Q: My friend keeps telling me that I should just splurge and get all gold jewelry because it's better for my piercings/skin. How true is this really? -Sam
A: Gold is definitely a nice choice for piercing jewelry. However, it depends a great deal on what kind of gold and where you source it. Gold plated jewelry has a base metal core and over time, the gold can wear away and expose that core. With time and use, the plating can wear away. This leaves a rough surface that can irritate your piercings and you may also have issues with the metal underneath if you are prone to metal allergies. Gold is a good choice if you are gentle with it and make sure to get high-quality gold jewelry. That said, there is nothing that makes it a better choice than ASTM F-136 titanium. Titanium can even be anodized to look gold. So, gold is a great option, but there’s no reason why you have to. Depending on the piercing, there are even great non-metal choices such as stone for stretched ear lobes or glass pinchers for your septum. However, for complex piercings like an industrial piercing, high-quality metals remain the safest choice due to the length of the barbell and the stress placed on the jewelry.
Q: I've been having a rough go with my first piercing (belly button piercing) and I think I may be allergic to the jewelry I'm wearing. What jewelry can I get that's hypoallergenic? Thanks! -Katelyn
A: Titanium, specifically ASTM F-136 titanium, is generally considered the gold standard for piercing jewelry because (among other things) the odds of having an allergic reaction to the metal are incredibly low. This is a nice choice because it’s easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and can be anodized to any color except black. (Titanium can only be anodized to a dark, gunmetal grey. However, it does look super cool that way.) Another option would be niobium, although this is harder to find, and that rarity will be reflected in the cost. Finally, rhodium is another option, although it is also difficult to source and will cost more than high-quality titanium as well. Best of luck!
Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!
