When you enter the "happy bazaar" of piercing jewelry, it's like walking into a candy store, There are so many tempting choices: gold or silver, with or without rhinestones, for the navel, ear cartilage or nose piercing, ring or small stud, set crystal, pendant or small ball….?
But before you reach for the first candy... er, the first piece of jewelry you see, consider the crucial question of material. Each material has its own style, its own character, and its own list of friends and enemies in the world of piercing.
In this article, we'll explore the most commonly used materials for piercing jewelry, such as stainless steel , surgical steel , titanium , gold , and silver , to help you make an informed decision.
So, if you're ready to learn about the brilliant benefits and little weaknesses of each material, sit back and prepare for a feast of knowledge for your piercings and earrings.
Be careful! Sometimes you can have a piercing jewelry like a labret where the rod is in a certain steel like surgical steel and the part that screws on it is in stainless steel!
1. Stainless Steel:
- Pros: Affordable, corrosion-resistant, wide variety of styles. Must meet European nickel standards (EN 1811) to minimize allergy risks.
- Disadvantages: May contain nickel (risk of allergy in some people), may react with sensitive skin.
2. Surgical Steel:
- Advantages: Highly resistant to corrosion, less risk of allergies (less nickel), long-lasting. The surgical steel used is made of a biocompatible alloy that offers excellent resistance to bodily fluids. It prevents allergic reactions and irritation.
- Cons: Must meet the same nickel standards (EN 1811) and other medical specifications. It's steel, but don't worry, it's passed its medical inspection.
3. Titanium:
- Benefits: Hypoallergenic (usually contains little or no nickel), lightweight, corrosion resistant, ideal for very sensitive skin and for medical jewelry at the time of piercing.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost.
4. Gold:
- Advantages: Elegant, hypoallergenic (for pure gold or white gold), varied choice of colors and carats, suitable for healed piercings.
- Disadvantages: High cost, may be less resistant to daily wear and tear.
5. Money:
- Pros: Elegant, hypoallergenic (for pure silver), affordable, suitable for healed piercings. Another advantage, and not the least, is that silver can be gold-plated, for the gold team without blowing the jewelry budget!
- Disadvantages: May dull over time or turn black due to acidity naturally present in the skin.
It's essential to consider your personal sensitivity to metals and the healing stage of your piercing when choosing a material. For newly done piercings, choose hypoallergenic materials like titanium. If your piercing is healed and you want to add a touch of elegance, gold and silver are excellent choices. You can then wear more costume jewelry, such as zirconium, opal , or another stone that piques your interest.
Ultimately, the choice of material depends on your personal style, aesthetic preferences, and the health of your skin. Be sure to care for your jewelry properly by following the proper cleaning instructions to maintain its shine and extend its lifespan. We've got all the tips here !
When choosing a piercing jewelry (tragus, helix, septum, nipple, lobe and all the rest…) keep in mind that the quality and choice of material are essential for a positive and safe piercing experience. Do not hesitate to consult a piercing professional for personalized advice based on your situation.
So, dear piercing enthusiasts, remember to stay bold and continue to express your individuality with style. May your piercings shine brightly, take care of yourself and your precious piercings!
The Audacious