Magnetic jewelry is any kind of jewelry (including bracelets, necklaces, rings and anklets) that contain magnets believed to promote wellness and relieve pain in what’s known as magnetic therapy.
As interest in magnetic therapy increases, magnetic jewelry continues to evolve. While some options are more affordable (like those made from plastic or stainless steel), other magnetic jewelry pieces may be constructed of higher quality metals like gold and silver and even adorned with beautiful gemstones and embellishments. The most popular form of magnetic jewelry is magnetic bracelets. These heal-promising wrist-embellishers are believed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation and joint pain, making them attractive for those seeking alternative pain relief.
Who shouldn’t use it
Magnetic jewelry can interfere with the function of medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid magnetic therapy as a precaution, as the effects on fetal development are not well understood. Individuals under the age of 18 and those with blood clotting disorders should also avoid magnetic jewelry and therapies. We recommend you seek your doctor's advice before trying any magnetic jewelry.
Expert opinion on magnetic jewelry
Do magnetic bracelets really work? Let’s dive into the research.
Research on magnetic therapy is still in its early stages. While tests show that magnets affect calcium and potassium ion movement outside the body, there’s no evidence magnets affect cells inside the body the same way. And one British study found neither copper nor magnetic bracelets provided pain relief compared to non-metallic bracelets. The Arthritis Foundation has stated that studies show magnetic and copper bracelets do not help arthritis pain or stiffness. Some believe reported benefits come from the placebo effect or unrelated improvements.
What is magnetic therapy?
Everyone’s body has magnetic and electric fields. Magnetic therapy suggests that some health issues (such as chronic pain, arthritis and migraine headaches) are caused by an imbalance in these fields. Some research suggests placing a magnetic field near the body can help restore balance, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. First proposed by German physician Franz Mesmer in the 16th century, magnetic therapy didn’t gain much traction until the twentieth century, as it began being used in treating long bone fractures.
Magnetic therapy is not quite as simple as taking magnets from your fridge and strapping them to your body! In fact, magnets used in magnetic jewelry are much stronger than the kind you hang your kid’s artwork up with on your fridge and freezer doors. A standard fridge magnet is roughly 100 gauss ("gauss" is the measurement for magnetic field strength). In comparison, magnetic therapy jewelry comes in strengths ranging from 300 to 5,000 gauss and beyond!
Electromagnetic therapy, in which electromagnets generate a magnetic field when electricity is applied, is another form of magnetic therapy; however, you’re not likely to find commercially sold jewelry with such magnets as a professional administers this form of magnetic therapy.
What is magnetic therapy used for?
While research studies are inconclusive, some believe that magnetic therapy may have benefits in the following areas:
Pain management
Chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and stiffness, fibromyalgia, sciatica, migraines and headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
Circulatory and cardiovascular issues
Poor circulation (cold hands and feet), varicose veins, high blood pressure, swelling and edema.
Skin and soft tissue conditions
Bruising, wounds, ulcers, bursitis and skin inflammation.
Bone and joint health
Osteoporosis, bone fractures (to promote healing) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Neurological conditions
Sleep disorders, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, migraines and nerve pain.
Weight loss
Some believe magnetic jewelry can assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger, satiety and circulation.
Other conditions
Chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual pain, post-surgical recovery (to reduce pain and swelling), TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Benefits of magnetic therapy
Sure, a shiny, new magnetic bracelet might be beautiful. But are there real benefits to magnetic bracelets and other magnetic jewelry types? While many individuals who use magnetic therapy find mild to significant benefits, it should be noted that not all reported benefits have been scientifically proven (more on research and study results below!).
Some who have used magnetic therapy have reported benefits in terms of mood, morale, and overall health, including enhanced mood and mental clarity, increased energy levels, reduction of stress and tension, and boosted immune system functions. Reported physical benefits include improved blood circulation, toxin removal, pain relief, reduced inflammation, decreased stiffness, and faster recovery and healing.
Are there any negative side effects of magnetic jewelry?
Generally, magnetics and magnet therapy are safe for most people. However, some side effects may occur, and certain individuals should avoid them altogether.
Possible side effects of magnetic jewelry and therapy
For individuals using magnetic jewelry or electromagnetic therapy, the following side effects may exist:
Wearing magnetic jewelry can cause skin irritation, especially for those with metal allergies, and may interfere with the function of medical devices like pacemakers.
Some individuals may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea or discomfort.
Additionally, if not used properly, magnetic therapy could worsen certain conditions, such as nerve pain or circulatory issues.
Insure your jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
If you want to try magnetic jewelry, first consult with your physician, and then consider insuring any valuable pieces with a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. Obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual is affordable and covers loss, damage and disappearances. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
Magnetic jewelry FAQ
If you’re looking for some short-and-sweet answers to general questions about magnetic jewelry, this is the place for you:
What is magnetic jewelry? Magnetic jewelry contains high-powered magnetics and is worn in contact with your skin.
What are the benefits of magnetic jewelry? Magnetic jewelry is believed to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation (key factors in many disorders) by some people. While some research suggests a correlation between the two, concrete evidence of these benefits has not been found.
What are the potential side effects of wearing magnetic jewelry? Possible side effects include skin irritation, interference with medical devices, headaches, dizziness, nausea and discomfort. Pregnant individuals should avoid magnetic therapy as the effects on fetal development are not well understood. If misused, it could also worsen certain conditions, such as nerve pain or circulatory issues.
Does science support the claimed benefits of magnetic jewelry? Some studies allude to magnetic therapy’s short-term pain relief and improved circulation, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. However, many studies are not conclusively able to prove its effectiveness. The placebo effect is often cited as a reason for people perceiving any benefits of magnetic therapy.
Is magnetic jewelry right for me? If you're eligible to use magnetic jewelry (i.e., not in the risk factor groups noted and have cleared it with your doctor!), it might be worth trying despite limited research on its effectiveness. Even if you're skeptical, the benefits of a possible placebo effect paired with a stylish new piece of jewelry could still be rewarding!
Should I wear a magnetic bracelet or a copper bracelet? While proponents claim magnetic and copper bracelets offer similar benefits, no studies show that either provides results beyond the placebo effect.
