This is the collection for women whose skin reacts to everything else. If you have tried hypoallergenic earrings that still made your lobes burn, gold plated necklaces that still left a green mark, or sterling silver that still caused redness, you are not alone. Roughly 10 to 20 percent of women in North America have some level of nickel sensitivity. Most fashion jewelry triggers it because the base metal is brass or copper, both of which contain nickel.

Every piece in this collection is built from 316L surgical steel, the same medical grade alloy used in pacemakers, joint replacements, and orthopedic implants. 316L is chosen for those applications specifically because it minimizes nickel exposure. The visible gold finish is 14K gold plating at 2.5 plus microns, roughly 25 to 50 times thicker than the plating on standard fashion jewelry. The base is what makes every piece safe. The plating is what holds up to daily wear.

Why this collection is different

Most jewelry labeled hypoallergenic uses thin plating over a nickel containing base. The label is technically accurate at the surface but irrelevant once the plating wears off, which on standard plated jewelry happens within weeks. Caeli pieces are different in two ways: the base is 316L surgical steel from the start, not nickel containing brass or copper, and the plating is 25 to 50 times thicker than industry standard. Read the full breakdown on our Hypoallergenic Promise page.

Where to start

• If you have given up on necklaces: start with the Whisper Chain Necklace. The contact area is the smallest in the catalogue and the price is the lowest at $78.
• If you have given up on earrings: start with the Echo Studs. Low profile, 316L posts, designed for 24 hour wear including sleep.
• If you have given up on rings: start with the Silhouette Ring. Ultra thin, ultra light, designed to disappear.
• For the full sensitive skin starter set: the Everyday Essentials Bundle includes Whisper Chain Necklace, Balance Bar Bracelet, and Echo Studs, all at the lowest contact surface and lowest reactivity risk.

Materials and care

Every piece in this collection is 316L surgical grade stainless steel with 14K gold plating at 2.5 plus microns. Shower safe, sweat safe, sleep safe. If you have a severe metal allergy, please consult your dermatologist before any new jewelry purchase. If a piece causes a reaction, our 30 day return policy is unconditional. Email hello@caelijewelry.com and we make it right.

Read the guides

The Complete Guide to Hypoallergenic Jewelry covers the metals that react, the metals that do not, and what to ask before any jewelry purchase. The Nickel Allergy and Jewelry guide covers symptoms, testing, and lifelong management. The Jewelry You Can Sleep In guide covers which pieces are safe for 24 hour wear.

Common questions

How do I know if I am allergic to nickel?

Most people figure it out from a reaction to costume jewelry, watch backs, jeans buttons, or earring posts. A dermatologist can run a patch test. The American Academy of Dermatology has a full guide.

Is 316L surgical steel really safe for nickel allergies?

316L is the medical grade designation. It is the same material used in pacemakers and joint replacements specifically because it does not cause reactions in most people. If your allergy is severe, consult your dermatologist before any new jewelry.

What if a piece still causes a reaction?

Our 30 day return is unconditional. Email us and we refund. Some people have such severe nickel allergies that even 316L causes irritation. In those cases solid titanium or solid 14K gold are the only options, and we will tell you that honestly.