💎 Understanding Piercing Jewellery Materials

The material your jewellery is made from can play an important role in comfort, durability and suitability for your piercing. Different materials have different properties, and some may be better suited to certain stages of healing than others. At Tattoos By Charlene, we're happy to help you choose jewellery that's appropriate for your piercing and your personal preferences.

🥇 Implant-Grade Titanium

Implant-grade titanium is widely recognised within the professional piercing industry as an excellent choice for many piercings because it is lightweight, durable and highly resistant to corrosion. Many people who are sensitive to certain metals find titanium to be a comfortable option.

Benefits

• ✔ Lightweight and comfortable
• ✔ Highly corrosion resistant
• ✔ Suitable for long-term wear
• ✔ Available in a variety of colours through anodising (where applicable)
• ✔ Popular choice for many fresh and healed piercings

✨ 316L Surgical Stainless Steel

316L surgical stainless steel is a popular jewellery material known for its durability, polished finish and affordability. It is commonly used in body jewellery and is suitable for many people, although those with metal sensitivities may prefer implant-grade titanium.

Benefits

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Polished finish
• ✔ Affordable
• ✔ Available in a wide range of styles
• ✔ Excellent everyday jewellery option for many clients

✨ Gold PVD Jewellery

Gold PVD jewellery combines a durable base material with a premium gold-coloured coating, offering a stylish appearance while remaining suitable for everyday wear when properly cared for.

• ✔ Luxury appearance
• ✔ Durable coating when cared for correctly
• ✔ Available in a variety of jewellery styles
• ✔ Ideal for clients wanting a gold finish

💎 Cubic Zirconia, Opals & Decorative Jewellery

Decorative jewellery allows you to personalise your piercings and express your style. Our collection includes classic and contemporary designs featuring sparkling cubic zirconia (CZ), synthetic opals and other decorative finishes.

🤔 Which Material Is Right For Me?

The best choice depends on several factors, including your piercing, whether it's new or healed, your anatomy, your lifestyle and any known sensitivities to certain metals. Our experienced team will gladly help you choose jewellery that's suitable for your individual needs.

💎 Types of Piercing Jewellery

Body jewellery comes in many different shapes, sizes and styles. Choosing the correct jewellery depends on your anatomy, the piercing location and whether your piercing is healing or fully healed. Our experienced team will happily recommend jewellery that's suitable for your individual piercing.

💍 Flat Back Labrets

Flat back labrets are among the most versatile jewellery options available and are commonly used for many ear and lip piercings. Their smooth flat backing sits comfortably against the skin, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Helix
• ✔ Flat
• ✔ Tragus
• ✔ Conch
• ✔ Forward Helix
• ✔ Earlobes
• ✔ Lip Piercings
• ✔ Medusa
• ✔ Monroe
• ✔ Labret

🩶 Straight Barbells

Straight barbells feature a straight shaft with removable ends and are commonly used in several body piercings. Available in a variety of lengths and decorative ends.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Tongue
• ✔ Industrial
• ✔ Nipples
• ✔ Some Ear Piercings

🩷 Curved Barbells

Curved barbells follow the natural curve of certain areas of the body and are commonly used for piercings that benefit from a curved shape.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Eyebrow
• ✔ Rook
• ✔ Vertical Labret
• ✔ Navel (selected styles)

⭕ Circular Barbells (Horseshoes)

Circular barbells, often called horseshoes, are popular because they can be worn in multiple piercings while offering a classic appearance.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Septum
• ✔ Daith
• ✔ Earlobes
• ✔ Lip Piercings
• ✔ Eyebrow

💎 Hinged Clickers

Hinged clickers feature a convenient hinged mechanism that opens and closes securely without loose beads. They're a popular choice for healed piercings thanks to their ease of use and stylish designs.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Septum
• ✔ Daith
• ✔ Helix
• ✔ Conch
• ✔ Earlobes

⚪ Captive Bead Rings (CBR)

Captive bead rings use a removable bead held in place by ring tension. They're a timeless jewellery style suitable for many piercings.

