Finding the right material for piercings or jewelry can be difficult since you need to go through a multitude of criteria. First, you have to think about personal sensitivity, durability, but also other things such as comfort or style. That's why it can be a challenge to narrow down the best material you can use for piercings and jewelry.
We are here to help you narrow down what's the best piercing material or what jewelry material you should go for. Some of the most common options these days are either surgical steel or titanium. However, picking between the two is a challenge since each material has its characteristics, along with pros and cons. Here, you'll learn more about both materials, their use cases, but also when you should be using them and how!
What Type of Steel Is Used for Body Piercings and Jewelry? What About Titanium?
Especially in the case of body piercings, 316L surgical steel is the most commonly used, and it's found in both medical implants or even food manufacturing. Surgical steel will include alloys like nickel, molybdenum, chromium, or a variety of other metals. The primary reason is that it helps resist rusting and corrosion, something to take into consideration.
The most common type of titanium used for jewelry is ASTM F136. It's a high-strength, lightweight, and very durable material. One of the reasons why many companies use it for jewelry and piercings comes from corrosion resistance, but also resistance to outside elements. Another thing to note is that titanium can be safely worn on your skin without having to worry about allergies or any similar problems. Since it's a hypoallergenic material, it's a very good pick for people who have very sensitive skin.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Choose Titanium for Your Jewelry?
Especially in the past decade, people have been more and more focused on titanium jewelry for a very good reason. It's a biocompatible material, and it's adaptable to a variety of designs. It's an immersive and unique approach to improving your look, and it's easy to wear as well.
It's a Very Lightweight Material
Unlike many other materials, titanium is known for being very light. That makes it particularly useful for piercings, where the overall material weight matters quite a bit. Not only that, but it can be great for larger earrings as well. These are some of the primary reasons why a lot of people gravitate towards titanium since it's a versatile and light material, suitable for all kinds of jewelry.
Exceptional Color Availability
Another thing to note when it comes to titanium is that it comes in a variety of colors. Through the anodization process, you won't have a problem creating some amazing colors, be it gold, blue, purple, or a rainbow-style look. That sets it apart from a variety of other jewelry materials.
Very Durable
Most people choose titanium jewelry because they know the material is very durable. It can withstand drops, scratches, even corrosion, and that makes it a very special option to consider for any jewelry. Despite any damage, it will continue to look great, and you can keep using it for a very long time. Plus, you don't need to repair it often, either, which is always a major plus.
A Hypoallergenic Material
Whether you go for ASTM F67 or ASTM F136, you're getting a completely hypoallergenic material. That means it's ideal for people prone to allergies, those who have sensitive skin, and so on. In general, you always want to use hypoallergenic materials for any jewelry. However, this is particularly important for someone who wants a piercing.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Choose Surgical Steel for Your Jewelry?
Another option to consider when it comes to piercings and jewelry comes in the form of surgical steel. It's a safe, proven choice for a variety of people, and it comes with certain inherent benefits as well. Here's why you want to opt for it.
Affordable
When compared to titanium, surgical steel is less expensive. So, if you want a cheaper jewelry piece or piercing, that's usually the cheaper option. It still looks great, but you don't have to worry about going over your budget.
A Minimalist Look
Some people choose surgical steel because it conveys a minimalist look. Its shiny finish looks amazing, and it's also easy to maintain. It's also one of the materials that can withstand a lot of pressure, and scratches won't really be a problem, either.
Durable and Reliable
Yes, surgical steel is also very durable, and it can withstand a lot of pressure. It's one of those materials known to deal very well with any wear and tear that might arise. That alone shows it's an exceptional option since you can wear it anywhere, regardless of where you work.
Using Surgical Steel and Titanium in Jewelry Pieces (With Real-World Examples)
When should you use surgical steel for jewelry, and when is it better to go for titanium? That's a question a lot of people are wondering, for a very good reason. Simply put, surgical steel is great for belly button rings, silver studs, but also for barbells you can wear in your ear. On the other hand, titanium is great for nose rings, but also for earrings and anodized hoops as well. It's a very good idea to consult with a professional before purchasing, since, based on your health, you might be required to choose either surgical steel or titanium.
It's possible to buy surgical steel jewelry from many places. If titanium is what you're looking for, there are many reputable stores that specialize in high-quality titanium jewelry. As always, make sure to check the product offering, customer reviews, and only purchase from certified websites to avoid dealing with any fakes.
Pros and Cons of Each Material
Titanium:
Pros:
- One of the core advantages of titanium comes from its biocompatibility and the fact that it's not going to cause allergies or infections. It's a safe option for people who have skin sensibilities. Unlike surgical steel, it doesn't have any nickel, which can prove to be an allergen in many situations.
- Titanium is recommended as the material to go for when it comes to your initial piercing.
- Additionally, you can find titanium in many colors, which adds versatility when compared to surgical steel.
- It's a very light material, one that can be easy to wear and comfortable. That's why it's being used for piercings and jewelry all over the world.
- Corrosion resistance is a major plus. Many types of jewelry these days are prone to corrosion, so it's very important to use a corrosion-free material.
- Even if it's exposed to constant sweat and moisture, titanium jewelry won't cause any discomfort.
Cons:
- One of the few downsides of titanium is that it can be rather expensive. Due to its rarity, it's not as easy to acquire when compared to surgical steel. That means it could get past your budget in some cases.
- Manufacturers find it hard to work with titanium due to its strength, and because of that, titanium jewelry doesn't always have a very intricate design.
Surgical Steel:
Pros:
- If you want to purchase surgical steel, one of the first things you will notice is the price. It's less expensive, and there are many intricate designs to choose from. That's because, unlike titanium, surgical steel tends to be easier to work with, something that manufacturers take good advantage of.
- Unlike titanium, surgical steel is readily available in places all over the world. That means you don't have to worry about a lack of material, and it also translates into lower pricing.
- It's important to keep in mind that surgical steel can be very durable as well. It withstands scratches and any tarnishing, which can make it good for day-to-day use.
Cons:
- What's important to keep in mind is that surgical steel doesn't have a large array of color options. Titanium can be anodized, so you can get multiple colors; that's not the case here.
- Titanium is light; surgical steel is heavier, so if you have larger jewelry pieces, you will feel their weight.
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You will see that many surgical steel jewelry pieces are advertised as hypoallergenic. However, many of them contain nickel, which can be very problematic for people allergic to it or who have very sensitive skin.
Which Material Is Better for You?
It always depends on what you're looking for and how much time you want to wear the jewelry piece. But for the most part, you need to take into account the following:
If you want a new piercing, titanium is better since it's light and doesn't damage your skin as much. Additionally, it has better hypoallergenic properties, so you don't need to worry about any downsides. That way, you can prevent the risk of any complications/infections appearing out of nowhere.
When it comes to design, titanium is also better since it can be anodized, and the multitude of colors adds to the appeal. However, it's not as flexible of a material as surgical steel, with the latter offering more styles to choose from.
What about everyday jewelry? If you want to wear a piece of jewelry every day, both options are great. Surgical steel is very good, especially if you don't have a nickel allergy. However, if you have a larger budget, titanium is just as good if you want to wear it on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Both titanium and surgical steel are excellent materials for jewelry and piercings. You can't go wrong with either of them, it's up to you to pick whatever option fits your needs the most. Keep in mind that both materials look great, they last for a very long time and can help you express yourself creatively. However, there are certain color, pricing, and feature differences that you need to consider, along with potential allergies to nickel. Rest assured that both are amazing materials for any jewelry piece, and they are safe as well. Enjoy accessorizing yourself with surgical steel or titanium jewelry; you'll have a blast!