Anodized niobium and titanium may fade due to body chemistry or when worn in friction-prone areas, but this is not harmful. Unlike stainless steel this metal can come in many colors while also being safe to use in a fresh piercing because it’s not plated, it’s anodized! You’ll want to skip pieces made from sterling silver until your piercing’s fully healed. 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. Grade 5 titanium piercing jewelry is durable, safe and resistant to body fluid attacks. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board. If you go this route, look for unalloyed niobium that’s ASTM B392 compliant. They tend to think it’s a type of plating but unlike plated metals, anodized metals don’t flake or peel. If you’re intrigued, keep reading. The following are jewelry materials approved by the APP for fresh piercings. These are be sold as Titanium Anodized but may not be hypoallergenic or safe to wear. What makes anodized metals so special is the array of rainbow colors that they display without the use of any dyes. The jewelry surface should be polished and smooth, because a rough or jagged surface could cause irritation and tearing. Titanium piercings may cost a bit more than jewelry made from other materials, but the payoff is a reduced risk of complications. 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. Both niobium and titanium can display gold, green, purple, copper, yellow, blue and sometimes even an, Something to watch out for is metals like stainless steel that have been given a titanium coating. •gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings … For piercings in parts of the body with high movement, you’ll want extra flexibility and comfort. It has a high strength-to-density ratio. Store your jewelry in a fabric lined box or a soft pouch. Like titanium, niobium can be anodized to produce different colors. These similarities — and its lower cost — make it a popular option that’s been used by piercers for a few years now. Nickel is a silver-colored metal found naturally in the environment. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never. If you don’t want to stay with us till the end, then here’s a quick overview that summarizes the benefits of anodized titanium and niobium. 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. Titanium is a very strong metal, stronger than stainless steel and 45% lighter. But when it comes to piercings, part of the issue is abrasion. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is merely because the oxide layer is starting to wear off and get thin, exposing the natural color of the metal. Body jewelry is fashion and self-expression. Not every metal can be anodized, as some metals just react differently to the process. 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. Even though there are other colors on the surface, the metal is still either titanium or niobium all the way through. It’s regularly found in jewelry for piercings. Titanium is the next best option for your fresh piercing. Not all anodized metals are safe for piercings but anodized titanium and niobium are hypoallergenic and safe to wear. Sticking with titanium jewelry, even after the initial piercing, will spare you an itchy, scaly red rash (aka contact dermatitis). Here are the materials to avoid using on a fresh piercing: Gold-plated jewelry isn’t recommended for new piercings. Titanium, niobium, zinc, aluminium, magnesium and tantalum are able to undergo the process. The gold coating can wear off or flake, exposing your fresh wound to said alloys. Paraben-free beauty products are ones free of certain chemicals that act as preservatives. Titanium is also recommended for new piercings in healing, although many people can use Surgical Steel straight away, as long as it is high-quality Surgical Steel jewelry. 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. Quick Overview: Pros of Anodizing Metals: How to Clean and Care for Anodized Jewelry, List of Good Luck Gemstones (A Handy Guide). When protocol isn't followed, or if you don't follow post-piercing cleaning instructions closely enough, infection can occur. 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. It’s often mixed with other metals and used to make various everyday items. We use grade 23, which is implant grade; the same material the medical industry uses … Titanium 6Al4V ELI is an alloy used in medical applications and it is the most common titanium alloy used for body piercing. Something to watch out for is metals like stainless steel that have been given a titanium coating. OK for fresh stretches. The softer the gold, the more prone it is to nicks and scratches that can irritate your skin and damage tissue. Anodized titanium There are two basic types of titanium body jewelry: solid titanium, and anodized or electroplated titanium, which is … Anodized titanium cuff with natural colors. Surgical steel is a popular choice for piercings because it’s affordable, durable, and safe for most. We also have plain Surgical Steel and Anodized Titanium Nose Hoops in various colors. (And, unlike titanium, it can be anodized black.) Titanium does not react with the body, so most people; even those with metal-sensitivities can wear Titanium. The stunning patterns and hues are all natural, caused by the light interfering with the oxide layer and creates the color. Not all piercings are created equal. Here are a few other things to keep in mind, regardless of the material you choose going forward: You can’t go wrong with titanium jewelry, especially for a new piercing. Titanium is probably the most common metal type used in new piercings. The colors that the metal displays depend on how thick the oxide is, which in turn depends on the voltage of the current during the anodizing process. Titanium is the most biocompatible element (less than 0.6% of people are allergic to it) and will not irritate even the most sensitive skin. In other words, titanium is considerably less dense than stainless steel … They won’t cause skin reaction so allergies of any kind, making them an excellent, bio-compatible option for even fresh piercings. A great thing about titanium is that it can be anodized, allowing you to rock earrings in different colors—green, blue, yellow, purple. Following some reasonable tips will ensure that the jewelry remains lustrous and colorful for a long time. All that’s been done is an electric current has passed … 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. Tear trough fillers may be an option if you’re looking to reduce the deep creases under your eyes. Jewelry made from 10 karat gold may give you the bling you like for less, but it isn’t necessarily safe for your body. There are a lot of raw materials that can be used to make it: metals, glass, plastics, and organic materials. Anodized metal jewelry is durable and easy to maintain. Not all anodized metals are safe for piercings but anodized titanium and niobium are hypoallergenic and safe to wear. We also carry a full selection of Surgical Steel and Titanium Circular Barbells (Horseshoes) … If there was no light during the process, there would be no colors. 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. Bioplast, Tygon Medica/Surgical Tubing, and PTFE (Teflon) are safe for new piercings. We offer you a wide choice of titanium jewelry for all types of body piercings- captive bead rings, labrets, nipple rings and shields, plugs, all kinds of barbells and navel rings of best quality. Titanium is a hard metal that could have a … It hasn’t been dyed, plated or coated with any other substance. Some are better for new piercings, while others are only recommended for healed piercings or short-term wear.Before you commit to a piece of body jewelry, here's the lowdown to make sure you're making safe choices. Some hurt much more than others, and some may have longer healing times that can be uncomfortable for months. That means it remains hypoallergenic and, therefore, safe for piercings. All rights reserved. Ultimately, the decision between titanium vs Surgical Steel piercing jewelry will be a personal one. Additionally, titanium can be anodized in several different colors! See them here. Chemically speaking, titanium is less likely to be absorbed by biological systems than niobium. Our earrings are made by a medical implant manufacturer with the same implant grade titanium that they use for their medical implants. Gold (yellow or white) is appropriate for initial piercings if it is 14k or higher, nickel free, and alloyed for biocompatibility. You’ll often see, Increases durability and resistance to corrosion. In most piercing jewelry, an anodized titanium coating will be made over surgical grade stainless steel to add durability and color. Niobium is rare, relatively valuable and similar in appearance to metals like platinum or titanium. Those other metals can tarnish and cause skin irritation and staining. This process is not unsafe and poses no harm to your body. Here’s a look at those reasons, some second-best options, and materials to avoid at all costs. Make sure any steel jewelry you choose is one of the following: Like titanium, nobium is hypoallergenic. Titanium. Adornments like gemstones should be set securely into the metal to keep them from shifting or falling out. Titanium anodized belly button ring, 16 ga Piercing Tips Body Piercing Tips Body piercing jewelry is a popular way of expressing the individuality these days and a growing number of people go for body piercing to show the beauty of their body, to become more attractive and add sexy look to their style. Both niobium and titanium can display gold, green, purple, copper, yellow, blue and sometimes even an oil slick effect. One unique aspect of both niobium and titanium is that they can be heat-treated, or anodized, to produce different colors -- you can have a pink, … The heating process is done by introducing electricity to the metal which results in a permanent surface change. © 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. One great thing about titanium lip jewelry is that it comes in a variety of colors and looks highly polished. You’d think a higher karat gold would be better, right? It has a high strength-to-density ratio. One of the most important aspects of getting a piercing is choosing a safe metal that won’t cause reactions or allergies. 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. Titanium jewellery is lightweight (around 60% the weight of stainless steel given the same volume), it is highly corrosion resistant and less likely to react with body fluids, is not magnetic, it can be anodized to create a layer of colored oxide on the surface. This type of titanium won’t react with body fluids since it’s nickel-free, and corrosion resistant. One thing that’s interesting about titanium is that it can be colored in a safe and biocompatible way. It Depends, Undereye Tear Trough Filler: What You Should Know, All About Buccal Fat Removal for Thinner Cheeks. See it here. Taking your search online will open up a range of options to choose from. You’ll often see niobium and titanium on the list of safe metals to use for fresh piercings due to their bio-compatible properties. Since titanium is inert and non reactive to almost all chemicals it will never corrode, tarnish or rust. Avoid chemicals such as hairspray, perfume or make-up coming into contact with the anodized jewelry. Hypoallergenic and safe for initial, healing and healed piercings, this nostril screw is not only lovely too look at but it is ideal for anyone with metal sensitivities. However, while it may slowly wear off, it will never flake off. This is key for achieving optimal results. Not every metal can be anodized, as some metals just react differently to the process. There’s a reason — several reasons, actually — why you often hear that piercing with titanium is the way to go. It does contain some nickel, but thanks to a low rate of transfer, your skin is unlikely to notice. Can You Get a Belly Button Piercing with an Outie? The higher you go, the softer the gold. A…, A tracheal shave is a facial feminization surgery that's used to reduce the size of the Adam’s apple. Learn more about the procedure…. Dr. Rabach also endorses titanium for new piercings, explaining that this metal "is a top choice for piercings because it’s biocompatible (meaning your body won’t recognize it as foreign and form a reaction against it). And, they can damage healthy, healed skin. 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. Always check this carefully and make sure that the entire piece of jewelry is made of titanium or niobium. 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). And the best part is, it’s hypoallergenic and extremely safe to wear. 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). Just ensure that the materials are 100% safe. But if these two metals have been anodized, which they often are, do they still remain safe for piercing jewelry? So, jewelry made from a biocompatible plastic may be the way to go. Of this selection of metals, only the first two are suitable for body piercings. 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. 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. 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. Keep reading as we cover this topic in depth. Just remember that not all steel jewelry is of the same quality. Anodized niobium ear cuffs. Gold is another safe-for-most option, as long as you stick with gold that’s 14 karat, nickel-free, and biocompatible. Titanium is a high-quality metal and has no nickel, which means it is safe for people with metal allergies and sensitivities. If you get Botox injections, you’ll need to follow the best practices for Botox aftercare. While titanium is a pure element, there are a number of different titanium alloys used in medical applications. It can also be anodized, so you can find it in different colors. Nope. If you need to clean your jewelry, simply use warm water and a mild soap to clean off any grime buildup. 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. Most other metals just exfoliate when anodized, meaning that the surface layer will peel off. The same goes for people seeking a substitute for metal jewelry because of sensitivity or budget concerns. What makes anodized metals so special is the array of rainbow colors that they display without the use of any dyes. This is merely because the oxide layer is starting to wear off and get thin, exposing the natural color of the metal. In the case of titanium and niobium, anodizing causes the natural oxide layer on the surface to thicken and the miniscule debris found on the surface of the metal is removed by the process, resulting in a smoother texture. Just ensure that the materials are 100% safe. 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. As with stainless steel, titanium alloys must meet specific requirements to be considered “implant grade”. Titanium. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum. Jewelry made of low-grade metals will eventually tarnish, scratch, or chip. What Does Paraben-Free Mean in Beauty Products? This goes for gold overlay or gold vermeil jewelry, which are just other terms for gold-plated. Anodized niobium and titanium may fade due to body chemistry or when worn in friction-prone areas, but this is not harmful. This video gives a quick demonstration of how titanium jewelry changes color during anodization. Most of the time, your bump will…. The reduced friction, or lubricity, from Type 2 anodized titanium also helps patients with orthopedic implants by improving mobility of joints. As Jewelry Shopping Guide editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. As already mentioned above, if you’re choosing titanium, make sure that the metal is, in fact, anodized titanium and NOT other metals anodized. For new piercings, 14 karat gold is the sweet spot. Anodized niobium and titanium may fade due to body chemistry or when worn in friction-prone areas, but this is not harmful. Titanium handles moisture well and is very body safe for the long-term wear body piercings require," Faris tells us. (And, unlike titanium, it can be anodized black.) 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?