Piercing jewellery refers to the type of jewellery worn on, ear, nose, tongue, or other parts of the body. Piercing jewellery comes in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and materials to accommodate different types of piercings and personal preferences.
Some common types of piercing jewellery include:
Studs: Studs are a type of earring that sits flat against the skin, usually with a post that goes through the piercing and a decorative front. Stud jewellery is a popular and versatile choice for ear piercings, offering a range of benefits for those who prefer a more understated look or who need comfortable and low-maintenance jewellery. Studs can be worn in multiple piercings, allowing for a coordinated and cohesive look.
Hoops: Hoops are circular earrings that can come in a variety of sizes and styles. They can be worn in different types of piercings. Large hoop earrings can make a bold statement and add a touch of glamour to any outfit. You can add movement and flair to an outfit, as they move with the wearer. Hoop earrings have been a popular style for many years and continue to be a classic and fashionable choice.
Barbells: Barbells are straight pieces of jewellery with a ball or other decorative piece on each end. They can be worn in tongue piercings, nipple piercings, and other types of piercings. The ball or decorative piece on each end of the barbell is usually held in place by threading or tension, ensuring a secure fit. Barbell jewellery is usually simple to clean, as it can be easily wiped with a cloth or cleaned with a cleaning solution.
Captive bead rings: Captive bead rings are circular pieces of jewellery with a removable ball or bead that is held in place by tension. Captive bead rings can be worn in many types of piercings, including ear piercings, lip piercings, nose piercings, and genital piercings. These rings are designed to stay in place, making them a safer option for piercings that may be prone to snagging or getting caught.
Dangle earrings: Dangle earrings are a type of earring that hang down from the earlobe, often featuring decorative elements such as gemstones, beads, or charms. Dangle earrings come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and materials, making them versatile enough to suit a range of occasions and outfits. These earrings can draw attention to the face and highlight its features, such as the eyes or cheekbones.
Pros and Cons of Different Materials of Jewellery
Piercing jewellery can be made from a variety of materials, including surgical steel, titanium, gold, silver, acrylic, and organic materials such as wood, bone, and horn. It is important to choose jewellery made from materials that are safe and appropriate for your piercing, as well as those that are comfortable and fit properly. It is also essential to keep your piercing jewellery clean to prevent infection and irritation. So, there are several types of materials used for piercing jewellery, each with their pros and cons. Some of the most common materials include:
Surgical Steel: Surgical steel jewellery is a popular type of body jewellery that is made from high-quality stainless steel. It is often used for piercings due to its hypoallergenic properties and durability. Here are some of the pros and cons of surgical steel jewellery:
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic: Surgical steel is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
- Durable: Surgical steel is resistant to corrosion, rust, and tarnishing, making it a durable and long-lasting option for body jewellery.
- Affordable: Compared to other types of body jewellery, surgical steel is relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.
- Easy to clean: Surgical steel jewellery is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only mild soap and water.
Cons:
- Nickel content: Some surgical steel contains small amounts of nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. It is important to look for surgical steel jewellery that is labeled as “nickel-free” to avoid this issue.
- Limited design options: Surgical steel jewellery may not offer as many design options as other materials, such as gold or silver.
- Can be heavy: Surgical steel is a denser metal than other materials, which can make it feel heavy or uncomfortable for some people.
Titanium: Titanium jewellery is a popular type of body jewellery that is made from a lightweight and durable metal. It is often used for piercings due to its hypoallergenic properties and biocompatibility. Here are some of the pros and cons of titanium jewellery:
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic: Titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
- Biocompatible: Titanium is biocompatible, which means that it is not harmful to living tissue and is often used for medical implants.
- Durable: Titanium is resistant to corrosion, rust, and tarnishing, making it a durable and long-lasting option for body jewellery.
- Lightweight: Titanium is a lightweight metal, making it comfortable to wear and less likely to cause discomfort or irritation.
Cons:
- Expensive: Titanium jewellery can be more expensive than other types of body jewellery, such as surgical steel or acrylic.
- Limited design options: Titanium jewellery may not offer as many design options as other materials, such as gold or silver.
- Hard to work with: Titanium is a difficult metal to work with, which can make it challenging to create intricate or detailed designs.
Gold: Gold jewellery is a popular type of body jewellery that is made from the precious metal gold. It is often used for piercings and other types of jewelry due to its luxurious and timeless appearance. Here are some of the pros and cons of gold jewellery:
Pros:
- Timeless and elegant: Gold jewellery is a classic and elegant option that is often associated with luxury and status.
- Versatile: Gold jewellery comes in a variety of colors and can be easily mixed and matched with other types of jewellery and clothing.
- Hypoallergenic: Gold is hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
- Long-lasting: Gold is a durable and long-lasting metal that can be passed down as an heirloom.
Cons:
- Expensive: Gold is a precious metal and can be expensive, making it less accessible to some people.
- Softness: Gold is a relatively soft metal and can be prone to scratches and dents over time.
- Not ideal for some piercings: Gold jewellery may not be the best option for certain piercings that are more prone to irritation or infection, as it can be more difficult to clean and maintain than other materials.
Acrylic: Acrylic is a lightweight and affordable material that is often used for colourful or decorative piercing jewellery. It is easy to clean and does not cause allergic reactions. However, acrylic is not as durable as other materials and can crack or break over time.
Organic materials: Organic materials such as wood, bone, and horn can be used for piercing jewellery. They are often appreciated for their natural beauty and uniqueness. However, organic materials can be porous and can harbour bacteria, making them difficult to clean and potentially hazardous.
It is important to choose piercing jewellery that is appropriate for your piercing and your body. Always consult with a professional piercer to determine the best material and size for your piercing. Additionally, it is important to clean your piercing jewellery regularly and replace it as needed to prevent infection or irritation.