Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — 100% of our jewelry is nickel-free. Every piece is made from implant-grade materials (ASTM F136 titanium, 316L surgical steel, or solid gold) that meet EU REACH and US CRA standards for nickel release. We test every production batch with independent third-party labs. If you have an extreme nickel sensitivity, our titanium collection is the safest option available on the market.

ASTM F136 is the international standard specification for implant-grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) used in surgical implants — joint replacements, bone screws, and dental fixtures. It contains virtually zero nickel, making it the gold standard for new or unhealed piercings and for anyone with metal sensitivities.

Most “titanium” jewelry on the market is not ASTM F136 certified — it may be aerospace-grade (G5) or commercially pure titanium, which have different impurity tolerances. Ours is tested and certified. Every piece ships with a material certificate.

G23 (Grade 23) and G5 (Grade 5) are both titanium alloys, but G23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is the extra-low interstitial version specifically designed for implants. G5 is the standard aerospace alloy. For body piercings:

• G23 has lower oxygen and nitrogen content = better biocompatibility
• G23 virtually eliminates nickel leaching risk
• G5 may still cause reactions in highly sensitive individuals

We only sell G23 ASTM F136 titanium. If it doesn’t say ASTM F136, it’s not implant grade.

316L surgical steel is safe for fully healed piercings only — it is not recommended for unhealed or healing piercings. Despite the name “surgical,” 316L contains 8–10% nickel, which can release nickel ions during the healing process and cause contact dermatitis or delayed healing.

Our recommendation: use ASTM F136 titanium for all healing piercings. Switch to 316L steel only after your piercing is completely healed (typically 6–12 months for cartilage, 2–4 months for lobe).

Our ASTM F136 titanium and solid gold options are completely safe for nickel allergy sufferers. 316L surgical steel is low-nickel but not nickel-free — some people with severe nickel allergies may still react.

If you have a confirmed nickel allergy: stick with our titanium or 14K/18K gold collection. We recommend starting with a small, simple piece for 24–48 hours to test before wearing it in a fresh piercing.

• 14K gold = 58.3% pure gold, 41.7% alloy metals. More durable and harder — ideal for healed piercings in high-movement areas (lobes, cartilage).
• 18K gold = 75% pure gold, 25% alloy. Softer, slightly more prone to scratching — but purer means less chance of alloy metal sensitivity.

Both are nickel-safe in our products (we use palladium-based alloys, not nickel, for our gold). For new piercings: 14K or ASTM F136 titanium is preferred. Never wear gold-plated, gold-filled, or vermeil jewelry in unhealed piercings — the base metal will expose.

Green discoloration is caused by oxidation of copper in the jewelry alloy — this is a chemical reaction between your skin’s acids/moisture and the copper content in the metal. It is not an allergy.

This is more common with 316L steel (8–10% copper) and lower-karat gold. To prevent: choose our ASTM F136 titanium (zero copper), 14K/18K solid gold (minimal copper in 14K), or rhodium-plated options. Gold plating that has worn through will expose the base metal.

“Hypoallergenic” is not a regulated term, so we avoid it. Instead, we specify the actual material:

• Titanium: ASTM F136 implant grade (nickel < 0.05%)
• Gold: palladium-nickel alloy (zero nickel in the gold portion)
• Surgical steel: 316L low-nickel (not nickel-free)

For the most sensitive skin, our ASTM F136 titanium is the safest choice on the market. If you have a dermatologist-confirmed metal allergy, email us your test results and we will personally recommend the right material.

Yes. All our titanium and gold jewelry ships with a material certificate stating the alloy grade and nickel content testing results. Our manufacturing partners test every production batch with independent third-party labs.

For studio wholesale orders, we provide formal Certificates of Conformance (COC) and Mill Test Reports (MTR) for every batch. Contact us before purchasing if you need documentation for a specific order.

We carry gauges from 20G (0.8mm) up to 00G (9mm), with most cartilage and nostril pieces in 18G and 16G:

• 20G (0.8mm) — fresh nostril, frowny
• 18G (1.0mm) — standard nostril, frowny, fresh helix
• 16G (1.2mm) — cartilage, standard lobe, most septum
• 14G (1.6mm) — stretched lobes, septum, daith, tragus
• 12G (2.0mm) — septum, stretched cartilage
• 10G–00G (2.5–9mm) — large gauge plugs and tunnels

If you need a custom gauge not listed, contact us.

Use a digital caliper (~$10 at any hardware store) to measure:

• Ring inner diameter: inner edge to inner edge — not the outer diameter. Measure in millimeters.
• Barbell length: the shaft only, excluding the balls or ends.
• Nose studs: L-shape bend length from the flat back to the tip.

Always double-check with your piercer before ordering custom sizes. When in doubt, go up one size in length to account for swelling on initial piercings.

• Internally threaded: threading is on the inside of the post — the decorative end screws into the post. Nothing sharp or rough ever touches your piercing channel.
• Externally threaded: threading is on the outside of the post. The threads scrape against fresh tissue during insertion.

