Jewelry and Nickel Content

Question:

Is there a simple test or procedure to determine if a piece of jewelry contains nickel? I am not in a position to purchase expensive laboratory instruments. M. B.

Answer:

With all the concern about nickel in the environment, your question is rather timely. It is estimated that as much as 10% of the population suffers from skin allergies that are typically lumped together as nickel dermatitis. Hence the concern about nickel in jewelry.

Featured Content

Polishing vs. Buffing: What's the Difference?

TTX Environmental Solves Customer Issue with Electro-Ceramic Desalination Wastewater Processing

Fixing Corrosion Between Anodized Aluminum and Steel

The piece of jewelry should be cleaned and rinsed and then dipped in a 2% dimethylglyoxime in alcohol solution. The part is dried and then hung in a desiccator, which contains a concentrated ammonium hydroxide. If nickel is present, you should see a pinkish color on the piece after 10 minutes or so.

Dimethylglyoxime can be purchased from chemical supply houses. The procedure should be performed in a hood.