Implant-Grade Jewelry: Why It Matters for Your Piercing

The jewelry you put in a fresh piercing is just as important as the piercing technique itself. At Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham, Oregon, we include implant-grade jewelry with every piercing because we believe your health is not something to cut corners on.

What Does "Implant-Grade" Mean?

Implant-grade jewelry meets the standards set by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) for materials that are safe for long-term contact with body tissue. These are the same standards used for surgical implants like hip replacements and bone screws.

Implant-Grade Materials

ASTM F136 Titanium

The gold standard for piercing jewelry. Grade 23 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is lightweight, extremely biocompatible, corrosion-resistant, and nickel-free. It can be anodized to beautiful colors without coatings. This is our most recommended material.

ASTM F138 Surgical Steel

316LVM surgical steel with extra-low carbon content. While it does contain nickel, the tight molecular structure prevents significant nickel release. A good option for people without nickel sensitivity.

Niobium

A naturally hypoallergenic element that can be anodized to vibrant colors. Excellent for people with metal sensitivities. Slightly heavier than titanium but extremely biocompatible.

14k+ Solid Gold

Solid gold (not gold-plated or gold-filled) in 14k or higher is safe for healed piercings. Gold-plated jewelry can flake, exposing the base metal to your wound — never use plated jewelry in a fresh piercing.

Materials to AVOID in Fresh Piercings

• Sterling silver — tarnishes inside the body and can permanently stain tissue black
• Gold-plated or gold-filled — the plating wears off, exposing base metals
• Nickel — one of the most common metal allergens; causes reactions in up to 15% of people
• Acrylic or plastic — can harbor bacteria and degrade in the body
• Mystery metals — if a studio cannot tell you the exact material and grade, it is not safe

Why Cheap Jewelry Is Expensive in the Long Run

Low-quality jewelry from online retailers or non-professional studios often causes:

• Allergic reactions (redness, itching, swelling)
• Prolonged healing times
• Irritation bumps
• Infections (porous materials harbor bacteria)
• Migration or rejection of the piercing

Treating these complications often costs far more than the price difference between quality and cheap jewelry.

What Is Included at Multnomah Body Piercing

Every piercing at our Gresham studio includes your choice of implant-grade jewelry at no extra cost. We stock a wide selection of styles in implant-grade titanium and surgical steel. You choose the look — we ensure the quality.