Body piercing is really not as new a trend as many might think.
It has actually been used by people of different cultures around
the world for centuries. In recent years it has once again become
popular and as more and more people choose to have piercings the
question becomes how to purchase the correct body jewelry online.
Here are 12 tips to help you purchased the right body jewelry
online.
1. Stainless steel
316 LVM Stainless steel is an excellent metal choice because
it is less porous and much cleaner than the 316L stainless body
jewelry that is sold. 316 LVM is the same material used in the
medical field and it's what we recommend.
2. Titanium
Titanium is stronger than stainless steel and its 45% lighter.
It also does not react with the body so it is an excellent choice
for body jewelry, especially for those who have metal sensitivities.
Try to purchase at least a grade 2 titanium which is the same
material used in the medical field.
3. Niobium
Niobium is an elemental metal and is strong yet flexible and
slightly heavier than 316L stainless steel. Niobium is chemically
non-reactive so it is excellent for people with sensitivities.
Few people are sensitive to niobium.
4. Gold
14kt or 18 kt gold are both good metals for body jewelry. Be
sure you buy solid gold, not hollow tubing which can breed bacteria.
No matter what karat of gold, it should never be used in initial
piercings. Gold is an alloy and it is not pure. The fluids secreted
in the healing process can cause the base metals in gold to
corrode and this can cause serious infection or slow healing.
5. Lucite & Plexiglas
Are used only for ears and the balls on barbells. They come
in a variety of colors and are a fun addition to your body jewelry.
6. Sterling Silver
Sterling silver should not be used for body jewelry because
it corrodes when it comes in contact with sulfur which your
body contains, which then forms silver salt which are toxic.
7. Gold Plated
Electroplated gold should not be used for body jewelry because
as it wears the plating can chip or flake which can cause rough
edges that irritate the piercing. You might be able to live
with the irritation but because of the rubbing this is a perfect
breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
8. Barbells
Shorter barbells in smaller gauges are good for ears and eyebrows.
Longer barbells are used for tongues, bell buttons, and below
the belt.
9. Rings
18 and 16 ga are used for ears and eyebrows. 20 and 18 ga are
used for the nose, 14 ga is used for lips, nipples, and male
genital piercings.
10. Labrets
Most commonly seen center lower lip or off to the side of the
upper lip.
11. Nostril screws
You guessed it, just as the name says these are normally used
for nostril piercings but will actually fit any piercing. They
are rather bulky so they can be felt in the nostril which can
be irritating. Many get used to them well others do not.
12. Nostril bones
They are 18 ga but they do not have the excess material that
nostril screws do so they are less bulky and much easier to
get use to.
Buying body jewelry online is a great way to save money. Now
that you know what body jewelry is right for what type of piercing,
you can put your fingers to work and get shopping!
