Body piercing materials

Posted on June 30, 2007 in Body Piercing Guide

In contemporary body piercing, an extensive range of materials is obtainable. Certain types cannot be autoclaved, and some are known to cause allergic reactions, or shelter bacteria.

Steel jewelry

Surgical steel also referred to, as 316L and Implant steel is an alloy of steel, which is not preferred for new piercings because of its high nickel percentage. However it is utilized for piercings that have already healed.

Titanium

Titanium jewelry is a well-liked preference for piercings. It is light (about 60% stainless steel), it does not show any reaction to body fluids, is not magnetic, and is commonly free from allergy.

Niobium

Niobium is a metal similar to titanium, but is heavier. When employing niobium in a piercing jewelry its purity has to be maintained as far as practicable, the maximum value being 99.9% niobium. This is at times described as “999 Niobium”. Reduced purity shouldn’t be utilized as it can result in allergies.

Bronze

Bronze is frequently employed in bigger piercings in the types of earweights and ethnic jewelry from various regions of the world.

Bronze is an alloy of dissimilar metals but the most widespread combination (in piercing jewelry) is 90% copper and 10% tin.

Silver

Ornaments made out of Silver have been popular for centuries in all types of jewelry. It has a particular shine and can also be treated to create certain portions black which imparts a wonderful contrast. However, silver is also responsible for causing nickel-allergy.

Silver should also never be employed in fresh piercings or piercings that are damaged as blood, sweat and other body fluids along with cleaning agents can lead to its oxidization, which turns the metal black. It also discharges nickelsalts, which can lead to severe allergies and also bleach the area around the piercing, a blemish that can last a lifetime.

Gold

Gold has traditionally been used as a metal for jewelry.

When gold is employed for piercings, a purity less than 14 or 18 carat (58 to 75%) is not considered suitable.

For the purpose of piercing, a gold alloy is utilized, the most widespread being 18k which consists of 75% gold and 25% copper and silver.

Gold jewelry should never be employed in healing piercings as body fluids have an inclination to discolor the metal and make it “bleed”. Allergy to gold is very rare but is still prevalent.

Technique

Risks

Allergic Reaction: Some people are allergic to particular metals and only realize this during piercing and have a serious reaction to the jewelry.

Aftercare