These are real 14k gold. I'm super allergic to most medals, esp nickel, to the point my ears balloon up for several days.I put these hoopss in my ears last week ( I ordered two), have slept with them, showered with them, run/exercised in them, etc....and have had zero issues. So as of right now they have been in my ears for almost 7 days-- and I have had no reaction (normally get a reaction w/n 1-2 days if not 14k and up).They are a small gauge, and I love how danity they look....they matched my other rose gold studs I have in my ears perfectly. It is best to have some tweezers, or small set of pliers to close them once they are in your ear-- or get a friend to help. I was able to close them without-- but it was a little tricky...just had to kep moving the hoop once in, around to where I could see the ends in the mirror and slide it back once it was closed