Does piercing jewellery really matter?

In short, YES! When we perform a piercing, we create a wound in the body and adorn it with a piece of jewellery. It's crucial that the jewellery used is of excellent quality.

Above and beyond any standards set by local authorities, we only use jewellery vendors verified by the UK Association of Professional Piercers as these brands utilize the finest grades of materials to create beautiful body jewellery. Each piece is finished by hand to ensure a perfect mirror finish, which is safe for healing your piercing.

Suitable Materials for Piercings

When it comes to choosing materials for piercings, we recommend:

• Titanium

• 14 & 18k Solid Gold

• Niobium

• Steel (with a significant caveat!)

  
  

Not All Implant Grade Jewellery is Safe

Implant grade titanium is defined as a highly biocompatible metal alloy. It is commonly used in medical applications, including body jewellery, due to its strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion.

Now that we've chosen a great grade of materials, is that enough? The answer is NO! Not all "implant grade" jewellery is safe for healing a new piercing. Equally important to the grade of materials used is the surface finish of all parts that come in contact with your body.

The Importance of Surface Finish

The jewellery worn should be smooth with a mirror finish. This means there should be no nicks, scratches, or nasty edges. Additionally, hallmark stamps can trap bacteria, debris, and possibly irritate the piercing channel.

Below is an example of high-quality, implant-grade jewellery alongside a low-quality "implant grade" piece. Spot the difference!

High Quality Jewellery (Left), Cheap Low Quality Jewellery (Right)....Photo Credit: Association of Professional Piercers

Here you can see that the jewellery on the left has a high polished mirror finish, while the jewellery on the right has clear scratches and grooves. These imperfections can hurt you and welcome bacteria and debris. Poor quality jewellery leads to higher complications in healing and generally increases the risks of infection.

When we say mirror polish, you should be able to see your reflection in the wearable parts of your jewellery!!... Photo Credit: Meeeee!

Why Choose Titanium?

We typically use titanium of ASTM implant grade as the wearable part of your jewellery due to its hypoallergenic nature. The decorative ends are made from the same titanium or 14 & 18k solid gold.

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an organization that tests and verifies that this grade of titanium is compliant with the Nickel Act. It is a biocompatible and durable material fit for use in the human body. This means it is suitable for long-term wear, minimizing allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.

Gold Considerations

When it comes to gold in body jewellery, solid 14k or 18k is the piercer's preferred choice. Solid gold consists of 24 parts total, with 14k being 14 parts solid gold and 10 parts other stronger alloys like copper, silver, and palladium. Pure gold (24k) is too soft and easily damaged. Thus, anything purer than 18k isn't advisable for body jewellery.

14k is the minimum carat suitable for wear in the body. Lower carats may contain an unsafe amount of filler alloys that can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, 14k and 18k strike a great balance between purity and strength.

Be Cautious with Plated Gold

We typically don't recommend plated gold jewellery. While it's accepted if the plating is solid gold (14k or above), it's important to note that plating can wear off and potentially delaminate or flake, causing harm to your piercings. This type of jewellery should be treated with extra care.

The Risks of Surgical Steel

"Surgical steel" is a loose cannon! The term "surgical" can create a false sense of security, leading you to believe it is safe. However, there is no standard definition for what qualifies as surgical steel. Many companies use it as a broad term for all steel jewellery made from unknown materials.

Due to the nickel content in steel, it must undergo a special process called vacuum melting. This process creates a surface finish that limits nickel release into the body. Some "surgical steel" is therefore ASTM implant grade and suitable, but most is not. Again, surface finish remains critically important.

Why This Matters to You

When you choose a piercer, consider their jewellery standards. You want to select something that suits your style, but also a verified piece that ensures a safe and easy healing journey. Opting for verified implant-grade jewellery prioritizes the health of your piercings and guarantees high-quality jewellery that can last a lifetime. Many reputable brands even offer warranties for their jewellery.

Would you use any random piece of metal for a hip replacement or a dental implant? Why would you scrimp on your piercing?

By making informed choices about your jewellery, you set the stage for a healthy piercing experience. Remember to consider both the material and surface finish when selecting body jewellery.