[Jewelry making - Article 00252] - Re: [Orchid] Alergy too all metals?

[JETT Research]

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    Dear Mr. Michael R. Mathews Sr. I have never experienced someone that
    is allergic to all metals.  I sort of doubt that this is the case. 
    First I would suggest that you get a set of plastic ring sizers from
    somewhere, cut the one that is their size from the group (at their
    expense of course).  File off any tabs that would make it
    uncomfortable and ask them to wear it for a few days just as an
    experiment before you go jumping through any flaming hoops.  It is
    very possible that what they are allergic to is environmental or
    personal rather than metallurgic.  Of course some people have
    reactions to various metals such as nickel on rare occasion so don't
    think I take this lightly.  The more important thing is to help your
    customer discover the truth.  I am a diver and when I come out of
    salt water, if I don't rinse my face with fresh water before it
    dries, my face will burn almost immediately due to the salt
    concentration on my face.  The same thing happens when I am out
    working on my yard in the New Mexico desert.  I always keep a water
    jug to drink and to pour over my face so that my own salt does not
    concentrate.   You might ask what type of work this person does,
    where their hands go during the day, do they rinse their hands
    frequently, etc...   This is what I meant by environmental or
    personal. 

    If it turns out that they are in fact allergic to most metals, their
    are alternatives.  There are some UV curing materials that you can
    coat a jewelry item with, inside and out that are transparent, and
    quite durable. Another thing you might try before you give up on
    metals for all time are things that have a natural oxide coating like
    Titanium.  Titanium is so reactive that it forms an oxide coating
    just from existing in the metallic state.  Some shapes are also
    better than others to reduce this effect. Comfort fit (inside round)
    bands tend to trap fewer contaminants than do flat bands or shanks. 
    Good luck with your customer. 

Best Regards,
J. Tyler Teague
JETT Research
(Jewelry Engineering, Training, & Technology)


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