Our Vintage Jewellery - Allergy Advice
OUR CHARM BAR CHAINS
Most of our regular charm bar bracelets and necklaces are made from brass, and then either 22ct gold plated, or if a silver colour, these have been tin plated (otherwise referred to by us as, i-rhodium (imitation rhodium)). These chains are most unlikely to cause any allergic skin reactions.
Some of our charm bar bracelets and necklaces are original authentic vintage chains, which can be a mix of metals, (see below), but can equally often have a pure 100% brass base. These have been coated with an 18ct or 22ct gold plate, or the silver coloured chains will either be silver plated or tin plated (as above). A very small % may alternatively be nickel plated.
METAL COMPOSITION
In common with almost all vintage costume jewellery, the main component is tin, followed by steel, stainless steel, brass, lead, copper etc...and sometimes, with a trace of nickel in some of the items. The jewellery was then sealed with usually silver plate, or 18ct/22ct gold plate (and was often double gold plated).
As we were not involved in the actual manufacturing of the items, as this was so many years ago, we cannot guarantee the actual mix of metals in the composition of any particular item of jewellery, more than we have stated above. We get very few allergic reactions to the nickel - but we have on a few rare occasions. So, if you have sensitive skin with a known allergy to nickel, we would suggest sticking to our modern brass chains for bracelets and necklaces, and to avoid the vintage chains & earrings – any brooches worn over clothes, not directly on the skin, will generally also be fine. Most people will know already if they have such an allergy to nickel but anyone is welcome to ask the staff in advance, which are which, and they will guide you.
If any person, exceptionally, does suffer a minor allergic nickel reaction to a piece of our vintage jewellery, just take a pic of the skin irritation and send to us, and we will offer you a replacement, (non nickel) item instead, or a full refund.
OUR CHARMS
Our charm bar contains a mix of modern charms and also original 1980s/90s vintage charms (some older). We have tried to make it quite clear which are modern and which are vintage.
The modern charms are most unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
The vintage charms, are also unlikely to cause any allergic reaction as most are brass and coated with 18ct/22ct gold plate. But there is always a small possibility of some inclusion of nickel in some of the vintage charms. See above section for details on this. Do ask the staff for guidance if you are not sure of anything and wish for clarification.