Main Material information & care sheet
2011-7-25316L Stainless Steel
316L steel is the most basic metal used in body jewelry. It is the basic requirement of metal to be used in initial piercings and for healing. There are better grades (below) but usually they cost more as well. For most people this grade of steel works just fine.
1. Solid steel jewelry can be autoclaved
2. Simply wash with antibacterial soap and warm water before inserting into your piercing
3. If the steel jewelry also has acrylic, do not use alcohol or harsh chemicals to clean it. It will ruin the acrylic.
4. If the steel jewelry has gems on it do not use alcohol or harsh chemicals to clean it. It could eat away the glue that holds them in place. Better pieces of jewelry will have the gem bezel set in it (not held in by glue). These pieces cost significantly more but are well worth the money.
Titanium
Titanium is usually preferred over steel because it contains no nickel and it weighs almost 50% less than steel. Titanium can come in plain polish which looks just like steel and it can come in a variety of colors (but not red or black). Titanium is super for people with sensitive skin to steel. It does cost a little more but is well worth it. Titanium comes in different grades just like steel with Grade 23 (6AL4V ELI F-136) implant grade being the highest. Colored titanium does fade over time (but is not dangerous to your piercing). If worn in the mouth the color usually fades faster.
1. Solid titanium jewelry can be autoclaved
2. Simply wash with antibacterial soap and warm water before inserting into your piercing
3. No need to use alcohol or harsh cleansers on your jewelry
Acrylic / Lucite
Acrylic jewelry is light weight and great for healed piercings *only*. Acrylic should not be used in new or unhealed piercings. It should also not be used in newly stretched piercings. Be aware that this acrylic when worn in tongue piercings can emit toxins from the plastic. For tongue piercings, dental acrylic is recommended.
1. Acrylic cannot be autoclaved.
2. Acrylic cannot be boiled or left in heat/direct sunlight otherwise it risks the possibility of warping.
3. Simply wash with antibacterial soap and warm water.
4. DO NOT clean with alcohol or other harsh chemicals as it will ruin the jewelry.
5. Be careful with your acrylic balls! If you try to thread them down too far the threads can strip.
6. Acrylic is very fragile and brittle and will shatter under stress.
7. Do not leave in direct sunlight or heat as it can warp.
Sterling silver
Silver should never be worn in new or unhealed piercings. It is safe to wear in healed piercings, but not for every day wear. Silver can tarnish and when worn in a new piercing, the tarnish can be deposited into the skin causing it to darken or turn gray. Silver is very soft and is easily scratched.
1. If you have a nickel allergy, do not wear sterling silver.
2. Do not clean with alcohol or other harsh chemicals
3. Simply wash with antibacterial soap and warm water before inserting into your piercing
4. Over time silver can tarnish (turn brown colored). All you need to do is lightly buff it back to its natural shine.
Gold
Only 14k or 18k gold is appropriate for body jewelry (24k gold is too soft). 14k is the best as it is strong enough to maintain the threads for barbell etc. The higher grade of gold, the softer it gets. Lower grades than 14k could result in migration, rejection, or develop permanent reactions to gold.
1. Do not clean with alcohol or other harsh chemicals.
2. Simply wash with antibacterial soap and warm water before inserting into your piercing.
3. Be gentle when screwing on balls as threads could easily strip.
4. Over time gold can lose its luster from being within the body. All you need to do is lightly buff it back to its natural shine.
Silicone
Implant grade silicone is entirely safe for body piercing use and is great for people with metal allergies or sensitivities.
1. Wash with antibacterial soap and warm water before inserting into your piercing.
2. Use lubricant before inserting or removing silicone eyelets/plugs. This will help reduce chance of tearing.
3. Silicone jewelry CAN be autoclaved.
4. Never soak in or use harsh chemicals such as alcohol.
5. Silicone is not recommended to stretch your piercing. It has been done successfully, but not in all cases. If you want to take the chance and go for it, that's fine. Just be aware that your body could BADLY react to it.
