Hypoallergenic earring posts are usually made of titanium, niobium, implant grade stainless steel, sterling silver, gold of 14 carat or more, or medical-grade plastic. These materials release little or no nickel, which is the metal behind most earring reactions.
In imitation jewellery the front is often brass or alloy, and the post is where you can make the biggest difference to comfort and returns for a small cost.
Why the post matters most
The post passes through the pierced earlobe, into a small wound-like channel that is more sensitive than skin. EU rules reflect this: posts inserted into pierced parts of the body face a stricter nickel release limit than items that only touch the skin, 0.2 rather than 0.5 micrograms per square centimetre per week.
A plated brass post is risky because brass is often plated over a nickel layer for brightness. When the top layer wears, the nickel comes into contact with the skin.
Common post materials compared
- Titanium (implant grade): no nickel, light and strong. A top choice for sensitive ears.
- Niobium: nickel-free and can be coloured by anodising.
- Implant grade or 316L stainless steel: low nickel release, widely used, good value.
- Sterling silver: well tolerated, but it tarnishes and is softer.
- Gold of 14 carat and above: very well tolerated, expensive.
- Medical plastic: nickel-free and cheap, good for kids' and sensitive lines.
- Plated brass: cheapest, with the highest risk.
Getting it right with a Rajkot maker
- Name the post material and grade in your specification, not just the word hypoallergenic.
- Ask whether posts are soldered, glued or riveted to the front. Solder may contain cadmium or lead if the wrong alloy is used.
- Require nickel-free plating on the whole piece, so no nickel underlayer is used.
- Check the backs and hooks too. A safe post with a nickel-plated butterfly back still touches the skin.
- Ask for an EN 1811 test on the post if you sell in the EU.
What this means for a buyer
Spend on the post before you spend on heavier plating on the front. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing: we confirm the findings used, have samples tested at NABL-accredited labs and supervise packing. See also the most common quality problems in imitation jewellery, or ask for a free sourcing review.