What should I ask a piercer about jewelry material before getting pierced?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Ask the piercer what the starter jewelry is made of, which standard it meets and whether they can show the documentation. The Association of Professional Piercers has a published standard for initial piercings, and the NHS advises asking about risks and aftercare.

What the sources say

Fact The Association of Professional Piercers says that its minimum standard for jewelry for initial piercings is materials that meet ASTM and/or ISO standards for implantation, with examples that include steel meeting ASTM F138 or ISO 5832-1, titanium meeting ASTM F136, F67 or ISO 5832 grades, and solid 14 karat or higher gold that is nickel and cadmium free.

Fact The same standard says gold jewelry used for initial piercings may not be plated, gold-filled or gold overlay or vermeil, unless the base is a material approved by the standard.

Fact The APP guidance on jewelry for initial piercings says mill test certificates provide evidence of a grade of metal, and that your piercer may have copies available.

Fact The NHS says to choose a qualified, experienced and licensed piercer, and suggests asking the piercer to explain what they will do, whether there are any risks, how to care for the piercing and how long it will take to heal.

Questions to bring

1. What is the exact material and grade?
2. Can I see the certificate?
3. Is the piece internally threaded or threadless?
4. What size and thickness will be used?
5. How should I clean it and when can I change it?

Our advice Wait until the piercing has healed before switching to other jewelry, and ask the piercer when it is safe.

Why the first piece matters

Our advice The APP guidance says body jewelry is worn inside a wound, so appearance should come second to safety and compatibility. That is why it is worth asking questions before the piercing, not after a problem appears. A reputable piercer will usually be happy to answer.

Uncertain We found no APP statement about sterling silver in the pages we checked, so we do not say whether it is suitable for initial piercings. Ask your piercer.

Related reading: Can I wear silver jewelry in a new piercing? · Jewelry Sample Approval Checklist Before Production

Sources

• Association of Professional Piercers, Jewelry for initial piercings
• Association of Professional Piercers, jewelry standards
• NHS, infected piercings

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.