Hypoallergenic jewelry is jewelry made from materials unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The term means "less likely to cause allergies," not completely allergy-proof. Truly skin-friendly jewelry uses low nickel release base metals such as 316L surgical steel, titanium, or platinum, avoiding the reactive metals (primarily nickel and cobalt) that cause most jewelry-related skin reactions.

The word is unregulated in the US, meaning any brand can use it without testing or certification. Always ask for the specific base metal grade rather than trusting the label alone. See our complete guide: The Complete Guide to Hypoallergenic Jewelry →

Yes. Every piece is built on 316L surgical steel, the same low nickel release alloy used in medical implants and surgical instruments. Nickel in the base metal is the most common cause of jewelry reactions, and 316L is documented as a low nickel release material, which is why it is the standard for sensitive skin.

The people who make Caeli have reactive skin and wore these pieces daily for six months with no reaction. Learn more about nickel allergy and jewelry →

No, gold plated brass is not reliably hypoallergenic. The gold layer is a coating over a brass base. Brass frequently contains nickel as a hardening agent, and as the gold plating wears away through normal use, the reactive brass makes direct contact with your skin. Jewelry that causes no reaction for months can suddenly cause reactions once the plating thins.

The base metal determines long-term safety, not the gold finish. This is why Caeli uses 316L surgical steel as the base: even as the gold layer shows wear over time, the exposed steel remains low nickel release and gentle on skin. Gold plated vs gold filled vs vermeil, full comparison →

These terms describe how the gold is applied and over what base:

• Gold plated: a thin gold layer over a base metal (often brass).
• Gold filled: a thicker, mechanically bonded gold layer.
• Gold vermeil: a US FTC-defined term that specifically requires at least 2.5 microns of 10K-plus gold over a sterling silver base.

What matters most for sensitive skin is the base metal underneath. Caeli uses a 14K gold plated finish over a 316L surgical steel base, chosen because the steel base stays safe on reactive skin even as the gold shows wear over years. Compare the three →

Hypoallergenic does not automatically mean tarnish-resistant, these are separate properties. Tarnishing depends on whether the base metal oxidizes.

316L surgical steel is highly resistant to oxidation, so jewelry built on it has far better tarnish resistance than brass-based pieces. Caeli's 14K gold over surgical steel holds its color far longer than standard gold plating over brass, which fades as the plating wears. Full guide: does hypoallergenic jewelry tarnish? →

316L surgical steel is highly resistant to tarnish, rust, and corrosion, and it will not leave a green mark the way brass or copper can. The 14K gold plated finish is designed to hold its color with proper care.

The 316L surgical steel base underneath stays tarnish and corrosion resistant and resists wear from daily use, showering, and exercise.

Every Caeli piece is built on 316L surgical-grade stainless steel with a 14K gold plated finish.

• 316L steel: the same low nickel release grade used in medical implants, gentle on sensitive skin and highly tarnish-resistant and water-resistant
• 14K gold: a 14K gold plated finish that gives the warm gold color
• Low nickel release: 316L is documented as a low nickel release alloy, the reason it is the standard base for sensitive-skin jewelry

The finish is real 14K gold, a layer of genuine 14-karat gold applied over a 316L surgical steel base.

It is not solid gold, but the gold you see and touch is real 14K gold. The surgical steel base provides durability, low nickel release for sensitive skin, and water resistance that solid gold cannot offer. Compare gold plated, gold filled, and vermeil →

It depends on the base metal and plating thickness. Caeli's 14K gold over 316L surgical steel is water-resistant and safe for showers. The surgical steel base does not react to water or moisture, and daily showers, sweat, rain, and hand washing will not harm it.

We recommend rinsing after prolonged exposure to chlorinated pools or saltwater to preserve the gold finish over time, not because the steel is affected, but because chlorine can accelerate gold layer wear. Full shower jewelry guide →

Yes, Caeli jewelry is designed for daily wear. You can:

• ✓ Shower, hot or cold water, daily showers
• ✓ Exercise, gym, yoga, running, any activity
• ✓ Sleep, comfortable and safe overnight
• ✓ Everyday life, rain, humidity, hand washing
• ⚠ Chlorinated pools & saltwater, rinse after to preserve gold finish

The 316L surgical steel base is highly water-resistant and does not corrode. The gold finish is water-resistant, prolonged chlorine or saltwater exposure can accelerate gold wear over time. Jewelry you can sleep in: what's actually safe →

US Domestic: 3-7 business days with free shipping on orders over $50. Orders under $50 have a flat $5.95 shipping fee.

International: 7-21 business days depending on destination. Rates calculated at checkout.

All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships. See our full Shipping Policy →

We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your Caeli piece, return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

Conditions:

• Item must be unworn and in original condition
• Original packaging included
• For hygiene reasons, pierced earrings can only be returned if unworn and unopened
• Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number to initiate

Return shipping is free for US customers, we'll email a prepaid return label. See our full Returns & Refunds Policy →

Yes, we ship to over 50 countries worldwide. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by location and are calculated at checkout. All international orders include tracking. Customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes charged by their country.

Yes, free exchanges within 30 days for US customers. Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number and the item you want instead. We'll send your new item and provide a prepaid return label for the original.

Best method: Visit a local jeweler for professional sizing (free at most jewelry stores).

At-home method:

1. Wrap a string around your finger where the ring will sit
2. Mark where the string overlaps
3. Measure the length in millimeters
4. Compare to a standard US ring size chart

Pro tip: Measure at the end of the day when fingers are slightly larger. The ring should slide on with slight resistance and off with a gentle tug.

Yes, all Caeli necklaces feature a 2-inch extender chain, giving you flexibility in length. Standard lengths range from 16 to 18 inches. A 16" chain sits at the collarbone; 18" sits just below. For layering: How to Layer Necklaces Without Looking Overdone →

We offer free size exchanges within 30 days. Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number and we'll ship your new size with a return label for the original.

Daily cleaning: Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue.

Deep cleaning:

1. Soak briefly (20 to 30 seconds) in warm water with one drop of mild dish soap
2. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, no pressure
3. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water
4. Pat dry immediately, never air dry

Never use: toothpaste, bleach, rubbing alcohol, commercial jewelry cleaner, or abrasive materials, these thin the gold layer. See our complete jewelry cleaning guide →

With proper care, the 14K gold finish will hold its color. To get the most life from the plated finish, follow the care tips below.

To maximize longevity:

• Wipe after each wear
• Apply perfume and lotions before putting jewelry on
• Rinse after chlorinated pools or saltwater
• Store in the provided pouch
• Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach, household cleaners)

We accept:

• All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay
• Buy Now, Pay Later, Klarna and Afterpay (4 interest-free payments)

All transactions are encrypted and secure.

Yes. Every Caeli order arrives gift-ready in our signature box with a care card and story card. No price information is included. Add a personal gift message at checkout at no charge. The recipient can exchange for a different size within 30 days.

Every Caeli design is produced in a small, limited run of around 100 pieces. Once a design sells through, we retire it, no restocks, no second run, no seasonal recreation.

It keeps the collection small and intentional, and it means the piece you choose stays rare. If a design speaks to you, it is rarely a mistake to act while it is still here.

Contact us at hello@caelijewelry.com or call (832) 224-5786. We respond within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. Every message is read and answered by a real person.