Gold and Nickel Release From Jeweller‐Purchased 10K and 14K Gold Earrings in Cysteine‐Modified Artificial Sweat

ABSTRACT Background Gold contact allergy is common, but its clinical relevance is often uncertain. A previous study of low‐cost gold‐plated earrings found frequent nickel release and detectable gold release under cysteine‐modified artificial sweat. Objectives To assess surface composition and release of gold, nickel and copper from jeweller‐purchased earrings marketed as 10K or 14K gold. Methods Five pairs of earrings were examined by scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ) with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy ( EDS ). Release testing used cysteine‐modified artificial sweat at pH 8.0 ± 0.2 and 30°C for 168 h. Metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( ICP ‐ MS ). Results Surfaces consisted mainly of gold, copper, silver and zinc. EDS ‐detected gold ranged from 40 to 63 wt%, and nickel from 0.085 to 0.20 wt%. Nickel release was < LOD in all pairs. Gold release was detected from all pairs (median 0.057 μg/cm 2 /week, range: 0.016–0.15). Copper release exceeded gold release in all samples (median: 0.53 μg/cm 2 /week, range: 0.36–2.2). Conclusion Jeweller‐purchased 10K / 14K gold earrings released measurable gold but not detectable nickel under cysteine‐modified artificial sweat conditions. Gold release provides a plausible exposure pathway but does not establish sensitization or elicitation risk.