Trying to figure out which type of jewelry material works best for you can be challenging. There are so many options, and each one has different advantages to consider. Pierced Nation wants to help improve your shopping experience by providing a full breakdown of all the jewelry material types that Spencer’s has to offer.

As we describe each material in detail, we will also highlight how to clean it, and explain why we love it. For an even deeper dive into the pros and cons of each, check out our jewelry materials comparison chart. This visual will tell you which materials are nickel-free, organic, and more! Lastly, be sure to read our FAQ section at the end of the article, which aims to answer any further questions you may have.

Common Body Jewelry Materials

Titanium:

Titanium is a great option for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to base metal alloys. Titanium jewelry tends to have a higher price point because it’s a higher-quality metal. Keep in mind, some titanium jewelry may have decorative features that are made of base metal alloys, which could contain trace amounts of nickel.

G23 Titanium

G23 Titanium Jewelry typically features a hypoallergenic barbell, but may have decorative features made of base metal alloys, which could contain trace amounts of nickel. For this reason, this type of material is not considered completely hypoallergenic.

Care Tips: Clean with antibacterial soap and warm water. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals, as this may cause tarnishing. Customers can also use Pierced Nation Jewelry Wipes to wipe away oil, dirt, and makeup, but this product is not meant to disinfect or sanitize jewelry.

ASTM F-136 Titanium

ASTM F136 Titanium Jewelry is completely hypoallergenic. This means that it doesn’t contain irritants or materials that are known to potentially cause allergic reactions. Both the barbell and the accent materials are crafted from high-quality titanium, making these pieces of jewelry an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. They typically feature internally threaded closures.

Surgical Steel:

Surgical steel is a popular option, and Spencer’s site offers many styles. Most of the surgical steel products featured on our site are 316L grade.

316L Surgical Steel

316L Surgical Steel Jewelry is a metal that has a low level of impurities. While it’s considered quality, it is not entirely nickel-free.

14K Gold-Plated Jewelry

14K Gold-Plated Jewelry is 316L surgical steel plated with 14K gold. This material gives the appearance of pure, solid gold, but at an affordable price point.

Organics:

Organic jewelry refers to pieces crafted from natural materials like wood and stone. These materials are naturally porous and can only be worn in healed piercings. Coveted for its unique characteristics and natural beauty, organic jewelry is a popular alternative to metal jewelry.

Wood

Wood Jewelry is completely natural and organic, making it a great option for anyone with metal allergies.

Care Tips: Avoid moisture with this type of jewelry, as it can warp. To care for and maintain the jewelry, it should be wiped down with a cloth and treated with Jojoba Oil.

Stone

Stone Jewelry refers to pieces crafted from semi-precious materials like amethyst and rose quartz. This material is another great option for anyone with metal allergies.

Care Tips: Handle with care, as they can be fragile and can crack if dropped. To clean, wipe down with a damp cloth and protect with Pierced Nation Jojoba Oil.

Glass, Acrylic & More:

Glass

Glass jewelry is long-lasting, skin-sensitive, and an excellent choice for anyone with metal allergies. This fragile, easily breakable material should be handled carefully.

Care Tips: Handle with care to avoid chipping. To clean, wipe down with a damp cloth and protect with Pierced Nation Jojoba Oil.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a versatile and lightweight plastic that is considered hypoallergenic. Some types of jewelry, like plugs and tunnels, are crafted completely from acrylic, while others, like dangle earrings, can feature acrylic accents. Acrylic plastic doesn’t withstand prolonged wear and tear. Customers should handle acrylic products with care and avoid over-threading.

Care Tips: To avoid warping, keep jewelry out of the heat. When the jewelry is removed from your piercing, store it in a cool, dry place. Clean with antibacterial soap and warm water. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals, as this may cause tarnishing.

Silicone

Silicone is a hypoallergenic, implant-grade, pliable, and stretchable material. Silicone jewelry is a great option for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

Bioflex

Bioflex is a hypoallergenic, flexible, and sterilizable grade of plastic. This trademarked material is a great option for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies. It’s biocompatible, which means it works with the body.

Sterling Silver:

Made popular by its lustrous appearance and durability, sterling silver is a timeless body jewelry material. Sterling silver is made up of over 90% silver and mixed with other metals, which means that while it’s a beautiful and quality metal, it is not hypoallergenic. This type of material allows for delicate and intricate designs. It should only be worn in healed piercings.

Care Tips: Clean with antibacterial soap and warm water. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals, as this may cause tarnishing. Customers can also use Pierced Nation Jewelry Wipes to wipe away oil, dirt, and makeup, but this product is not meant to disinfect or sanitize jewelry.

Niobium:

Niobium is another quality metal material. It is non-reactive and does not contain nickel, making it a perfect pick for anyone with metal allergies. While it’s similar to titanium in many ways, it is more malleable.

Care Tips: Clean with antibacterial soap and warm water. Do not use harsh, alcohol-based chemicals, as this may cause tarnishing. Customers can also use Pierced Nation Jewelry Wipes to wipe away oil, dirt, and makeup, but this product is not meant to disinfect or sanitize jewelry.