Titanium in Detail
For anyone who wants the full picture. Here's the complete, honest version — standards, limits, and sources, all in one place.
Which titanium we use
Paulina Michelle jewelry is made from ultra-pure, medical-grade titanium (Grade 1 & 2, per the ASTM F67 standard). It's the same material used in medical technology — for surgical implants, for example — thanks to its extreme tissue compatibility and corrosion resistance. That gives it the highest purity standard achievable in jewelry materials.
- Pure titanium to medical standard ASTM F67 (Grade 1 & 2)
- Contains no nickel from the outset
- Gold finish: 18K gold PVD coating · Silver finish: platinum PVD coating
- Waterproof: shower, swim, sleep — no need to take it off
- Won't tarnish or discolor, scratch-resistant and ultra-lightweight
What actually matters in Europe: the REACH regulation
Instead of relying on a word like "hypoallergenic" — which isn't legally protected — we go by what's actually measurable and regulated in the EU. The REACH regulation (Annex XVII, entry 27) sets out how much nickel jewelry is allowed to release onto skin:
- No more than 0.5 µg per cm² per week for normal, prolonged skin contact.
- No more than 0.2 µg per cm² per week for parts inserted directly into pierced ears.
This is tested according to the European standards EN 1811 and EN 12472. Pure titanium doesn't just fall under these limits — it contains no nickel to begin with, so there's nothing to release. That's the difference between a word on packaging and a material that passes a legal test before it reaches you.
What the science says about titanium tolerance
A cross-sectional study by Hosoki et al. (2018, Tokushima University Hospital, published in the Journal of Prosthodontic Research) examined 270 people suspected of metal allergy using patch testing. The results:
- 80.4% (217 of 270) tested positive for at least one metal.
- Mercury, palladium, chromium, and nickel triggered reactions far more often than other metals.
- Only 6.3% (17 reactions) were attributed to titanium allergens.
- Not a single case reacted exclusively to titanium.
Honesty stays honesty: titanium isn't magically reaction-free either — in rare cases, the body can still react to it. But it's by far the most tolerable metal for sensitive skin, and that's exactly why we build on it. We don't promise miracles — we promise the measurably best material.
Care that's barely care at all
Titanium needs very little. Mild soap, warm water, dry it well — that's it. You don't need to take your earrings off before showering, swimming, or sleeping. They won't discolor or tarnish. About the only way to damage them is leaving them among rough objects — a small, dry spot is all they need.
From first idea to first major production run
Paulina Michelle isn't a corporation with its own factory. Every pre-order you place helps fund our first larger titanium production run. For you, that means no anonymous shelf product — it's a piece you're directly part of bringing to life. If you have questions about sourcing, certification, or testing, just reach out — I answer personally.
Sources
Hosoki M, Nishigawa K, Tajima T, Ueda M, Matsuka Y. Cross-sectional observational study exploring clinical risk of titanium allergy caused by dental implants. J Prosthodont Res. 2018;62(4):426–431.
EU Regulation REACH (EC) No. 1907/2006, Annex XVII, entry 27 (nickel). Test standards EN 1811 and EN 12472.
ASTM F67 — Standard Specification for Unalloyed Titanium for Surgical Implant Applications.