The Different Types of Jewellery That You Can Use For Your Piercing
It can be very unnerving to step into a piercing studio and look upon the myriad of jewellery options without knowing what to look for. To help you weigh your options and help with your decision-making, here is a simple guide to help you make an informed decision on the different types of jewellery that we offer here at Mantra Fine Jewellery.
We will touch on not only the types of jewellery but the different metals used. Sensitive skin and stubborn healing shouldn’t stop you from living out your best piercing dreams.
What Are the Different Types of Metals Used in Piercing Jewellery?
When it comes to body jewellery, there is a wide range of metals that are very popular with both newbies and veteran piercing enthusiasts. Each of these metals are chosen because they are both corrosion-resistant and durable. More importantly, these metals are designed to be easily sterilised and irritant-free.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is a popular choice for fresh piercings. Adhering to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) standards, surgical steel is an affordable and reliable option for body jewellery. Given that surgical steel meets medical-grade standards for body implants, you can ensure that it is safe for your piercings.
Surgical steel is the most wallet-friendly option. Always purchase from a trusted source or piercer, as there are some surgical steel jewellery that has been mixed with alloys such as nickel, which can irritate the skin and prolong your healing time.
Titanium
Another highly-opted choice of metal used is titanium. Being one of the highest-quality metals, titanium is nickel-free and suitable for those with sensitive skin or a nickel allergy.
Many piercers recommend titanium as a good option for fresh piercings as it is also light and will put less stress on your fresh piercing. Titanium can also be safely coloured without compromising the quality of the metal, so you will have a wide selection of colours to choose from!
14K Gold
Although 14K gold will run on the higher end of your budget, allow us to explain why it is the best (and some would say only) choice for your jewellery.
Aesthetically, 14K gold should be the only option for those of you looking for something classy, sophisticated, yet works for everyday wear. 14K gold is also made with fewer alloys than the other metals, making it hypoallergenic and a good option for sensitive skin and stubborn healers. Your body will less likely have a reaction to gold jewellery, especially when used for a fresh piercing.
What Are the Different Types of Piercing Jewellery Available?
Now that we’ve covered the bases with the types of metal used in body piercings, we can move on to the types of jewellery. As with the types of metals, you will find yourself presented with a myriad of options, which can be confusing if you are new to body piercings.
Fret not, we will take you through the different options and what works best for fresh piercings.
Threaded Body Piercing Jewellery
Threaded jewellery works like a screw, where the two pieces are twisted to fit in together. There are two types of threaded jewellery - internally and externally threaded.
The difference between internally and externally threaded jewellery is that the ridges of the screw are on the inside for the former, while the latter has it on the outside. Internally threaded jewellery has the screw hidden within the bar, while its external counterpart has it set on the outside.
Of the two, internally threaded jewellery is definitely the better option. The raw skin of a fresh piercing will not be subject to the rough exterior of the jewellery whenever it is tugged or removed.
Press Fit/ Threadless Body Piercing Jewellery
Press Fit/ Threadless jewellery does not use the screw and twist mechanism unlike the threaded. Instead, press fit jewellery holds the post and pin together with tension. The pin is pressed to fit into the post where it is held securely.
Press Fit/ Threadless jewellery is fast becoming a popular choice for most piercers. It makes for the best healing without the rough exterior found with threaded jewellery. The screw and twist mechanism of threaded jewellery can also wear down over time, often resulting users misplacing the pin.
Conclusion
No matter your personal preference, budget, and skin sensitivity, there is a wide range of choices available to you.
When deciding to get a piercing, ensure that you always research the location of your piercing and preferred piercer. A professional piercer will be able to help you make the best decisions to ensure that you have an optimal healing experience!