Allergies to nickel are becoming more and more common. Nickel is a metal that can cause itching and rashes on sensitive skin. You can find it in many of the things that touch our skin, like cell phones, glasses frames and coins (remember 5 cents?). And especially jewelry.

In recent years, more and more of my customers have let us know about their allergies to wearing jewelry that is not nickel free. As a designer, it is hard to tell a customer that our jewelry may not be the best thing for her to wear. So earlier this year, I decided to completely re-engineer my jewelry production process in order remove all traces of nickel. 

Changing the materials we use to make our designs has been a complicated process involving a lot of research to understand what we needed to do. Then we had to find the best suppliers for our materials. It has been a significant and rewarding investment in thought, time and resources. My team and I worked long and hard to make it happen.

And now I am very pleased to announce that, from now on, all of Shaya NYC's jewelry is 100% nickel free.

We have replaced all brass elements with sterling silver. This means that we are now plating over sterling instead of brass, which makes for higher quality, longer lasting finishes. We are very careful with our plating processes as well, to ensure quality and purity. 

My aim with Shaya NYC has always been to make beautiful jewelry designs for my clients to wear for any occasion. I am very excited about this new approach because it will allow us to serve all our clients in the US.

It also means that Shaya NYC jewelry now meets the highest international standards. We look forward to opening doors for wholesale opportunities in Europe and elsewhere.

This business decision was an easy one for me to make. I want my customers to enjoy all my designs in complete comfort and good health.

Thank you,

Shaya

(Photo courtesy of www.spratlingsilver.com)