Is it possible to be allergic to Nickel?

What metal could I be allergic to? (Not nickel)?

• I've never had problems with allergies before. I've never been allergic to anything really. But a few weeks ago I bought a silver necklace from Claire's (obviously it wouldn't have been pure silver) but I had a pretty bad and sudden reaction to it. Now to me this was completley shocking, I wear a lot of jewellery which feels as much a part of me as something like my hair. So I was kind of upset to have this reaction. My mum is allergic to nickel so I thought maybe I might be too. I bought something containing a high percentage of nickel and wore it, with no reaction after 3 weeks. But then a few days ago I bought a cheap pair of earrings in a sale and within hours my earlobes were itchy, gunky and swollen. Again today, I wore a new watch and within a few hours it felt like it was burning me and has left a red mark, but this watch is gold plated. I'm really confused. There are several pieces of jewellery I've worn 24/7 for about 5 years which are all fine, these include; a sterling silver thumb ring, a 9ct gold thumb ring, a titanium tongue bar, a 18ct gold hoop in upper ear, 9ct gold nose stud and a sterling silver bracelet. Does anyone know what I could be allergic to? Any help would be much appreciated.

• Answer:

  A lot of silver toned costume jewelry is far from being sterling silver. It may look like it, but it isn't. The first thing I'd do is take the jewelry back to Claire's to see if they can identify what's in it. You may also be able to send an inquiry to their corporate office once you have the model # or UPC code number if the store personnel doesn't know. I do have allergies (not to jewelry!). One thing I've learned is that the materials that cause sensitivity can change over time. Just because you haven't had allergies in the past doesn't mean you can't develop them. So if Claire's isn't of any help, look up a medical doctor who specializes in allergies.