What does "hypoallergenic" mean?

The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as "Having little likelihood of causing an allergic response."

One of the more common metal allergies that people may have is to nickel. One thing that many people do not realize, is that Surgical Stainless Steel contains a small amount of Nickel (usually 8% in jewelry). If you have only a slight allergy, then you can probably wear Surgical Stainless Steel for a few hours, or possibly all day. Or, you may be so sensitive to nickel that not only can you not wear any earrings with it in them, but also you cannot wear watches, or have the buttons on your Levi's touch your skin.

Niobium and titanium are colored by immersion in a saltwater bath, an electrical current changes the color of the metal surface, the color determined by different voltage levels.

Anodizing itself is a process that adjusts the oxide level of metal surfaces. This adjustment changes the spectrum of light, resulting in perceived color. By precisely specifying the surface oxide level, an entire range of colors can be produced. Anodizing is not a coating, nor does it use dyes. Therefore, the integrity and properties of the base metal along with its suitability in biomedical applications are not compromised.

Niobium and Titanium are a type of refractory metal that have an interesting relationship with oxygen. Oxygen causes a structural change in the metal’s surface crystals creating an oxide. The oxide is as hypoallergenic as titanium, but has a unique light refractory property that causes the metal to appear in various colors to the human eye. The oxidization is produced by a heating process that causes the titanium to change color.

The color will not fade or chip though it can be scratched off. Niobium and titanium are not colored through the entire depth of the metal. Although both are very strong metals, as with any metal it can, and will scratch, and with scratching, the color can be removed.

Attaching ear wires:

When you attach them to the earring, remember to bend the jump-ring only enough to get the ear wire on. Twist the ring, rather than opening it out, to avoid overworking the stress point.
 

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