For new or healing piercings, internally threaded (or threadless push-fit) is the only recommended option. All our titanium and gold pieces are internally threaded. We strongly recommend against externally threaded jewelry for unhealed piercings.

• Never skip sizes — always stretch gradually (1mm increments at a time)
• Minimum 4–6 weeks between stretches for earlobes; 2–3 months for cartilage
• Use dead-stretching (single-flare glass plugs) rather than forcing with taper tools
• Use implant-grade titanium or surgical steel tapers
• If a stretch hurts, stop — it is not ready

Signs of a bad stretch: bleeding, sharp pain, white/pale skin at the piercing (circulation loss). Use jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to massage and condition the tissue before and after stretching.

Nostril piercings are typically done with either a nostril screw (L-shape bend) or a nose bone (ball at the end). Standard nostril piercings use 18G or 20G post with a 6–8mm length for most nostril positions.

A nose hoop (continuous ring) requires a fully healed piercing (minimum 3 months) and is usually sized 8–10mm in diameter. Cork-screw nose screws are easier to change at home; L-shape bends are easier for initial piercings. If you are unsure, ask your piercer before ordering.

A daith piercing goes through the inner-most cartilage fold of the ear. Best jewelry for initial daith piercings:

• Captive bead ring (CBR) or horseshoe ring in ASTM F136 titanium
• 16G–18G with an 8–10mm diameter

The curved anatomy of the daith makes it compatible with curved barbells and horseshoe rings, but not standard straight barbells. Do not use clicker rings for initial daith piercings — they put uneven pressure on the healing channel.

For initial septum piercings: a horseshoe ring or small captive bead ring (CBR) in ASTM F136 titanium, 16G–14G, with an 8–10mm internal diameter.

After full healing (3–4 months): clicker rings, seamless hoops, segment rings, and decorative captive bead rings are all appropriate. Never wear externally threaded jewelry in a septum — the threads will damage the sweet spot tissue.

• Classic navel / belly button piercing: through the tissue at the top lip of the navel — requires good anatomy (protruding navel). Best jewelry: curved barbells, banana bells, or navels rings in 14G–16G.
• Surface navel: surface piercing in the lower abdomen below the navel — higher rejection rate. Requires surface bars.
• Vertical navel: through the bottom of the navel — less anatomy-dependent. Best jewelry: surface bars or curved barbells.

“Stomach piercing” typically refers to surface navel or multiple navel piercings stacked vertically.

For initial nipple piercings: straight or slightly curved barbells in ASTM F136 titanium, 14G–16G. Barbells should be long enough to accommodate swelling (typically 14mm–18mm post length).

Nipple piercings can take 6–12 months to fully heal and tend to swell significantly in the first 2–4 weeks. Do not use clicker rings for initial nipple piercings — the hinge mechanism adds pressure to the healing channel.

We carry jewelry for all lip piercing types:

• Monroe / Angel Bite: labret stud or small ball-end barbell, 18G–16G
• Medusa / Philtrum: labret stud, 16G–14G
• Labret (lower center lip): labret stud, 16G–14G
• Dahlia (corners of mouth): small labret studs, 18G–16G

For all lip piercings, use flat-back labret studs for comfort — they do not catch on teeth or gums like ball-end posts.

A surface piercing goes through surface skin (not through a fold of skin). Examples: surface navel, horizontal eyebrow, hip/dermal, bridge piercing. Surface piercings have the highest rejection rate of any piercing type.

Required jewelry: surface bars (straight bars with flat disc ends that sit flush against the skin), available in 12G–16G. Surface piercings must be downsized regularly as swelling subsides. They typically last 1–3 years.

A dermal anchor (single-point piercing) is implanted into the skin with a small post that sits flat against the body, with a removable top that screws or snaps into the anchor. Best initial jewelry: titanium dermal anchor with a flat disc or small ball top, 14G.

Unlike surface bars, dermal anchors do not migrate as quickly because the tissue grows around the anchor base. Healing time: 3–9 months. Do not change the top for 8–12 weeks minimum.

• CBR (captive bead ring): a small ball physically captured by tension from the ring ends — the ring snaps closed around the ball. Simpler mechanism, less likely to accidentally open.
• Clicker ring: has a hinged mechanism with a click-fit closure. Easier to open/close for jewelry changes, but adds a mechanical point of failure.

For initial piercings, we recommend standard CBRs — no hinge. For fully healed, stable piercings where you change jewelry frequently, clicker rings are excellent.

Healing times vary by piercing type:

• Lobes: 6–8 weeks (can be stretched after 3–4 months)
• Cartilage (helix, daith, rook, tragus): 3–6 months, sometimes up to 12 months
• Nostril: 2–4 months
• Septum: 2–3 months (if done correctly in the sweet spot)
• Lip: 2–3 months
• Tongue: 2–4 weeks
• Navel: 3–6 months
• Nipple: 3–6 months
• Dermal/surface: 3–9 months

Avoid changing jewelry until fully healed — patience prevents rejection and infection.

For the first 2–4 weeks:

• Rinse gently during daily shower
• Spray with sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride, no additives) 1–2x daily
• Pat dry with clean disposable paper towel

Do NOT: use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bactine, soap with fragrance/oil, or rotate/move the jewelry.

