1. Titanium
Titanium is the material commonly used for the first piercing.
There are different types of quality of titanium. In our shop we use: Titanium 6AL-4V-ELI, ASTM 136
Titanium is ideal for both initial body piercings and healed piercings as it is compliant with the EU Nickel Directive introduced in Europe in 2001. Because of its virtually 'Nickel Free' content Titanium has become one of the preferred materials used in piercing jewelry within the borders of the European Union.
Grade Ti6AL-4V, ASTM F136 is the specification for the alloy to be used for surgical implants. It is available in Highly Polished or Anodised Colours. Titanium is only half the weight of steel and twice as strong.
It can withstand the process of sterilization and is ideal for the first piercing.
2. Surgical Steel
Steel jewelry in our shop is made of Surgical Steel 316.
SS316L is a surgical implant grade, which is the most used material for Body Jewelry. The two most common standards that apply to body jewelry made of steel are ASTM F138 and ISO 5832-1 which describe the qualities of steel for surgical implants.
We don’t use it for the first piercing, even though it can be sterilized and is nickel free. Being heavier than titanium it can slow down the healing process. Surgical Steel is a quality material that’s non-corrosive, scratch resistant and when polished shines more than Titanium, it’s also more flexible and can be used to make any model for almost any piercing. That was not always so, because formerly there was a lot of bronze used to make piercings, but with growth in technology bronze is almost entirely gone from the piercing world. That’s good because steel is better for the skin, doesn’t change in color and it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often.
3. Black Steel
Black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is applied onto SS316L body jewelry.
The jewelry is coated in a heated chamber under high vacuum.
Electric voltage applied will form a plasma in the chamber and the introduction of various gases produces an ion bombardment.
This bombardment atomizes the cathode material into tiny substances, which are deposited on the jewelry.
The result is a hardened layer, which is biocompatible.
This is the secret behind your black piercings. However with various products this processes can differ.
This is why with cheap jewelry colors diminish fairly quickly and the chance of damaging your piercing is bigger. If you’re not sure what to buy and you’re concerned about possible harmful effects, then you can better opt for Black Titanium instead of Black Steel.
4. Zircon Steel
Zircon Steel is not so popular because it is a little bit brighter than normal gold plating, but it has an advantage in that you can wear it for years without getting allergic reactions.
Zircon Gold PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is applied onto SS316l body jewelry.
The jewelry is coated in a heated chamber under high vacuum.
Electric voltage applied will form a plasma in the chamber and the introduction of various gases produces an ion bombardment.
This bombardment atomizes the cathode material into tiny substances which are deposited on the jewelry.
The result is a hardened layer, which is biocompatible.
In general, it is used for tunnels and nose piercings.
5.Gold PVD
We arrived at a very popular piercing: gold plated piercings.
24K real Gold is coated using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process.
The jewelry is coated in a heated chamber under high vacuum. Electric voltage applied will form a plasma in the chamber and the introduction of various gases produces an ion bombardment. This bombardment atomizes the cathode material (24k real Gold) into tiny substances which are deposited on the jewelry. The result is a hardened layer, which is biocompatible.
We strongly advise to use Gold PVD jewelry only after your piercing is completely healed and to never use it for stretching your ear.
6. Rose Gold PVD
Real Rose Gold Alloy is coated using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process.
The jewelry is coated in a heated chamber under high vacuum. Electric voltage applied will form a plasma in the chamber and the introduction of various gases produces an ion bombardment. This bombardment atomizes the cathode material (Real 14-22K Rose Gold alloy) into tiny substances which are deposited on the jewelry. The result is a hardened layer, which is biocompatible.
Rose gold PVD Body Jewelry looks beautiful and is easy to combine with other jewelry.
7. Bioplast®
We are a big fans of bioplast! In our studio we often use it as a first piercing, a possible second piercing and as a solution to all the problems associated with inflammation and allergies.
Bioplast® is a trademarked medical grade plastic. It was created in 1998 in Austria and is still produced in Tyrol. It was formerly sold under the name of PMFK until in 2003 the name Bioplast® was trademarked.
Bioplast® is Biocompatible, flexible and can be cut to any length and threaded by any metal ball closure.
Bioplast® adjusts to the body temperature and not to the outside air temperature, like metals. Therefore, people getting pierced with Bioplast®, have less swellings and infections. The healing process with Bioplast® is faster than with any other materials. No allergic reactions (no nickel)
Bioplast® can be sterilized by autoclave. It also has a competitive price and comes in 8 fancy colors, can be combined with SS316L or Titanium.
Bioplast® is not visible in X-Rays if used on its own without metal attachments.
Bioplast® is the best material for initial piercing.
It is available in the following colors:
◦Transparent
◦Blue
◦Red
◦Black
◦Silver
◦UV-green
◦UV-pink
◦White
8. Organics
Organic body jewelry is made from various natural materials like water buffalo horn, water buffalo bone and different kinds of wood. Organic materials were used historically by many cultures.
Natural materials are not suitable for unhealed piercings or for wear while stretching existing ones. They are sensitive to changes in heat and humidity. Thus autoclaving, use in saunas or hot display cases (light) is not recommended.
Natural materials can absorb oils and sweat from the skin and therefore reduce odors.
9. Silver
We use silver mostly in navel piercings and earrings.
Silver does not need much explanation. We use 92.5 Sterling silver. Most of our items are rhodium plated, which protects the silver from tarnish and makes it more shiny.
10. Stones
We are using mostly Swarovski® crystals, where we use a wide variety of colors and effects. We also use Cubic Zirconia and a variety of semiprecious stones.
All jewelry and piercings containing stones need extra attention when washing. The smaller the piercing the bigger the risk of stones falling out.
11. UV Acryl
Acrylic comes in many shapes and colors. It cannot be sterilized in autoclave and may crack, if soaked in disinfectant chemicals like alcohol or similar. It’s not suitable for initial piercing. Although not a super high quality it’s biggest advantage is a cheap price and that it comes in thousands of varieties in shape and any color imaginable. It’s used for balls, plugs and tunnels.
12. Enamel
Enamel resin, also called “epossodic resin”, has various outstanding properties: It is smooth, hard, chemically resistant, durable, scratch resistant, long-lasting color, easy-to-clean, and cannot burn.
When it hardens, it creates a smooth, durable coating on metals.
Enamel is not paint, so it does not fade with UV light.
If you want to get a new piercing, it is now possible to schedule your appointment with us!
Get pierced when it suits you! You can pay right away, so you don't have to think about it during your appointment.
Aphraheals - Piercing Aftercare
