With white metals becoming increasingly popular, one expert is warning of the potential danger for causing allergies.

Antoinette Matlins, a consumer advocate in the jewellery sector, has pointed out that white gold is often mixed with nickel in the US to give it the white finish and make it stronger. But this can cause problems for as much as ten per cent of the US adult population because nickel-alloyed white gold has been linked to allergic contact-dermatitis, Ms Matlins explains.

However, one alternative for those looking to purchase white metal is likely to be platinum, or its cheaper sister metal, palladium.

"Consumers need to understand that they should be looking for alternatives," Ms Matlins explained.

She suggests that palladium in particular could be a big beneficiary, because it is more affordable for the majority of buyers than platinum but still offers the white look that has become so popular.

Ms Matlins also points out the potential of alloying gold with platinum or palladium. She claims that although these are more expensive than nickel-alloyed gold, they are cheaper than pure palladium or platinum and do not pose the health risk associated with nickel-alloyed gold.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd