When it comes to body piercings, not all jewelry is created equal. One of the most important decisions you make during your piercing journey is what jewelry material goes into your body. I exclusively use implant grade body jewelry, and for good reason.

Let’s break down what “implant grade” actually means, how it compares to the misleadingly named “surgical steel,” and why it matters so much for your health and healing.

🔬 What Is Implant Grade Jewelry?

“Implant grade” refers to materials that meet medical implant standards—meaning they are bio-compatible and approved for long-term wear inside the human body. These are the materials used for things like surgical implants, screws, or plates. They’ve been rigorously tested to ensure they don’t corrode, leach harmful substances, or trigger allergic reactions.

The most common implant grade materials used in body jewelry include:

  • Titanium ASTM F136 or ASTM F67
  • Niobium
  • Solid 14k or higher gold (nickel-free)
  • Glass (like borosilicate or fused quartz from reputable brands)

These materials are safe, inert, and ideal for fresh and healed piercings alike.

⚠️ So… What’s “Surgical Steel”?

“Surgical steel” is a marketing term, not a medical standard.

In fact, most surgical steel used in body jewelry is 316L or 316LVM stainless steel, which does contain nickel (a common allergen). While it may be safe for some people with healed piercings, it’s not considered biocompatible for everyone, and it is not approved for internal use in the same way implant grade titanium is.

Even worse, the term “surgical steel” is often used by companies selling cheap, mass-produced jewelry that hasn’t been properly tested or verified.

🚫 The Problems With Surgical Steel Jewelry

  • Contains Nickel – Even small amounts of nickel can cause reactions like itching, redness, swelling, and delayed healing. In some cases, it leads to full-blown allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Not Implant Certified – Just because it has “surgical” in the name doesn’t mean it’s safe inside your body. It’s a term used for marketing, not a reflection of quality or purity.
  • No Industry Oversight – A lot of “surgical steel” jewelry sold online or in mall kiosks is not made by reputable manufacturers, and may have inconsistencies, rough surfaces, or subpar polish. None of which is suitable for a healing wound.

🥇 Why Implant Grade Jewelry Is my Standard

Your safety is my priority. That’s why I only stock and use implant grade jewelry from the most reputable body jewelry companies in the industry, such as Anatometal, Industrial Strength, and NeoMetal. These companies meet or exceed medical-grade standards for every piece of jewelry they create.

Benefits of implant grade jewelry include:

  • ✅ Hypoallergenic
  • ✅ Corrosion resistant
  • ✅ Safe for long-term wear
  • ✅ Polished to a mirror-finish for minimal tissue trauma
  • ✅ Guaranteed to be free of toxic metals like nickel, lead, or cadmium

Whether you’re getting pierced for the first time or upgrading your jewelry, choosing implant grade means you’re investing in your health and your healing.

💡 Final Thoughts

Don’t let shiny packaging or trendy names fool you. “Surgical steel” is not good enough for your body. Your piercing is an open wound and deserves the highest quality materials available. Implant grade body jewelry ensures your healing process goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

If you ever have questions about materials, I’m happy to walk you through the options in person. Choosing safe, implant-grade jewelry is one of the best things you can do for your body, and I’m here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

📍 Based in Staten Island, NY
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