This is key for achieving optimal results. Even if the jewelry is coated in 14 karat gold or higher, the gold is simply a thin coating over a metal base made of different alloys, including nickel. Jewelry made from 10 karat gold may give you the bling you like for less, but it isn’t necessarily safe for your body. You’ll often see, Increases durability and resistance to corrosion. So, jewelry made from a biocompatible plastic may be the way to go. Like titanium, niobium can be anodized to produce different colors. There are a lot of raw materials that can be used to make it: metals, glass, plastics, and organic materials. It is considered to be more appropriate for sensitive skin than steel, is much lighter than steel, and is often highly polished and shinier than steel. We also carry a full selection of Surgical Steel and Titanium Circular Barbells (Horseshoes) … Anodized niobium and titanium may fade due to body chemistry or when worn in friction-prone areas, but this is not harmful. You’ll want to skip pieces made from sterling silver until your piercing’s fully healed. Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in... Everything You Need to Know About Azurite Gemstone... Best Wedding Bands to Fit a Marquise Engagement Ring, Fashionable Jewelry for Older Ladies – A No-Nonsense Guide, Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in Jewelry, Your Ultimate Guide to Vintage Coro Jewelry. These are be sold as Titanium Anodized but may not be hypoallergenic or safe to wear. Jewelry made of low-grade metals will eventually tarnish, scratch, or chip. It can also be anodized, so you can find it in different colors. And, they can damage healthy, healed skin. Ultimately, the decision between titanium vs Surgical Steel piercing jewelry will be a personal one. If you need to clean your jewelry, simply use warm water and a mild soap to clean off any grime buildup. Not all piercings are created equal. Titanium or Niobium anodized jewelry achieves its colors in a process where electricity is introduced to the metal, and is perfectly safe for fresh and healed piercings. This is merely because the oxide layer is starting to wear off and get thin, exposing the natural color of the metal. Following some reasonable tips will ensure that the jewelry remains lustrous and colorful for a long time. Once a piercing is fully healed, quality materials are still important, but you can mix things up and relax a little. Over time, you might notice that the vibrant colors of the anodized metal may start to fade. By implant-grade, we’re talking titanium that’s been certified for medical use and meets the standards for quality and safety set out by the American (now International) Society for Testing and Materials Standard (ASTM) or the International Standards Organization (ISO). Turquoise is such a bold color. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or harsh detergents as this could damage the surface of the metal and can dull the colors over time. Association of Professional Piercers (APP), European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation, American (now International) Society for Testing and Materials Standard (ASTM), International Standards Organization (ISO). SAE International, the aerospace standards organization, is the governing authority for the specification for Type 2, which was last reviewed and reaffirmed in February 2018. Make sure any steel jewelry you choose is one of the following: Like titanium, nobium is hypoallergenic. Bioplast, Tygon Medica/Surgical Tubing, and PTFE (Teflon) are safe for new piercings. You don’t have to be worried about using it because it’s actually used in a lot of major surgeries that a replacement is required in. To buy jewelry, especially for piercings, you can try looking up a shop that specializes in this type of jewelry or you can search through sites like Etsy and Amazon, which have endless options on offer. Tear trough fillers may be an option if you’re looking to reduce the deep creases under your eyes. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never. During the process a layer of oxide forms on the surface of the metal, which interacts with light and creates an array of iridescent colors. Here’s a look at those reasons, some second-best options, and materials to avoid at all costs. As Jewelry Shopping Guide editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. However, when anodized, it showcases unique, iridescent colors that make for eye-catching jewelry. This makes the anodizing process a work of art, and sometimes, getting the exact same color again can be tricky. The same goes for people seeking a substitute for metal jewelry because of sensitivity or budget concerns. You might have a few options, depending on your anatomy. The jewelry surface should be polished and smooth, because a rough or jagged surface could cause irritation and tearing. Always check this carefully and make sure that the entire piece of jewelry is made of titanium or niobium. See them here. Anodized niobium and titanium may fade due to body chemistry or when worn in friction-prone areas, but this is not harmful. If you’re intrigued, keep reading. It hasn’t been dyed, plated or coated with any other substance. Sticking with titanium jewelry, even after the initial piercing, will spare you an itchy, scaly red rash (aka contact dermatitis). Titanium doesn’t contain any nickel, which makes it safe for people with sensitive skin or a nickel allergy. As already mentioned above, if you’re choosing titanium, make sure that the metal is, in fact, anodized titanium and NOT other metals anodized with titanium. It does contain some nickel, but thanks to a low rate of transfer, your skin is unlikely to notice. Gold is another safe-for-most option, as long as you stick with gold that’s 14 karat, nickel-free, and biocompatible. Titanium handles moisture well and is very body safe for the long-term wear body piercings require," Faris tells us. A great thing about titanium is that it can be anodized, allowing you to rock earrings in different colors—green, blue, yellow, purple. