Start here · Essential guide
Body Jewelry Materials Explained
A plain-language survey of common body jewelry materials, from titanium and steel to gold, niobium and glass, and why material quality matters for healing.
Styles and Techniques
Jewelry and Materials
Body jewelry materials, styles and fit.
Changing Jewelry Too Early
Why swapping out piercing jewelry before the piercing has healed is usually discouraged, what can go wrong, and how to know when a change is reasonable.
Glass, Acrylic and Silicone Jewelry
A look at non-metal body jewelry, including glass, acrylic and silicone, where each is used, their trade-offs and why quality and sizing matter.
Gold, Niobium and Other Metals
A balanced look at gold, niobium and other metals used in body jewelry, covering karats, plating, anodizing and the trade-offs of each for piercings.
Implant Grade Titanium and Steel in General Terms
What the label implant grade means for titanium and steel body jewelry, what standards it points to, and the limits of what any label can promise.
Jewelry Gauge and Fit
How jewelry thickness (gauge) and length work, how they are measured, and why a poor fit can cause irritation, snagging or problems during healing.
Retainers for Work and School
A plain explanation of clear and discreet piercing retainers, when they may be suitable at work or school, and why they are not a substitute for healing.
Studs, Rings, Barbells and Labrets
An explanation of the main body jewelry shapes, including studs, rings, barbells and labrets, what each suits and why shape affects comfort and healing.
Threaded and Threadless Ends
How threaded (internal and external) and threadless (push-pin) body jewelry ends work, how they differ, and what to know when choosing between them.
Related topics