortcuts.
What you see is what you get — high quality, skin-safe jewellery that’s built for real life.
Why Hypoallergenic Matters for Everyday Jewellery
If you’re wearing a piece daily — to the gym, in the shower, at work — it needs to be as comfortable as it is durable. Hypoallergenic jewellery gives you that peace of mind.
- No itching or irritation
- No weird marks or rashes
- No need to take it off at the end of the day
- Safe for sensitive skin and even piercings
Final Word
Style is important — but comfort matters too. If your jewellery isn’t hypoallergenic, it’s not really made for real life.
With Origins, you know where your jewellery’s come from, what it’s made of, and who’s behind it. That’s something marketplaces and pop-up brands just can’t offer.
