Why Material Quality Matters in Body Jewellery
Not all metals are created equal, especially when it comes to your body.
When it comes to jewellery, especially for body piercings, the material isn’t just about appearance, it’s about health, comfort, and long-term wear. Whether your piercing is fresh or healed, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Here’s why we take material quality seriously.
1. Your Body Deserves Safe, Biocompatible Materials
Jewellery for piercings sits inside your body for weeks, months, or even years. If it contains nickel, mystery alloys, or coatings, it can cause:
Allergic reactions
Redness or rashes
Prolonged irritation or bumps
Poor healing and even rejection
Skin staining
We only recommend and stock materials that are proven safe and approved for long-term wear in body piercings.
2. What Is Implant-Grade Titanium?
Implant-grade titanium (Ti-6AL-4V ELI ASTM F136) is the medical standard used in surgical implants. It is;
Nickel-free
Lightweight but strong
Corrosion-resistant
Hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin
Because of its purity and safety, it’s one of the most trusted materials used by professional piercers worldwide, including for new and healing piercings.
All of our titanium jewellery is implant-grade, not just "surgical steel" or "titanium coated."
3. What About Gold? Is All Gold Safe?
Gold is a beautiful, classic choice, but not all gold is created equally.
We only stock:
Solid 14k or 18k gold
Nickel-free
Polished to a mirror finish for reduced friction
We do not use:
Gold-plated jewellery (the coating wears off)
Gold-filled jewellery (contains base metals)
Low-quality alloys with nickel or brass
Solid gold is safe for both healed and healing piercings and it doesn’t just look luxurious, it is luxurious.
4. Why We Don’t Use “Surgical Steel” or “Mystery Metal”
The term “surgical steel” is vague — it refers to a wide range of alloys, some of which contain nickel or other irritants.
Many studios or retailers use generic or plated jewellery in initial piercings, which can cause:
Inflammation
Delayed healing
Discoloration of skin or jewellery
We don’t take chances with your body. If it’s going into a piercing, it needs to meet the highest standards...full stop.
5. Investing in Quality = Less Trouble Later
Choosing quality materials may cost more up front, but it:
Heals better
Lasts longer
Looks better over time
Reduces the chance of allergic reactions or complications
It also saves you money in the long run, no need to replace tarnished jewellery or treat skin issues from low-grade metal.
Quick Comparison: Safe vs Risky Materials
| Safe for Piercings | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Implant-grade titanium (Ti-6AL-4V) | Plated or coated jewellery |
| 14k or 18k solid gold | Gold-filled or gold-plated items |
| Niobium | Surgical steel (unless verified 316LVM) |
| Platinum | Acrylic, silicone, or plastic |
Final Thoughts
We believe that if you're putting something in your body, especially in a healing wound, it should be of the highest possible quality. Every piece we stock meets the standards we use in our professional piercing studio: safe, beautiful, and built to last.
At Artmageddon, we don’t just sell jewellery, we curate it with your body in mind.