We have been hearing horrendous stories about another body jewellery shop giving misleading information about their products and the nickel content. This is pure neglect for the sake of making a couple of quick bucks and it's unfortunate that the customer is the one who suffers, both in loosing money on jewellery they can't wear and also having to suffer another reaction and spend time healing (or worse - loose their piercing).
I have a nickel allergy and have experienced this problem with my navel piercing first hand. I know it isn't pleasant (or attractive) and if you're reading this article, then you probably do too. I have published this blog so that you can be accurately informed about metal allergies and find appropriate navel jewellery for your skin type.
If belly piercings make your belly button itchy and/or break out in a rash, you may have a nickel allergy. Metal allergies are very common, largely because nickel is a material used in many every day products, not just jewellery. To name a few - watches, zippers, buttons, coins, and sunglasses frames.
Symptoms include itching, dry patches, red skin, swelling, welting and sometimes blistering. Typically the rash occurs at the point of contact.
If you suspect you have a nickel allergy it is important to see your doctor. A doctor can determine if it is an allergy or an infection. Either of which will need appropriate care and consideration in order for you to obtain a healthy happy belly piercing. Both are easily treated, but if you have a nickel allergy, you need to avoid wearing nickel on or near your piercing as the allergy will inevitably flare up again within days, potentially within hours.
A dermatologist can also perform a skin patch test to confirm the type of metals you are allergic to and your sensitivity levels.
Unfortunately once a nickel allergy is present, it will most likely be with you for the rest of your life.
Surgical stainless steel is suitable for nickel allergies HOWEVER be aware, most fashion belly rings on the market (the dangling belly rings and the fixed fancies you find for less than $15) are comprised with non-surgical grade materials. This means that while the surgical steel shaft is fine to wear, the charm or dangly part is NOT and you will begin to suffer an allergy within a short timeframe of wearing these materials.
If surgical steel is your chosen material, stick with basic surgical steel belly rings and avoid costume/fashion jewellery.
You can also opt for 14K, 18K or 24K solid yellow gold - however you can not wear "plated" jewellery as this will eventually peel and fade away once again exposing your skin to the metal that you're allergic to. White gold unfortunately contains a higher level of nickel than yellow gold and can also pose a problem for those with allergies. Other safe nickel free belly ring materials include pure sterling silver, platinum and solid titanium. Some also find that the all acrylic (PTFE) belly rings are suitable, however these have a shorter lifespan than quality materials.
Do you know we offer a LIFETIME guarantee on our TummyToys® clasps. That's how confident we are that you will be satisfied with your purchase when you shop with us. Check out our testimonials here and see what our customers are saying about us.
“A super special thanks for sending me the pink belly bar! It arrived yesterday and it is absolutely stunning! I have no words! That colour of pink and gold is my absolute favourite colour of gold ever! I wish all solid rose gold could be that pink & gorgeous! It is hands down the most stunning belly ring that I have ever seen. However, since I purchased my 1st (but definitely not my last) Tummy Toy, I love them so so much I don't want to and wont ever, wear any other style of belly bar! They are my hands down favorite and hands down the best belly piercings around anywhere! Thank you for your very wise words regarding my daughters piercing, I sincerely appreciated it very much. I gave her the romance bar because she loves it so much & before that I had given her the cupid bar & neither bar has affected her in any way at all which is brilliant! It also says so much for your integrity as a seller as you absolutely only sell high quality belly bars & rings! Thank you Helene! I very much look forward to purchasing from you again really soon! Take care Helene, thank you so much for everything, it has been a true pleasure to have been able to message with you like this. With kindest thanks & best regards, Nadia“
“My TummyToy sterling silver sleeper belly ring was the purchase I ever made online. I was working at McDonalds and I was 15 and I thought your products were so cool and different I decided to make the (then) very extreme decision to actually purchase something from the internet! Haha! That was nearly 8 years ago now and I just took it out earlier today to give it a polish and realised how long it had been. I still love my belly ring dearly and have not taken it out other than for a clean. I just wanted to say that I still think your products are so cool and the quality is outstanding. Thank you for giving me my first and favourite internet purchase ever.“
“Just received my beautiful silver tummy toys huggy and swinger. I Love them, so different, so comfy and I will be back for more. Never seem anything like this here in the UK so it's causing quite a few comments. Thank you so much. “
“I had been having a lot of trouble with infections since I had my belly pierced eight months ago. I thought this may be due to the titanium in the cheaper style rings so purchased this silver one in the hope it would help. I'm pleased to report it has worked, so I will now be looking at getting the silver rings with gem stones.“
“I picked up my belly ring from the post office yesterday. It is all safe and sound and fits really well. It looks beautiful!! Thank you so much for all your help with this - you've really gone above and beyond!“
“I just recently found your website & I love it!!! I bought a sterling silver belly ring (I have an allergy to nickel & had a hard time finding these type of rings). I received my belly ring today & LOVE it!! It is so pretty & easy to put in!!! I just bought a charm to go with it & I can't wait for it to come in.“
“Love it! At first i wasn't sure if I liked it as its so different to my other belly bars I've bought in the past but I've definitely grown to love the simplicity of it! I think I'd like to buy a rose gold one now :p“
“Wow this is what I call to be on time, my package have arrived 2 days after I made the order, have to say that I am very impressed with my new belly rings, they look even better than in the web page, thanks so much for the gift, I loved it!“
“Loving my shopping experience. Thank you for having such a wonderful website. I have looked all over at a variety of other sites and stores, and you not only have a fantastic selection of all the metals, but great prices.“
“Just letting you know the present arrived yesterday for my partner’s birthday that I ordered earlier this week. She was extremely impressed and overwhelmed with the surprise. She cannot wait till we see each other in January to thank me for it. Again, thank you for the wonderful service and product that you provided.“
“Good morning Helene, The gift went very well and was quiet a surprise for my friends birthday. It finally arrived considering the issue we had with Australia Post, they weren't always too helpful, I have addressed that issue with them already, just awaiting for a reply from them. The service and support that you provided was extremely appreciated and professional, I thank you very much for that. I have liked the products and service from your company, which is obvious by me placing another order for my wonderful partner for her birthday which she will receive by the weekend, fingers cross. I have also been trying to do this while overseas with work, so the time difference is difficult. Thank you for everything and keep up the awesome work and customer service.“
“I got my navel pierced for my birthday last year and, as I am sure many of you know, these things heal relatively slowly, with fits and starts of irritation. I was using the original piercing jewelry (stainless steel barbell) but, of course, it would get caught on something every now and then and there would be another bout of irritation, Plus, stainless just isn't the same as gold or silver for me. I found Tummy Toys online and found the sleeper belly ring - silver and meant for comfort - and figured that I had to try it. Well, I order it and some other jewelry. I live in the U.S. and I was given a deliver by date of 10/9. The jewelry arrived about September 5th, which was great. But the silver sleeper belly ring is really the star. It is comfortable and doesn't get caught on clothing. The metal does not irritate my piercing. I am so happy! If you have trouble with irritating metal or jewelry that gets caught on clothing, Tummy Toys is a must buy!“
“Received my belly ring today and it's absolutely stunning on. I wasn't expecting the shipping to be so fast. I like the free belly ring too. Keep up the great job TummyToys, please be expecting me to come back and order some more soon :)“
