What is the Best Metal for Body Jewelry?

Two of the most frequent problems with body piercings are irritation and infection. Appropriate care and cleaning of body piercing jewelry are essential, but the type of metal in the jewelry you choose is also very important. The following are the top 3 metal choices for body piercing jewelry, and a couple that you should avoid.

TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS:

#1 Implant Grade Titanium

Titanium is by far the top choice for body piercing jewelry, and can be safely used for initial piercings. Implant grade titanium G23 (Ti6al4v-ELI) is the type of titanium used in surgical implants, is biocompatible, resistant to body fluids and nickel free. Titanium weighs less and is much stronger than surgical stainless steel, which gives us body piercing jewelry that is both durable, comfortable and nearly free of scratches. Titanium is an expensive metal, but well worth the slightly higher price. Titanium body jewelry is beautiful, is long lasting, and will look like new after many years of wear.

#2 Surgical Stainless Steel

Surgical steel is a popular material for body piercing jewelry, and is just behind G23 titanium in terms of biocompatibility. 316L or 316LVM are the only grades of stainless steel that are considered to be safe for wearing in healed piercings. Keep in mind that even the best grades of stainless steel do contain nickel and may cause problems for those who are sensitive to nickel. Several European countries have barred the use of stainless steel for initial piercings, and it is best to steer clear of stainless steel altogether until after your piercing has healed.

#3 Gold

Although we all love it, gold is not the preferred metal for body jewelry, especially for initial piercings or long term wear. Because gold is a softer metal and is made with metal alloys, there can be a somewhat higher risk of irritation or infection. Gold jewelry is beautiful, but should only be worn in healed piercings, and with care. Replace gold piercing jewelry with titanium at any sign of irritation.

NOT RECOMMENDED:

Sterling Silver: Do not purchase any body jewelry where the part that is inside your skin (barbell, banana, ring) is made of silver. All silver tarnishes when it contacts body fluids, can easily harbor bacterial growth, and can contain irritating metals such as nickel. Body piercing jewelry with a sterling silver "charm" that is connected to or dangles from the end of the steel or titanium bar is not a problem, as long as you aren't allergic to silver jewelry. Just make sure that the part that sits inside your body is made from a more biocompatible metal.

Mystery Metal: Enough said. Any "costume" or "plated" body jewelry is going to be trouble, as is inferior grade stainless steel. Stick with the top 3 choices above to be sure your piercing stays irritation and infection-free.

Don't forget that body piercing jewelry is placed inside your body, and should be treated more like a surgical implant than a piece of costume jewelry. Although it may be tempting to buy less expensive body jewelry, spending a little more on higher quality jewelry is definitely a better choice in the long run.

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