Can I Get Pierced with My Own Jewelry?

On this page
  1. Why We’re (Usually) Cautious About Outside Jewelry
  2. If You Want to Bring Your Own Jewelry…
  3. Jewelry We Won’t Use for Initial Piercings
  4. But I Already Bought Something!”
  5. Our Jewelry = Peace of Mind
  6. Book Your Piercing Appointment

This is another common questions I get asked:
“Can I bring my own jewelry to get pierced with?”
The short answer? Sometimes. But not always.
Let’s dive into the why, the when, and the what-if.


🔬 Why We’re (Usually) Cautious About Outside Jewelry

When it comes to piercing (especially initial piercings) the jewelry you wear isn’t just about style. It’s a medical-grade implant that needs to work with your body, not against it. I follow APP (Association of Professional Piercers) standards, which means I only use jewelry that meets strict material and manufacturing guidelines.

Your safety comes first.

Jewelry that looks fine to the eye might have:

  • Microscopic flaws that trap bacteria
  • Unpolished surfaces that irritate healing tissue
  • Mystery metals that can cause allergic reactions
  • Incorrect sizing that leads to swelling, embedding, or migration

💎 If You Want to Bring Your Own Jewelry…

Here’s what I need to know:

  1. What material is it made from?
    • I only pierce with ASTM F-136 titanium, solid 14k/18k gold, ASTM F-138 stainless steel (in some healed piercings), niobium, or verified biocompatible glass.
  2. Who made it?
    • Is it from a trusted manufacturer like Anatometal, Industrial Strength, BVLA, NeoMetal, etc.? Or was it ordered from an unknown online shop?
  3. Is it brand new and sterilizable?
    • All jewelry must be new or never worn, and must be able to withstand autoclave sterilization without degrading.
  4. Is it appropriate for the piercing you want?
    • Jewelry needs to be the right length, gauge, and shape for your anatomy. That cute little hoop might work for a healed nostril, but not for a fresh piercing.

I reserve the right to decline using outside jewelry if it doesn’t meet these standards. That’s not about being picky; it’s about avoiding issues that could compromise your healing or safety.


🚫 Jewelry We Won’t Use for Initial Piercings

  • Previously worn jewelry
  • Mystery metal jewelry (think Amazon, Etsy, or mall kiosks)
  • Jewelry made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic
  • Clickers or hinged jewelry that can’t be fully sterilized
  • Hoops for piercings that should heal with studs

Even if it looks beautiful, if I can’t verify its safety, it’s not going in your body. Period.


💬 “But I Already Bought Something!”

I get it! If you’ve already purchased a piece and you’re unsure, bring it in for a consultation. If it’s safe and I can use it, I’ll let you know. If not, I can help you choose something similar from our wide selection of implant-grade titanium or solid gold jewelry.


💡 Our Jewelry = Peace of Mind

All of my jewelry is:

  • Verified implant-grade
  • Individually inspected for flaws
  • Sized correctly for your piercing and anatomy
  • Sterilized on-site before each use

We carry high-end brands like BVLA, Anatometal, Industrial Strength, Pupil Hall, Buddha Jewelry, and more. You’re welcome to come in and browse or schedule a consult to talk options.


📍 Book Your Piercing Appointment

I’m appointment-only at Bound for Glory Tattoo in Staten Island. You can text me at 347-770-7653 or book your session directly at book.ipricku.com.

I’m here to keep you stylish and safe; and I’ll always be honest about what’s best for your body.

Found this helpful?

Paul, professional body piercer
Written by

Paul, professional body piercer

I’ve been piercing on Staten Island for over 27 years. I’m an APP member and educator, a Fakir Intensives alum, and I only work with implant-grade jewelry. If you have questions about anything in this post, just ask.

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