Choosing the proper metal for your body rings

February 01, 2005
By:  Bob Whitehead

When you are buying body rings, it is important to consider the metal the rings are made of. Some metals are certainly better than others when it comes to selecting jewelry for body piercings. Knowing what you should and should not put in your piercing can keep you from suffering from annoying irritation.

There are four types of metals that are safe to wear in a body ring – surgical grade stainless steel, niobium, titanium, and 14k or higher content gold. Surgical grade stainless steel (316L) is the best choice, especially for new piercings. It has very low nickel content, which is the metal that most often causes allergic reactions. All kinds of cute jewelry are available in this metal, so you can look great and be practical at the same time.

Niobium rings can be worn after a piercing has healed. It is slightly porous, so bacteria could get caught in it. This is less of an issue with a fully healed piercing and with well-polished jewelry. The coloring of niobium body jewelry is due to an anodizing process, and the color could rub off with constant wear. The same is true for titanium.

Gold body jewelry is also appropriate to wear and can be a good choice for people who cannot wear stainless steel. It must be at least 14k to wear in your piercing. Gold is also a more porous metal, so clean it well and only wear it in healed piercings.

Metals to avoid in your body piercings include sterling silver, which can react with body tissues, and gold plated jewelry. If the plating wears off, the lower-grade ring below could irritate your skin.

About the Author:
Bob Whitehead is a successful freelance writer and publisher of http://www.body-jewelry-useek.com.  Body jewelry, piercing and tattooing information you seek to perfectly adorn your body.

Also See:  [ The difference between plugs and flesh tunnels, and where to find them ]
[ Diamond body jewelry is a stylish addition to your collection ]
[ Wearing a belly ring when pregnant ]

Home Page:  [ Body Jewelry You Seek ]