Piercing Information
Probably the most important part of body piercing. Here you will find information about the types of jewellery used.
The material composition, size and design play a huge role in the success of a piercing.
The human body will not settle for objects that are foreign and toxic in make-up and thus will look for every little reason to reject the jewellery. It is in saying this that over time a few materials have been deemed safe to wear in body piercings.
THESE MATERIALS ARE:
Grade 316L Surgical Steel (suitable for fresh piercings)
Grade 23 Titanium (suitable for fresh piercings)
14ct or 18ct Gold (suitable for fresh piercings) 9ct Gold is not suitable for fresh piercings!
Bioplast (a biocompatible plastic suitable for fresh piercings)
Lead-free Glass (not recommended for fresh piercings, mostly used in tunnels and plugs)
Organic (certain woods, bone, horn, amber and coral… not recommended for fresh piercings, again mostly used in jewellery for large gauge piercings.
The shape or design of jewellery varies, however there is one critical principle that must be adhered to; the part of the jewellery which is inside the piercing’s fistula, must be highly smooth and polished, and must not have absolutely not scratches. So, design is not limited if this principle is followed and the insertion of the jewellery does not cause trauma to the piercing.
For this reason, a few standard types of jewellery have proven to be the best as far as aesthetics and function are concerned.
BCR (Ball Closure Ring)
BBL (Barbell)
CBB (Circular Barbell)
SIB (Screw in Ball Ring)
SSR (Smooth Segment Ring)
Surface Bars, Tunnels, Plugs, Spirals, Eyelets, Crescents and Claws
Sizing of the jewellery depends on 2 main measurements, the outside diameter or gauge of the shaft and the length of that shaft in the case of a Barbell, and in the instance of Rings and CBBs, the internal diameter is the more important measurement. This is because the internal diameter determines the extent of the curvature of the shaft in the piercing and how much strain is placed on that piercing.
JEWELLERY SIZING:
Thickness / Gauge
G = Gauge
L = Length
B = Ball Size
ID = Internal Diameter
In some countries a different system of measurement is used that relates to a gauge, in South Africa we use the metric system, however it still corresponds to the gauge system, which is very important when ordering jewellery from overseas.
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A PIERCEE?
It goes without saying that a Client has many rights when considering a piercing/modification, or being pierced/modified, or even having their piercings/modifications treated. It is an Artist’s moral and ethical responsibility to inform a Client of these rights. A Client should expect no less than the following from a competent Piercer/Mod Artist and high quality studio environment, as clearly stated and defined by the A.P.P. (Association of Professional Piercers) in the “Piercee’s Bill Of Rights”. These rights also apply to any modification procedure.
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A PIERCEE?
- Be pierced in a hygienic environment by a clean, conscientious, sober piercer wearing a fresh pair of disposable medical examination gloves.
- Be pierced with a brand new, completely sterilized single-use needle that is immediately disposed ofin a medical Sharps container after use on one piercing.
- Be touched only with freshly sterilized and appropriate implements, properly used and disposed of or re-sterilized (where appropriate) in an autoclave prior to use on anyone else.
- Know that piercing guns are NEVER appropriate, and are often dangerous when used on anything — including earlobes.
- The peace of mind that comes from knowing that their piercer knows and practices the very highest standards of sterilization and hygiene.
- Have a knowledgeable piercer evaluate and discuss appropriate piercings and jewellery for her/his individual anatomy and lifestyle.
- Be fully informed of all risks and possible complications involved in his/her piercing choice before making any decisions.
- Seek and receive a second opinion either from another piercer within the studio or from another studio.
- Have initial piercings fitted with jewellery of appropriate size, material, design, and construction to best promote healing. Gold-plated, gold-filled or sterling silver jewellery is never appropriate for any new or unhealed piercing.
- See pictures, be given a tour of the piercing studio, and to have all questions fully and politely answered before making or following through on any decision.
- Be fully informed about proper aftercare, both verbally and in writing, and to have continuing access to the piercer for assistance throughout the healing process.
- Be treated with respect, sensitivity and knowledge regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, health status or piercing choice.
- Change her/his mind, halt the procedure and leave at any point if the situation seems uncomfortable or improper.
Jewellery Size Conversion Chart:
| Gauge | Millimeter | Inches |
|---|---|---|
|
18g |
1.0 mm |
5/127″ |
|
16g |
1.2 mm |
3/64″ |
|
14g |
1.6 mm |
1/16″ |
|
12g |
2 mm |
5/64″ |
|
10g |
2.4 mm |
3/32″ |
|
8g |
3.2 mm |
1/8″ |
|
6g |
4 mm |
5/32″ |
|
4g |
5 mm |
3/16″ |
|
2g |
6 mm |
1/4″ |
|
0g |
8 mm |
5/16″ |
|
00g |
10 mm |
3/8″ |
|
|
11 mm |
7/16″ |
|
|
12 mm |
|
|
|
12.7 mm |
1/2″ |
|
|
14 mm |
9/16″ |
|
|
16 mm |
5/8″ |
|
|
19 mm |
3/4″ |
|
|
22 mm |
7/8″ |
|
|
25.4 mm |
1″ |