What metals are best for body piercing?

There are many metals and other materials used for piercing in the world today. The most important quality in any piece of body jewelry, ESPECIALLY for initial piercings, is biocompatibility. That will vary from person to person. Some people’s bodies will react well to any metal. You could pierce them with a rusted piece of copper wire (Don’t do it!), and they’ll heal fine. Other people are far difficult to find a good piece of jewelry for. Some people can’t handle metal in their bodies at all. But I’ll rundown the most common biocompatible jewelry out there, and then tell you what people have the most problems with, just for good measure.

SURGICAL STEEL
The most common jewelry used in piercing (except in Europe, where even 316LVM is not allowed for initial piercing). Surgical Steel comes in 4 different grades, based on the amount of chromium, nickel, and manganese in their composition. 300 is the least corrosive of your surgical steel options, hence 316 (the grade) LVM (the standard at which it’s measured). Now, just because you’ve got 316LVM doesn’t mean it’s going to be the right jewelry. The quality of the steel means there’s very little to irritate your skin to begin with , and the smooth finish prevents tiny chips and abrasions in the metal from irritating the sensitive edges of your new piercing.

TITANIUM
This particular metal is quickly becoming a rival for Surgical/Stainless steel as the most common metal used for initial piercings. It is harder than niobium, and significantly lighter than surgical steel. It comes in a wide variety of colors, through a process called ‘anodization’. This increases the thickness and density of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts, making the metal corrosion- and wear-resistance. This coating can absorb dyes and reflect light.

GOLD
Ah, the metal that inspires so many feelings in the peoples…Also safe for body piercing. 14kt is the best gold threaded piercing jewelry, the metal is strong enough to withstand jewelry changes and removal without wearing down the threads. 18kt gold is no good for threaded jewelry, the softness of the material wears out the threads after repeated removals. 14k. and 18k. are your only options for piercing with gold, they are pure enough (14k is 58.5% gold, and 18k is 75% gold), without being so pure that they are too soft, but you still have to watch out for it, because even at 14 and 18k, it’s very soft, and easy to mis-shape or scratch.

BAD METALS!
Metals such as copper, silver, low grade steel, titanium, and gold, contain high levels of impurities, especially nickel. Nickel is commonly responsible for jewelry allergies and other jewelry related piercing problems. Extensive exposure to high-nickel content jewelry can cause Nickel Contact Dermatitis. Contact dermatitis usually shows itself with redness, swelling and water blisters of varying sizes. The blisters may break, forming crusts and scales. Untreated, the skin may darken and become leathery and cracked. Beware of cheap jewelry!