Body Piercing Jewelry

One of the biggest draws of body piercing is the wide variety of jewelry out there. Before you get your piercing, be sure you know what kind of jewelry you want to get. Keep in mind you’ll be wearing the same ring or stud for a while until the piercing heals.

Some Shapes of Body Piercing Jewelry

• Rings

Rings can go in the nose, eyebrow, genitals, nipples, and navel. Captive bead rings, with a bead that serves as a clasp, are a popular variety.

• Studs

Studs, or posts, are frequently used in the nose. They have a small fastener at the back that holds the piece in place.

• Barbells

Barbells are short rods with a ball at each end. They are most commonly seen in tongue, navel, and genital piercings.

• Plugs

Plugs are large disc-shaped pieces of jewelry. Plugs are inserted into the ear or lip after the skin is stretched to fit.

Different Types of Metal Used in Body Piercing Jewelry

• Gold

Classy and traditional, gold can be a very attractive choice. 14K and 18K gold are the best gold grades to use in body piercings. Higher-carat golds are too soft. Lower-carat golds have impurities that can cause allergic reactions.

• Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular metal for body piercings because it is attractive and inexpensive. Perhaps best of all, stainless steel does not tarnish with wear—jewelry made from this metal stays shiny with minimum cleaning. Stainless steel is a gleaming silver color, a little lighter and more lustrous than real silver. It is heavy and tends to get very cold in the winter.

• Silver

Sterling silver is not recommended in body piercings because of its tendency to tarnish. When silver oxidizes, skin allergies can develop very easily.

• Titanium

Titanium blends are lightweight and clean. Titanium is one of the best metals for new piercings because the blends used in jewelry contain very little nickel (see below). Titanium’s surface can be dyed, for many different color options.

• A Word On Nickel

A lot of body jewelry is made with nickel. Nickel is a problem metal because many people are allergic to it. Even if you are not allergic now, being pierced with a piece of jewelry that contains nickel can cause you to develop an allergy to nickel. When an allergy develops, the skin around the piercing usually becomes red, dry, and swollen. To avoid nickel allergies, always buy top-of-the-line body jewelry with certified metal. For new piercings, 14K and 18K gold and titanium are best.