Question 1

Is implant grade titanium better than surgical steel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Implant grade titanium is completely nickel-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin and new piercings.
While 316LVM implant grade steel can be safe, it may still contain trace amounts of nickel. For clients with sensitivities or for initial piercings, ASTM F-136 titanium is generally considered the safest and most biocompatible option.

Question 2

What is implant grade titanium?

Accepted Answer

Implant grade titanium (ASTM F-136 or ASTM F-1295) is a medical-grade material specifically tested for biocompatibility and long-term use inside the human body. It is nickel-free, lightweight, and highly resistant to corrosion, making it one of the safest materials for body piercings, especially fresh or healing piercings.
When choosing titanium body jewellery, always look for verified implant grade standards rather than generic “surgical steel” claims.

Question 3

Can I use gold jewellery in a new piercing?

Accepted Answer

Only if it is solid, nickel-free gold designed specifically for body piercings.
High-quality 14k or 18k nickel-free gold body jewellery is safe for fresh piercings when manufactured to professional standards. However, gold-plated jewellery or fashion jewellery should never be used in healing piercings.
Always ensure your gold piercing jewellery is designed for professional body piercing use and not made by fashion brands.

Question 4

What does ASTM F-136 mean?

Accepted Answer

ASTM F-136 is an international certification standard for implant grade titanium. It confirms the material meets strict medical requirements for composition, strength, and biocompatibility.
If jewellery is labelled ASTM F-136 titanium, it means it is verified implant grade and suitable for body piercings.

Question 5

What is the safest material for new piercings?

Accepted Answer

The safest materials for fresh piercings are:
ASTM F-136 implant grade titanium
14k or 18k nickel-free solid gold (designed for body piercing)

Question 6

Why does cheap jewellery cause irritation?

Accepted Answer

Low-quality jewellery often contains unknown metal alloys, nickel, or poor surface polishing. Rough finishes and improper threading can trap bacteria and cause inflammation.
Professional implant grade body jewellery is mirror polished, internally threaded or threadless, and manufactured to medical standards,  reducing irritation and promoting healthier healing.

Question 7

What is the difference between internally threaded and externally threaded jewellery?

Accepted Answer

Internally threaded jewellery has the threading inside the post, meaning the decorative end screws into it. This prevents sharp edges from passing through the piercing channel.
Externally threaded jewellery has exposed threading on the post itself, which can irritate or damage a healing piercing.
Professional piercing studios use internally threaded or threadless jewellery for safety and comfort.

Question 8

What is threadless jewellery?

Accepted Answer

Threadless jewellery uses a push-fit pin system rather than screw threading. The decorative end is secured by tension, making it secure while minimising irritation.
Threadless implant grade titanium jewellery is widely used in professional piercing studios due to its safety, ease of use, and clean aesthetic.

Question 9

Can I change my piercing jewellery myself?

Accepted Answer

Jewellery should only be changed once a piercing is fully healed. For fresh or healing piercings, it’s always safest to have jewellery changed by a professional piercer to avoid irritation, trauma, or improper sizing.

Question 10

Why is implant grade jewellery more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Implant grade jewellery is manufactured using certified medical-grade materials, precision machining, and strict quality control processes.
You are paying for:
Biocompatibility
Verified metal standards
Superior polish and finish
Long-term safety
Reduced risk of irritation
High-quality piercing jewellery is an investment in your healing and comfort.

Question 11

What jewellery is best for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

For sensitive skin, implant grade titanium (ASTM F-136). It is completely nickel-free, lightweight, and highly biocompatible. Nickel-free solid 14k or 18k gold designed for body piercings is also suitable.
Avoid fashion jewellery, plated jewellery, or materials without verified implant grade certification.

Question 12

Can piercing jewellery cause allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, low-quality jewellery containing nickel or mixed alloys can trigger allergic reactions, swelling, itching, and prolonged irritation.
Choosing implant grade titanium or verified nickel-free gold body jewellery significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions and promotes safer healing.

Question 13

What gauge and length jewellery do I need?

Accepted Answer

Jewellery sizing depends on the piercing placement, anatomy, and stage of healing. Common gauges include:
1.2mm / 16g for many ear and cartilage piercings
1mm / 18g for certain ear or nostril piercings
14g for navel, tongue, nipple, scaffold and bridge piercings
Length should allow room for initial swelling during healing. A professional piercer should always size jewellery correctly to avoid pressure or migration.

Question 14

How long should I wait before changing my piercing jewellery?

Accepted Answer

Healing times vary depending on the piercing location. For example:
Earlobes: approximately 8–12 weeks
Cartilage piercings: 6–12 months
Navel piercings: 6–12 months
Jewellery should only be changed once fully healed, unless downsizing is advised by a professional piercer.

Question 15

Is solid gold better than gold-plated jewellery for piercings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solid 14k or 18k nickel-free gold is safe for body piercings when designed for professional use. 
Gold-plated jewellery can wear down over time, exposing base metals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
For long-term wear and healing piercings, always choose solid gold body jewellery.

Question 16

Does higher quality jewellery heal piercings faster?

Accepted Answer

While jewellery alone does not “speed up” healing, high-quality implant grade jewellery reduces irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions, all of which support smoother healing.
Low-quality jewellery can delay healing by causing microtrauma and ongoing irritation.

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