How to Tell If a Piercing Studio Uses High-Quality Jewelry: Key Factors to Look For

When choosing a piercing studio, one of the most important factors to consider is the quality of jewelry they use. Not only does high-quality jewelry ensure a more comfortable healing process, but it also significantly reduces the risk of complications like allergic reactions, infections, and scarring. At Eir Piercing, we pride ourselves on using only the highest-grade jewelry to ensure every piercing is both safe and beautiful.

In this article, we’ll explain how to identify if a piercing studio uses high-quality jewelry and why it matters for your health and overall piercing experience.

The Materials Used: High-Quality vs. Low-Quality Jewelry

The material of the jewelry is the most important factor in determining its quality. High-quality jewelry is made from biocompatible, non-toxic materials that promote healing and are safe for the body. Here’s what to look for:

Implant-Grade Titanium

Implant-grade titanium is one of the most popular and high-quality materials used for piercings. This material is highly durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for body jewelry.

Why it matters: Implant-grade titanium is biocompatible, meaning it is safe for the body, promotes faster healing, and significantly reduces the risk of infection or rejection.

Solid Gold

Solid gold (14k, 18k, or 22k) is another excellent material for piercing jewelry. It’s durable, hypoallergenic, and offers a luxurious, classic look.

Why it matters: Unlike plated gold, solid gold does not wear down over time, and it’s free from harmful metals like nickel or zinc, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

Niobium and Platinum

Niobium and platinum are both excellent, hypoallergenic options for those with sensitive skin. These materials are corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for long-term wear.

Why it matters: Niobium and platinum are highly durable and non-reactive, ensuring that your body can accept and heal around the jewelry without complications.

Implant-Grade Steel

Implant-grade stainless steel (ASTM F138 certified) is a commonly used material in body piercing jewelry. It’s strong, affordable, and has a polished, sleek appearance.

Why it matters: While not as hypoallergenic as titanium, implant-grade steel is still biocompatible and safe for most people. Its durability and smooth finish make it a reliable choice for initial piercings, especially when paired with proper surface polishing to reduce irritation.

Borosilicate and Fused Quartz Glass

High-quality glass used in piercing jewelry—such as borosilicate (like Pyrex®) and fused quartz—is sterile, non-porous, and smooth. It comes in a variety of colors and styles, often used in stretched piercings.

Why it matters: Glass is inert, meaning it doesn’t react with bodily fluids or tissues. It’s a safe, hypoallergenic option for people with metal sensitivities and is easy to sterilize, making it suitable for initial and healed piercings alike.

Avoid Cheap Alloys and Plated Jewelry

Be cautious of piercing studios that use jewelry made from cheap alloys or plated metals (e.g., nickel, brass, or copper). These materials are not only more prone to tarnishing, but they can also cause irritation, infections, or allergic reactions. Jewelry made from non-implant-grade materials is typically lower quality and should be avoided for initial piercings.

Why it matters: Plated jewelry can wear off over time, exposing the base metal, which can irritate your skin and hinder the healing process.

Jewelry with Safe Design Features

When looking for high-quality jewelry, it’s not just about the material; the design and construction also play a crucial role in ensuring comfort and safety during the healing process. Here are some key design features to look for:

Internally Threaded or Threadless Jewelry

Jewelry that is internally threaded or threadless reduces the risk of irritation. In internally threaded jewelry, the threading is on the inside of the jewelry, so it never touches your skin, making it a more comfortable and safe option.

Why it matters: External threads can trap bacteria and increase the risk of infections, while internally threaded jewelry offers a smoother, safer experience. Threadless jewelry is ideal for easy insertion and less irritation.

Smooth and Polished Finish

High-quality jewelry has a smooth, polished finish, with no sharp edges or rough spots. This is important for reducing friction and irritation, which can lead to complications during healing.

Why it matters: Rough edges or unfinished jewelry can scrape the skin, cause discomfort, and introduce bacteria into the piercing site. A smooth, polished finish ensures your jewelry is comfortable and hygienic.

Authenticity and Certifications

When it comes to high-quality jewelry, authenticity matters. Look for a piercing studio that offers jewelry from reputable brands with certifications and clear documentation regarding the quality of the materials used.

Certificates of Authenticity

Reputable jewelry brands will often provide certificates of authenticity for their materials (such as gold, titanium, or platinum). These certificates verify that the jewelry is made from high-quality, ethically sourced materials.

Why it matters: Certification ensures the jewelry is both safe and ethical, giving you confidence in its quality.

Piercing Studio Reputation and Expertise

Look for a studio with a reputation for using only high-quality jewelry. A reputable studio will have a wide selection of materials and will provide you with information about the quality of the jewelry used.

Why it matters: A trusted studio will be transparent about their materials and will offer jewelry that meets the highest standards for safety and comfort.

Ask Questions

Before getting pierced, it’s always a good idea to ask questions about the jewelry being used. Here are some questions you can ask to ensure the studio uses high-quality jewelry:

What materials are used for your jewelry?

Is the jewelry internally threaded or threadless?

Where does the jewelry come from? Can you provide a certificate of authenticity?

What brands do you carry, and what makes them high-quality?

A professional and transparent piercing studio should be happy to answer these questions and provide you with information about the jewelry they use.

Why Quality Jewelry Matters for Healing

High-quality jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics—it also plays a crucial role in the healing process. Using jewelry made from biocompatible, high-quality materials can:

Promote faster healing by reducing irritation and minimizing infection risk.

Reduce the likelihood of complications, such as keloids, scarring, or rejection.

Enhance your comfort by preventing unnecessary pressure, friction, and discomfort during the healing period.

Final Thoughts: Choose Quality for a Safer Piercing Experience

Choosing a piercing studio that uses high-quality jewelry is essential for both your safety and the longevity of your piercing. At Eir Piercing, we pride ourselves on offering only the best materials, such as implant-grade titanium, solid gold, and biocompatible designs, ensuring that your piercing will heal properly and remain comfortable for years to come.

Excited to get pierced with the highest-quality jewelry? Eir Piercing is opening soon—stay tuned for updates and be among the first to book your appointment for a safe, comfortable, and luxurious experience. In the meantime, feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations!