Jewelry Types and Metal Types

Examples of each type of jewelry and each metal type can be seen in our catalogue.

Jewelry Types:

Different types of body jewelry have been designed for each body piercing. Some jewelry is versatile and can be used in piercings at several different locations. Other jewelry should only be used for specific piercings. Rings are the most recommenced type of jewelry due to the ease of thorough cleaning. Following is a list of the different types of jewelry used with body piercing.

Captive Bead Ring:

The Captive Bead Ring is the centuries old design associated with modern body piercing. The rings do not have a bead attached to either end. Instead the bead is held in place or "captive" by tension from both sides of the ring. The bead is removed and inserted by slightly opening the ring and relieving the tension on the bead. Captive bead rings are easy to remove and to insert. Beads come in a vast variety of metals, stones, and shapes allowing each ring to be customize
to individual taste. This versatility has made the captive bead ring the most popular choice for ring jewelry.


Bead Rings:

Bead Rings are rings with a bead coupling permanently attached to one end. The ring is opened and closed by inserting or removing the free end of the ring in or out of the bead coupling. Since a bead ring must be bent for insertion and removal and will break with frequent bending, it is best used for semi-permanent wear.


Circular Barbells:

Circular Barbells are rings with a ball attached to both ends. One or both balls are threaded and removable by unscrewing the ball. Circular barbells are easy to remove and best used where rings are removed frequently. The distinctive look makes circular barbells a popular choice.


Barbell Studs:

Barbell Studs are straight bars with a ball attached to each end. One or both of the balls are threaded and removed by unscrewing the ball. Although harder to clean than a ring, barbell studs are used in areas where a ring is impractical. Studs are easy to remove and best used where jewelry is removed frequently.


Septum Retainers:

Septum Retainers are "U" shaped jewelry used to retain the piercing opening in the septum when regular jewelry is not worn. The retainer is rotated up into the nostrils so as not to be seen.


Labret Studs:

Labret Studs are straight bars with a ball screwed on to one end and a disc the other. Labret studs are used almost exclusively for cheek, lip and tongue piercings. The ball design is made to be worn on the outer side of the cheek or on the top side of the tongue.

Metal Types:

It is never recommended to use sterling silver in a new piercing and in many cases it is not used in healed piercings for long periods of time. The alloys used in sterling silver often cause allergic reactions.

Body piercing jewelry is crafted from hypo-allergenic metals. Surgical Stainless Steel, Titanium, Niobium, and 14K Gold are the most common metals used in body jewelry and are generally problem free. Improper metals, including, plated or filled metals, are not safe in piercings and can cause severe reactions.

Surgical Stainless Steel:

Surgical Stainless Steel of the grade used in surgical implants is the most common metal used for body piercing jewelry. Surgical Stainless Steel jewelry is extremely durable, relatively inexpensive, and few people have problems wearing it. For these reasons Surgical Stainless Steel has become the metal of popular choice and is used in 80% of initial piercings.

Titanium and Niobium:

Titanium and Niobium are elemental metals (not an alloy). Colored metals are created by anodizing the niobium to form an oxide layer on the metal. No dyes or pigments are used in the process. While the oxide layer is extremely tough, it is quite thin, so niobium jewelry should not be worn where it is exposed to constant rubbing.

14K Gold:

14K Gold is safe for many people. Its beauty makes it a popular choice for piercings where the jewelry is not frequently changed. Gold rings that are frequently bent will stiffen and will eventually break.