The Best 3 Metals for Body Jewelry

Two of the most common problems with body piercings are irritation and infection. Appropriate care and cleaning of piercings are essential, but the type of metal in the body jewelry you choose is also extremely important. The following are the top 3 best metals for body piercing jewelry, and two choices that you should definitely steer clear of.

TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS:

#1 Titanium G23

Titanium is by far the metal of choice for body piercings, and can be safely used for initial piercings. Implant grade titanium G23 (Ti6al4v-ELI) is the type of titanium used in surgical implants, is biocompatible, resistant to body fluids and nickel free. Titanium weighs less and is much stronger than surgical stainless steel, which gives us body jewelry that is both durable, comfortable and nearly resistant to scratching. Titanium is an expensive metal, but well worth paying for. Titanium body jewelry is beautiful, is long lasting, and will look just the same after many years of wear.

#2 Surgical Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most popular material for body piercing jewelry, and is just behind titanium in terms of biocompatibility. 316L or 316LVM are the only two grades of stainless steel that are considered safe for wearing in healed piercings. Keep in mind that even the best grades of stainless steel do contain nickel and may cause problems for those with nickel sensitivities. Many countries have barred the use of stainless steel for initial piercings, and it is best to avoid stainless steel altogether until your piercing is completely healed.

#3 Gold

It may surprise you that gold is not the preferred metal for body piercing jewelry, especially for initial piercings or long term wear. Because gold is softer than other metals and is made with metal alloys, there can be a greater chance of allergic reaction or infection. Gold jewelry is beautiful, but is safer when worn in healed piercings, and with care. Replace gold body jewelry with titanium at the first sign of irritation.

NOT RECOMMENDED:

Sterling Silver: Avoid any body jewelry where the part that you place inside your skin (barbell, banana, ring) is made of silver. Silver tarnishes when it comes in contact with body fluids, can easily harbor bacterial growth, and can contain allergy-causing metals such as nickel. Body jewelry with a sterling silver charm that is connected to or dangles from the end of the steel or titanium bar should not cause any prblems, so long as you dont have a silver allergy. Just make sure that the part that is inside your body is made from a more biocompatible metal.

Mystery Metal: Enough said. Any costume or plated body jewelry is a bad idea, as is low grade stainless steel. Stick with the top 3 choices above to be sure your piercing stays irritation and infection-free.

Keep in mind that body piercing jewelry is placed inside you, and should be treated more like a surgical implant than a piece of costume jewelry. Although it may be tempting to buy cheaper body piercing jewelry, spending a little more money on higher quality metals is definitely a better choice in the long run.

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

About the Author (text)

Linda Howell is webmistress for Crystal Evolution Online. Stop by our website to view our collection of unique, high quality body jewelry and high fashion jewelry. www.CrystalEvolutionOnline.com

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