Material Guide
Introduction
Why Comfort Matters in Jewelry
At Haute Haus, we believe beauty should never come at the cost of comfort. Choosing the right material is just as important as choosing the right style — especially for sensitive skin.
Understanding Sensitivities
Not all sensitivities are the same. Some people need jewelry that is completely hypoallergenic, meaning it is safe for even the most delicate skin with little to no risk of irritation. Others may do well with low allergen options, which are generally safe and comfortable but may occasionally trigger reactions for highly sensitive wearers.
Our Commitment
Every piece we curate is selected for its durability, comfort, and skin-friendliness. Whether you’re looking for everyday wear that feels effortless or a statement piece for special occasions, you can shop with confidence knowing that Haute Haus jewelry is designed with both style and care in mind.
How to Use This Guide
In the sections below, you’ll find our materials divided into two categories — Hypoallergenic and Low Allergen — so you can make the best choice for your skin and lifestyle.
Hypoallergenic Metals
Metals that are safest for sensitive skin, with virtually no risk of irritation.
Titanium
- Pure Titanium → 100% titanium, no nickel, fully hypoallergenic, best for people with very sensitive skin or allergies.
Titanium Steel (Titanium Alloy) → means titanium mixed with other metals (often stainless steel or other alloys) to increase strength, reduce cost, or adjust appearance. Still good for durability, lightweight feel, and low reactivity — but not as hypoallergenic as pure titanium.
Why it’s considered “hypoallergenic”: Titanium is extremely skin-friendly, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.
Safe for all-day wear: Rarely causes irritation, even for those with severe allergies.
Nickel-Free Sterling Silver (925)
92.5% pure silver + copper alloy: Contains no nickel when sourced from reputable jewelers.
Why it’s considered “hypoallergenic”: Safe for most sensitive skin because the absence of nickel reduces risk of irritation.
Safe for daily wear: Comfortable for nearly everyone, though a small number may react to copper.
Niobium
Naturally nickel-free: Niobium is a pure element that doesn’t require alloying with nickel or copper.
Why it’s considered “hypoallergenic”: It’s highly biocompatible and often used in medical implants.
Safe for even the most sensitive skin: Rarely triggers any allergic reaction.
Low Allergen Metals
Metals with very low chances of causing reactions but may not be 100% irritation-free for everyone.
316L Stainless Steel (Surgical Grade)
- Composition: 16% chromium, 10% nickel, 2% molybdenum
Why it’s “low allergen”: Nickel is present but locked tightly in the alloy’s structure, reducing skin contact
Durability: Excellent resistance to tarnish, corrosion, and wear
Skin sensitivity: Safe for most people, but a small number may still react
Best use: Everyday wear, especially for those with mild to moderate sensitivity
316 Stainless Steel (Standard Grade)
- Composition: 16–18% chromium, 10–12% nickel
Nickel difference: Slightly higher nickel content than 316L, making it less suitable for very sensitive skin
Durability: Strong, heat-resistant, and retains shine well
Skin sensitivity: Generally safe for everyday wear, but not as hypoallergenic as 316L
Best use: Affordable, long-lasting option for those without strong nickel allergies
304 Stainless Steel
Affordable and durable: A widely used alloy that resists tarnish and wear.
Slightly higher nickel content than 316L: While still safe for many, it may trigger irritation in people with stronger sensitivities.
Good for everyday wear with mild sensitivity.
Sterling Silver (Standard Alloys)
Made of 92.5% silver, alloyed with copper. Copper is generally safe, but a small percentage of people experience mild irritation.
Comparison with hypoallergenic silver: Nickel-free sterling silver is safer than low-grade alloys that may sneak in nickel. Trusted jewelers usually label their pieces clearly.
Other Materials
Gold-Plated over Stainless Steel/Titanium
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating adds durability: Unlike traditional plating, it lasts longer and resists fading.
Why plating helps reduce reactions: The skin touches the gold layer, not the base metal, reducing chances of irritation.
Longevity and care: With proper storage and gentle cleaning, plating can last years while staying skin-friendly.
Acrylic / Resin (Nickel-Free, Lightweight, Playful Designs)
Nickel-Free: Acrylic and resin jewelry are naturally free of nickel, making them a safe choice for sensitive skin.
Lightweight: These materials are much lighter than metals, offering comfort for everyday wear, especially for bold or oversized styles.
Playful Designs: Acrylic and resin allow for vibrant colors, unique shapes, and experimental textures that metals cannot easily achieve.
Durability: While strong for casual wear, they can be more prone to scratches compared to metals. Proper storage helps maintain their look.
Gold Vermeil (Gold Over Sterling Silver)
- Premium Standard: Gold vermeil is a thick layer of genuine gold (minimum 2.5 microns) plated over sterling silver, giving a luxury finish at a more affordable price than solid gold.
Hypoallergenic Base: Since the core is sterling silver (nickel-free), vermeil is safe for most sensitive skin types.
Durability: More durable than regular gold-plated jewelry due to the thicker gold layer, but it still requires care to prevent wear over time.
Appearance: Offers the rich, warm tone of real gold, making it visually indistinguishable from solid gold when new.
Jewelry Care Guide
Cleaning and Storing to Prevent Irritation
- Wipe jewelry with a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth after each wear to remove sweat, oils, and dust.
Store pieces in separate pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching, tangling, or contact with other metals.
For acrylic/resin and gold-plated/vermeil jewelry, store away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.
How to Maximize Life of Your Jewelry
- Keep jewelry dry whenever possible. Moisture can dull shine and weaken plating over time.
Apply perfumes, lotions, and sprays before putting on jewelry to prevent chemical reactions.
Rotate jewelry instead of wearing the same piece daily to reduce wear and tear.
When to Avoid Certain Metals (Swimming, Sweat, Chemicals)
- Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can damage plating, alloys, and dull resin/acrylic finishes. Remove jewelry before entering pools or the ocean.
Sweat: Prolonged exposure to sweat can speed up tarnish and wear, especially for plated jewelry. Take off jewelry during intense workouts.
Chemicals: Household cleaners, perfumes, and hair sprays can react with both metals and resins. Always remove jewelry before cleaning or applying beauty products.
