The Do’s, Don’ts & Red Flags 🚩🚩🚩🚩
Not all jewellery metals are created equal, especially when they're going into a piercing.
From ASTM F136 implant grade titanium and 925 sterling silver to vague “alloys” and trademarked metal names, knowing what you're actually wearing matters.
Here are the biggest do’s, don’ts and red flags to look for. ✨
DO: Look for Recognised Material Standards
Specific language matters.
For fresh and healing piercings, ASTM F136 implant grade titanium is one of the materials commonly recommended by professional piercers. ASTM F136 identifies a specific titanium alloy standard rather than simply telling you something is “titanium.”
For healed piercings, 925 sterling silver can be a beautiful option for many people.
The important part? Look for clear, recognised material information rather than marketing language.
Good signs:
✓ ASTM F136 Implant Grade Titanium
✓ 925 Sterling Silver
✓ Clearly identified solid gold purity
✓ Base metal clearly disclosed beneath plating
DON’T: Trust “Alloy” Without More Information
🚩 “Alloy” is one of our biggest red flags.
An alloy is a mixture of metals. If a company simply says “alloy” without telling you what that alloy contains, you don't really know what you're putting in your piercing.
The same goes for terms like:
❌ Premium alloy
❌ Metal alloy
❌ Proprietary metal blend
❌ “Luxury metal” without a recognised material specification
Your ears deserve more information than that.
For those Blog lovers, use code " KNOWYOURMETAL15" for 15% off your next order!
DON’T: Let a Trademarked Name Replace the Actual Metal
We're seeing more brands create their own names for proprietary metals and alloy blends.
A trademarked name might sound impressive, but what is actually in it?
A branded metal name isn't necessarily a problem. The red flag is when the brand doesn't also clearly disclose the underlying material.
If you can't easily work out what the jewellery is made from, we'd think twice about putting it into a piercing.
DON’T: Confuse a Maker’s Mark With a Metal Mark
Another thing to watch for is jewellery marked only with a maker's or brand mark, without corresponding information identifying the metal.
A maker's mark tells you who made or branded the piece. It doesn't necessarily tell you what the piece is made from.
For example, 925 communicates the fineness of sterling silver. A brand logo or initials alone don't provide that same material information.
Very small jewellery components aren't always individually stamped, so lack of a stamp alone doesn't automatically mean poor quality. The bigger question is whether the company clearly discloses and can substantiate the material it is selling.
DON’T: Assume “Titanium” or “Surgical Steel” Tells You Everything
“Titanium” sounds great, but what grade?
“Surgical steel” sounds reassuring, but what specification?
For piercing jewellery, particularly fresh piercings, look beyond broad descriptions and find out exactly what material you're buying.
DO: Check What’s Under the Gold
Gold coloured doesn't necessarily mean solid gold.
Jewellery can be solid gold, gold plated over 925 sterling silver, gold PVD over implant grade titanium or plated over another base metal entirely.
Always check what's underneath the gold finish.
DO: Treat Fresh Piercings Differently
A fresh piercing is a healing wound.
Don't rush to put fashion jewellery into it simply because you love the design. Follow the advice of your professional piercer and use appropriate piercing jewellery while it heals.
Once fully healed, your jewellery wardrobe becomes much bigger.
The Rapunzille Metal Rule ✨
When shopping for piercing jewellery, ask:
What is it actually made from?
If you see ASTM F136 implant grade titanium, 925 sterling silver or clearly identified solid gold, you have meaningful information about what you're buying.
If you see “alloy,” an unexplained trademarked metal name, vague marketing terminology, or only a maker's mark with no clear material disclosure, start asking questions. 🚩
Your jewellery sits incredibly close to your body. You deserve to know what's in it.
And if you're already thinking about your next piercing or ear stack, make sure you read right to the very end of our piercing guides. We sometimes hide a little something there just for our blog readers. 👀✨
Piercing Disclaimer
This guide is general educational information only and isn't medical advice. Materials and piercings can affect everyone differently. For fresh, irritated or problematic piercings, always seek advice from a reputable professional piercer or healthcare professional.