THE DANGERS OF LOW-QUAL JEWELRY •••
While cheap jewelry may seem like a “steal,” it possesses its own associated risks that must be taken into consideration - especially if the goal is for your new piercing to become a healthy, permanent fixture in your body.
Externally threaded jewelry (exposed threading, as exhibited in the photo) is never of an acceptable quality, as insertion has the potential to cause micro-tears in your piercing - which can lead to infection or other irritation.
Your jewelry should be smooth and free from scratches - which make an excellent breeding ground for bacteria to hide and multiply. As new cells begin to form around your jewelry during healing, they may grow into these nicks, which cause tearing whenever the jewelry is moved. A good test is that you should be able to see your reflection in it - a mirror polish! 🪞
Novelty-style or mall-bought jewelry are oftentimes composed of mystery metals despite their packaging. “Surgical” or “hypoallergenic” can be misleading nomenclatures… many are alloys which contain nickel. Even if you do not have a metal sensitivity, you may develop a nickel-allergy over time from constant exposure.
Look for “implant grade” material. It will not contain provocative levels of nickel that
may incite allergic reaction to those who are sensitive. At Sleazy Studios, we currently ONLY stock implant grade ASTM F-136 (international safety specifications denoting quality of finish, composition and materials for body jewelry) titanium - which is also used in the medical industry for - you guessed it - LIFELONG IMPLANTS!
Low quality jewelry can tarnish (notice the green discoloration of the jewelry pictured), and react adversely with your body. Silver can cause localized argyria - a permanent change in skin color due to exposure. As stated by the APP (an organization created to spread health and safety information regarding piercing to the public): “Because body jewelry is worn inside a wound and is in contact with your internal tissues, only certain products are suitable.” Imagine that icky green gunk inside of your wound! If you’re not sure of what it is, it’s not worth the risk (even if it IS that cute, dangling, neon pink navel ring from HT 🤷🏼♀️).
With that being said, be cautious of anything marked “plated,” or the color of your jewelry as well. Titanium cannot be anodized (adding oxide layers to thicken surface of jewelry - which, in turn, changes the color, due to varied light reflection) black. One of the more common metal options that CAN be changed to black (or, rather, a darkened gunmetal), is niobium. Niobium is just as safe and biocompatible as titanium, just a little bit softer.
Ask your piercer what company they use to purchase their jewelry - and then do some detective work.🕵🏽 Just because you see the buzzword "titanium" doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. Be weary...some piercers will throw the term around loosely. Grade 23 titanium is often used as a cheaper, less refined alternative. It is not an acceptable substitution for ASTM-F136 titanium, which is used in body jewelry. In fact, G23 titanium is not an implant grade of titanium at all.
(Thanks, Skellie!) https://brnskll.com/shares/titanium-standards-why-not-g23/
The APP website: https://safepiercing.org/jewelry-for-initial-piercings/
is a fantastic resource for questions regarding up-to-date jewelry and aftercare standards - as well as piercing information designed to educate the general public. If you are able to take a few to check out the site (highly recommend), you'll go into your next piercing appointment feeling more comfortable, enlightened, and safe!
Happy healing!
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