Guide to Jewelry for New Piercings
When considering what jewelry to wear in a new piercing, the choice significantly impacts healing and long-term health of your bodywork. Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham, Oregon is committed to using only the highest quality implants available.
Jewelry Standards for New Piercings
Why implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is the gold standard: Titanium's low reactivity and biocompatibility make it ideal for body piercings. ASTM F136 is a stringent quality assurance mark that ensures your jewelry meets safety standards.
Alternative Options
Solid 14k/18k gold: This alternative offers excellent cosmetic value and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It’s also a popular choice among those who prefer the look of metal over plastic or acrylic.
Allergic Concerns
Niobium: If you suffer from allergies to nickel-containing jewelry like surgical steel, niobium is an excellent alternative. It is hypoallergenic and available in various colors which can be a great aesthetic choice for some people.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Surgical Steel: Due to its high nickel content, surgical steel should never be used on fresh piercings as it increases the risk of infection. It’s best to avoid any jewelry that contains these metals until your piercing has had time to heal properly.
Material Safety
Sterling Silver: While attractive, sterling silver jewelry is discouraged for use in fresh piercings due to its silver content and potential allergic reactions. It’s best to avoid any metal that isn’t hypoallergenic until your piercing has had time to heal.
Jewelry Types
G23 vs F136 Titanium: Both grades refer to the purity of titanium, but G23 is slightly less pure than F136. Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham primarily stocks jewelry that meets ASTM F136 standards for maximum safety and quality.
Jewelry Authenticity
Ask for Certifications: To ensure your jewelry is truly implant-grade, ask piercers or suppliers to provide certifications. This ensures you’re purchasing from a reliable source that adheres to the highest quality standards.
Starters and Downsizes
Starter Jewelry: For flat-back labret studs, they are recommended for smaller piercings due to their comfort and ease of insertion. However, ring jewelry is best suited for larger piercings as it provides more security and stability.
New Insights into Threadless Jewelry
Threadless vs Internally & Externally Threaded: Threadless jewelry is the most preferred option by many piercers and clients alike. It’s easier to clean, less likely to come loose during wear, and generally more hygienic.
Other Considerations
Anodized Titanium Colors: Anodization doesn’t create a coating; it changes the texture of the titanium surface for a unique look. This treatment is not considered harmful but rather enhances the aesthetic appeal of an already safe material.
Downsizing and Beyond
When to Downsize: Generally, it’s best to move from longer posts to shorter ones when you’re ready for a larger piece. This typically happens after 4-6 months depending on the individual's healing process.
Safety First
Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham: We are committed to providing only implant-grade jewelry, ensuring your piercings are safe and professional. Our commitment to our customers extends beyond quality standards - we welcome the LGBTQ+ community with open arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is implant-grade titanium worth the extra cost?
- Yes, it's essential for optimal healing and long-term health of your piercings. It meets rigorous safety standards and is biocompatible with all body types.
- Can I use sterling silver in a fresh piercing?
- No, avoid sterling silver until the piercing has had time to heal properly. Sterling silver contains nickel which can cause adverse reactions on freshly healed skin.
- What does ASTM F136 mean?
- ASTM F136 is an industry standard that signifies implant-grade titanium jewelry is rigorously tested and meets stringent safety guidelines for biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength.
- When can I switch to gold jewelry?
- Switching from metal to gold typically happens after 4-8 weeks depending on the individual's healing process. Gold is hypoallergenic and provides excellent cosmetic value for long-term wear.
- Why does cheap jewelry cause reactions?
- Less expensive, lower quality materials often lack proper testing or are not made from materials that can safely be used in body piercings. They may also contain higher levels of nickel which is a common allergen to many people.
- What is threadless jewelry?
- Threadless jewelry features smooth surfaces and internal threading instead of external threads, offering ease of insertion and removal without the risk of catching or losing them during wear.
- Can I use plastic or acrylic jewelry?
- No, these materials are not suitable for body piercings as they lack biocompatibility with skin and can cause irritation. They also don’t offer the same level of protection against infection and allergic reactions that metal does.
- Where can I buy implant-grade jewelry near Portland?
- We highly recommend visiting Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham, Oregon for your piercing needs. Our studio is the original body piercer in Oregon since 1974, with a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.