Commonly Used For

• ✔ Septum
• ✔ Earlobes
• ✔ Helix
• ✔ Daith
• ✔ Lip Piercings
• ✔ Nipple

👃 Nose Jewellery

Nose piercings can be fitted with different jewellery depending on the piercing and stage of healing.

• ✔ Nose Studs
• ✔ L-Bend Studs
• ✔ Nose Screws
• ✔ Flat Back Labrets
• ✔ Hinged Rings (for suitable healed piercings)

✨ Dermal Tops

Dermal anchors allow the decorative top to be changed while the anchor remains beneath the skin. Replacement tops are available in many colours, shapes and gemstone styles.

🔩 Threadless vs Threaded Jewellery

📏 Jewellery Sizes Explained

Choosing the correct jewellery size is just as important as choosing the right style. The correct gauge, length and diameter help ensure your jewellery fits comfortably and is appropriate for your anatomy and piercing. Our experienced team will always recommend the most suitable size for your individual piercing.

📐 What Is Gauge?

Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewellery post. A smaller gauge number indicates a thicker piece of jewellery, while a larger gauge number indicates a thinner post. Different piercings require different gauges, and jewellery should only be changed to another size if appropriate for your piercing.

📏 Length & Diameter

Length refers to the wearable portion of straight or curved jewellery. Diameter refers to the inside measurement of circular jewellery such as rings and clickers. The correct size depends on your anatomy, jewellery style and the piercing itself.

• ✔ Fresh piercings often require additional room to accommodate normal swelling.
• ✔ Once healing has progressed, a shorter post may be recommended where appropriate.
• ✔ Every person's anatomy is different, so jewellery sizes vary between individuals.

📉 What Is Downsizing?

Many fresh piercings are fitted with slightly longer jewellery to allow for normal swelling during the initial healing period. As the piercing settles, your piercer may recommend changing to a shorter post if appropriate. Downsizing can improve comfort, reduce excess movement and help the jewellery sit more neatly.

💎 Jewellery By Piercing

Below are examples of jewellery commonly used for different piercings. The most suitable option will depend on your anatomy and stage of healing.

🛠 Professional Jewellery Fitting

Not sure which size or style is right for you? We'll measure your jewellery where appropriate, discuss your options and help you choose jewellery that's suitable for your piercing, anatomy and personal style. Whether you're replacing jewellery, upgrading to something new or purchasing your very first piece, we're always happy to help.

🧼 Caring For Your Jewellery

Taking proper care of your jewellery helps keep it looking its best and supports a comfortable piercing experience. Whether your piercing is new or fully healed, regular care is important.

🔄 When Can I Change My Jewellery?

Fresh piercings need time to heal before jewellery is changed. Changing jewellery too early may irritate the piercing or delay healing. If you're unsure whether your piercing is ready, we'd be happy to assess it and advise you.

🛍 Explore Our Jewellery Collection

Whether you're looking for something simple, elegant or eye-catching, we stock a wide range of jewellery for many different piercings and styles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own jewellery?

In many cases yes, provided the jewellery is suitable for your piercing and in an appropriate condition. We'll assess it before fitting.

Do you fit jewellery purchased elsewhere?

Yes. Where appropriate, we can fit suitable jewellery purchased elsewhere. A jewellery fitting fee may apply.

Can you help me choose jewellery?

Absolutely! We'll happily help you choose jewellery based on your anatomy, piercing, lifestyle and personal style.

Can I sleep with my jewellery?

Most jewellery is designed for continuous wear, but sleeping directly on healing piercings can cause irritation. A travel pillow or piercing pillow may help reduce pressure on ear piercings.

Can I wear jewellery while swimming?

Healed piercings generally tolerate swimming better than fresh piercings. Fresh piercings should be protected by following your aftercare advice and avoiding unnecessary exposure to water where recommended.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes! Gift vouchers are available for piercings, jewellery, tattoos and products.

❤️ Why Shop With Tattoos By Charlene?

💎 Find Your Perfect Jewellery

Whether you're purchasing your first piece of jewellery, upgrading an existing piercing or looking for something completely unique, we're here to help. Visit one of our studios, browse our online store or get in touch for personalised advice from our experienced team.