After healing: clean with mild unscented soap 2–3x per week. Never use cotton swabs on healing piercings — fibers can catch on jewelry and introduce bacteria.

Signs of rejection:

• Jewelry is appearing to “migrate” toward the surface
• Skin between entry and exit points is thinning
• Increasing redness around the piercing channel
• Discharge changes from clear/lymph to yellow/green
• Increased pain after weeks of healing comfort

If you see any of these: stop touching it, downsize the jewelry if possible, and see a professional piercer immediately. Do not remove the jewelry yourself — the open channel can trap discharge and create an abscess. Early intervention usually saves the piercing.

• Keloid: true scar tissue overgrowth — firm, raised, and continuous beyond the original wound boundaries. Genetic. More common in darker skin tones. Requires medical treatment (steroid injections, laser, or surgical removal).
• Irritation bump (granuloma): raised bump adjacent to the piercing channel due to trauma, pressure, or incorrect jewelry. Flat or round, may have pinpoint redness. Resolves when the irritant is removed.

If you are prone to keloids, consult a dermatologist before getting a piercing.

A healed piercing that suddenly becomes irritated is usually caused by:

• New jewelry — switching materials can cause temporary irritation even in healed piercings
• Physical trauma — being bumped, caught on clothing, or sleeping on it
• New skincare products — alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils near the piercing
• Jewelry too tight — swelling from pressure causes redness
• Jewelry too loose — excess movement causes micro-trauma
• Infection — accompanied by fever, yellow/green pus, or red streaking

If you suspect infection, do not remove the jewelry — removal traps infection inside. See a doctor and your piercer simultaneously.

Step 1: Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap for 60 seconds.
Step 2: Work in a clean, well-lit area.
Step 3: For CBRs — twist/pop the ball out; for threadless — pull the decorative end straight out.
Step 4: Immediately insert the new piece — work quickly.
Step 5: Ensure the new piece is fully seated (screwed in, snapped in, or pressed in fully).
Step 6: Verify security by gently tugging the jewelry.
Step 7: Clean both the old and new jewelry. Tip: do your first change with your piercer present.

We ship worldwide.

• US orders: 3–5 business days via USPS First-Class or Priority Mail
• International: 7–21 business days via USPS First-Class International or DHL Express (3–5 days)

Customs duties, taxes, and import fees are the responsibility of international buyers and are not included in shipping costs. Free shipping on US orders over $49. We do not ship to countries with import restrictions on body jewelry. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can track your order at thebodyrings.com/account or directly on the carrier’s website. Allow 24–48 hours for tracking to activate after shipment confirmation.

If you have not received tracking information within 3 business days, check your spam folder or contact support@thebodyrings.com. For express/overnight orders placed before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday, we ship the same business day.

Yes for custom sizing — many of our titanium pieces can be ordered in non-standard lengths or diameters. Use the contact form on any product page or email us at support@thebodyrings.com with your piercing type, required gauge, diameter, and length.

For fully custom fabrication (logo jewelry, branded pieces, wholesale custom orders), contact us directly. Custom orders typically take 5–10 business days to fulfill and may have a small surcharge. All custom pieces are non-refundable.

Subscribe at the bottom of any page on our website — enter your email and click “Subscribe.” You will receive 10% off your first order automatically. We send product announcements and exclusive subscriber sales approximately 1–2x per week.

We do not sell your email address to third parties. To unsubscribe, click the link at the bottom of any email. Follow us on Pinterest (@thebodyrings) for daily new arrivals and Instagram (@thebodyrings) for behind-the-scenes content.

We accept:

• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Klarna (Buy Now Pay Later — 4 interest-free installments)
• Bank transfer (ACH) for approved wholesale accounts

All transactions are 256-bit SSL encrypted. We do not accept cryptocurrency, checks, or money orders.

Yes. We use 256-bit SSL encryption on all pages. We are PCI-DSS compliant. Payment processing is handled by Stripe, one of the world’s most trusted payment processors. We do not store your full credit card number — it is never transmitted through our servers. We do not share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Yes. Our wholesale program for licensed piercing studios includes:

• ASTM F136 titanium in bulk (minimum 25 pieces per SKU)
• 20–40% discount on wholesale quantities
• Net-30 payment terms for established studios
• Custom branding options for studio-private-label jewelry
• Sample packs for professional evaluation

Apply at thebodyrings.com/wholesale or email wholesale@thebodyrings.com. Professional piercer references required.

• Nickel content: surgical steel = 8–10% nickel; ASTM F136 titanium < 0.05%. For clients with nickel sensitivity (estimated 10–15% of the population), titanium eliminates the risk.
• Biocompatibility: titanium forms a passive oxide layer that integrates with tissue; steel does not.
• Corrosion resistance: titanium is far more resistant to corrosion from body fluids, salt water, and chlorine.

For healed piercings in low-sensitivity clients, surgical steel is fine. For healing piercings, children, or anyone with metal sensitivities, titanium is the only responsible choice.