What is a safe material for your body piercing?
Body piercing has been a popular form of self-expression for centuries, with various cultures and traditions using different materials for their jewellery. However, with the rise of modern body piercing practices, it's important to ensure that the materials used for piercings are safe, durable, and high-quality. The materials most commonly used for body piercing include 14k and 18k gold, niobium, and ASTM F-136 implant grade Titanium. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different properties of these materials and why they are the best options for body piercing.
14k and 18k Gold
Gold is a popular material for jewellery due to its luxurious appearance and durability. However, not all gold is created equal, and there are different types and grades of gold used for body piercing. 14k and 18k gold are two popular options for body piercing jewellery.
14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals such as copper, silver, and zinc. It's more durable and affordable than 18k gold and is less likely to cause skin irritation due to its lower gold content. 18k gold, on the other hand, contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. It's more expensive and softer than 14k gold, making it less durable but more suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Both 14k and 18k gold are safe for body piercing as long as they are free of nickel, a common allergen that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. They are also resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making them ideal for long-term wear.
Niobium
Niobium is a lightweight, hypoallergenic metal that is becoming increasingly popular in the body piercing community. It's similar in appearance to titanium and has a similar strength and durability. Niobium is also non-reactive and resistant to corrosion, making it a safe and long-lasting material for body jewellery.
One of the unique properties of niobium is its ability to be anodised, a process that involves applying an electric current to the metal to create a protective oxide layer on the surface. This allows for a range of vibrant colours to be applied to the jewellery without affecting its safety or durability.
ASTM F-136 Implant Grade Titanium
ASTM F-136 is a specification for the medical-grade titanium alloy used for implants, including body piercing jewellery. This type of titanium is biocompatible, meaning it does not react with the body and is safe for long-term implantation. It's also lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for body jewellery.
ASTM F-136 implant grade titanium is also available in a variety of colours through anodisation, similar to niobium. It's important to note that not all titanium used for body piercing is of medical-grade quality, and some may contain trace amounts of harmful alloys or contaminants. It's crucial to ensure that any titanium jewelry used for body piercing meets the ASTM F-136 standard to ensure safety and quality.
Why These Materials are the Only Safe Options for Body Piercing
When it comes to body piercing, safety and quality should always be the top priority. Using materials that are not suitable for body jewellery can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, infection, and other health issues. The materials discussed in this blog post - 14k and 18k gold, niobium, and ASTM F-136 implant grade titanium - are the only safe options for body piercing for several reasons:
They are biocompatible and do not react with the body.
They are durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term wear.
They can be anodised to create a range of vibrant colours without affecting safety or quality