There’s been a lot of talk in the industry lately about jewelry quality (and for good reason). As more people get pierced, more companies flood the market with jewelry that looks pretty but doesn’t meet the basic standards for long-term wear in healing or healed piercings. That’s why I’m excited to share something truly game-changing: the Association of Professional Piercers’ new Body Jewelry Verification Program.
As an APP member piercer, I’ve always held my jewelry to the highest standards. This program just takes that commitment even further, and helps both professionals and clients understand what quality body jewelry really looks like.
So… What Is the Jewelry Verification Program?
The APP’s Jewelry Verification Program is designed to set an industry-wide gold standard for body jewelry. It’s a tool for professionals and clients alike to ensure that every piece of jewelry used for long-term wear meets essential safety and manufacturing standards.
In a nutshell: It’s how we protect your piercings (and your health) from subpar jewelry.
This is about more than sparkle. It’s about:
- Consistency in material quality
- Responsible manufacturing practices
- Verifiable standards that put safety first
Whether you’re getting a fresh piercing or upgrading healed ones, this program ensures the jewelry I use and recommend is safe, clean, and built to last.
How It Works: The Three Phases
To keep things organized (and rigorous), the APP has broken the program down into three verification phases:
- Phase 1 – Titanium and Steel: These are the backbone materials of most initial piercing jewelry. The APP ensures they meet implant-grade standards with no cutting corners.
- Phase 2 – Gold and Platinum: These metals are luxurious, but they still need to be safe for long-term wear. This phase guarantees that gold jewelry is free of alloys or plating that could irritate or damage healing piercings.
- Phase 3 – Glass: Often used for retainers or specialty jewelry, glass must meet specific quality controls to avoid micro-fractures or contamination that could harm the body.
Manufacturers aren’t required to produce all three material types, but they must meet APP standards for whichever ones they do make. That means consistent quality across the board.
Verified Distributors: The Next Level
The APP is also introducing the Verified Distributor of Certified Companies program. This ensures that jewelry distributors (those who stock and sell the pieces used in studios) are only carrying jewelry from manufacturers who meet the Body Jewelry Verification standards.
This added layer of accountability helps piercers (like me) confidently source quality jewelry and helps clients know they’re getting the real deal.
Distributors renew certification annually to ensure they’re upholding these standards year after year.
Why This Matters
I’ve always been transparent about the jewelry I use. Everything in my studio (from BVLA to Industrial Strength to Anatometal and beyond) already meets the standards this program is built on.
But now, the APP is giving us the structure to verify it publicly and consistently, so you never have to wonder whether what’s going in your body is safe.
This program backs up what I’ve been doing all along:
- No mystery metals
- No cheap mall kiosk quality
- No compromises
Just implant-grade, safe, and ethical jewelry from a studio that takes your safety seriously.
How You Can Use the Program
Whether you’re getting pierced by me or traveling and looking for a safe place to get pierced elsewhere, this program gives you the tools to make informed decisions.
✅ Ask your piercer if they follow the APP’s verification standards
✅ Check out safepiercing.org to view certified manufacturers and distributors
✅ Know that you have the right to ask questions about what’s going into your body
Raising the Bar – One Piece of Jewelry at a Time
I’ve always believed that high-quality piercing starts with education, intention, and integrity. This new program from the APP helps raise the bar for the entire industry. And I’m proud to be part of that push forward.
If you have questions about jewelry, standards, or what sets one piece apart from another, just ask. I’m always happy to explain the “why” behind what I do.
📟 Text me at 347-770-7653
🗓 Book online at book.ipricku.com
Thanks for trusting me and for supporting a studio that puts safety first, always.
— Paul
APP Member Piercer • IPRICKU • Staten Island