Is it hypoallergenic?
'Ipoallergenico' — i-po-al-ler-JE-ni-co. Seven syllables — take it slowly.
Ask if you have metal allergies — particularly nickel allergy, which is common. Italian consumer law restricts nickel content in jewellery. Platinum, titanium, and 18-carat gold are generally safe.
'Ipoallergenico' = hypoallergenic. EU Regulation restricts nickel (nichel) release in jewellery to 0.5μg/cm²/week. Common allergen: nickel, found in cheaper metals and some alloys. 'Platino' (platinum), 'titanio' (titanium), 'oro 18 carati' are generally hypoallergenic.
Sono allergica al nichel.
I am allergic to nickel.
States the specific allergy.
Questo contiene nichel?
Does this contain nickel?
Asks directly about nickel content.
Avete gioielli in titanio?
Do you have titanium jewellery?
Asks for the safest metal option.
Nickel allergy ('allergia al nichel') affects about 10% of the population in Italy and Europe, particularly women. EU Directive 94/27/EC (now part of REACH regulation) limits nickel release in jewellery. Italian consumer organisations actively monitor compliance.