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never flake off. Paraben-free beauty products are ones free of certain chemicals that act as preservatives. Titanium is one of the highest quality metals you can put in your body with very few allergens and a metal purity that makes it perfect for everyone. Here are the materials to avoid using on a fresh piercing: Gold-plated jewelry isn’t recommended for new piercings. Titanium is a high-quality metal and has no nickel, which means it is safe for people with metal allergies and sensitivities. That means it remains hypoallergenic and, therefore, safe for piercings. But if these two metals have been anodized, which they often are, do they still remain safe for piercing jewelry? This type of titanium won’t react with body fluids since it’s nickel-free, and corrosion resistant. Not every metal can be anodized, as some metals just react differently to the process. The following are jewelry materials approved by the APP for fresh piercings. © 2018 JEWELRYSHOPPINGGUIDE.COM ALL RIGHT RESERVED |, ENGAGEMENT RINGS, WEDDING RINGS AND WEDDING BAND, WHAT JEWELRY TO WEAR WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS, One of the most important aspects of getting a piercing is choosing a safe metal that won’t cause reactions or allergies. Gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings if it is 14k or higher, nickel free, and alloyed for biocompatibility. For piercings in parts of the body with high movement, you’ll want extra flexibility and comfort. These are be sold as, Over time, you might notice that the vibrant colors of the anodized metal may start to fade. Our earrings are made by a medical implant manufacturer with the same implant grade titanium that they use for their medical implants. Titanium is a hard metal that could have a … It has a high strength-to-density ratio. While titanium is a pure element, there are a number of different titanium alloys used in medical applications. Niobium is a metal similar to titanium and has similar advantages -- it's durable, lightweight and affordable. Belly button piercings are pretty common, but what if you have an outie? Chemically speaking, titanium is less likely to be absorbed by biological systems than niobium. Most of the specialist shops offer their products via these two major platforms, so you’ll probably find most of them in the same place. When it comes to initial piercings, there are some materials that should be avoided because they can increase the likelihood of having an allergic reaction, poor healing, and rejection. The heating process is done by introducing electricity to the metal which results in a permanent surface change. Taking your search online will open up a range of options to choose from. There’s a reason — several reasons, actually — why you often hear that piercing with titanium is the way to go. They may carry some harmful health effects. Learn more about the procedure, potential side…. Anodized niobium is safe for body piercings because the color actually comes from a colorless, inert oxide layer that forms a transparent layer on the surface of the metal when an electrical current is passed through the niobium. That said, you’ll still need to be mindful of sensitive skin and allergies. While body oils and sweat is a normal part of everyday life, they can have some effect on anodized metals, but this is not a major concern, because, really, how can you stop yourself from sweating? This will keep it dust and moisture free and away from scratches. You’d think a higher karat gold would be better, right? Titanium is the next best option for your fresh piercing. Niobium is rare, relatively valuable and similar in appearance to metals like platinum or titanium. What Is This Nose Piercing Bump and How Can I Get Rid of It? What makes anodized metals so special is the array of rainbow colors that they display without the use of any dyes. Anodized niobium ear cuffs. I hope this guides you guys in the correct direction and that your next planned (or spontaneous ) piercing heals with … Learn more about the procedure…. They won’t cause skin reaction so allergies of any kind, making them an excellent, bio-compatible option for even fresh piercings. As mentioned, anodizing doesn’t change the composition or nature of titanium. The stunning patterns and hues are all natural, caused by the light interfering with the oxide layer and creates the color. It’s regularly found in jewelry for piercings. This 18g nose piercing screw features a bold, 2mm turquoise set stone accented by anodized bronze titanium. Keep reading as we cover this topic in depth. There are a few materials approved by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), but implant-grade titanium is the one most piercers recommend for initial piercings. Implant grade titanium G23 (Ti6al4v-ELI) is the material used in surgical implants, is biocompatible (friendly with your body), resistant to body fluids and nickel free. Quick Overview: Pros of Anodizing Metals: How to Clean and Care for Anodized Jewelry, List of Good Luck Gemstones (A Handy Guide). Just ensure that the materials are 100% safe. Anodized metal jewelry is durable and easy to maintain. Titanium, niobium, zinc, aluminium, magnesium and tantalum are able to undergo the process. Neither should cause an immune response or allergic reaction. This is merely because the oxide layer is starting to wear off and get thin, exposing the natural color of the metal. Avoid chemicals such as hairspray, perfume or make-up coming into contact with the anodized jewelry. Look for jewelry made from titanium with these compliance designations: As long as you don’t have a known metal allergy or extremely sensitive skin, you have other safe options outside of titanium. We often have affiliate partnerships, and may generate some revenue from these links at no cost to you. If you can drop the cash, platinum piercings are a safe and more expensive alternative to titanium piercings — if you can find them. Both niobium and titanium can display gold, green, purple, copper, yellow, blue and sometimes even an oil slick effect. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. And the best part is, it’s hypoallergenic and extremely safe to wear. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum.