Introduction:
Imagine this: you walk into a piercing studio, excited about getting that new piercing you've been dreaming of. You trust the artist’s skill, the clean environment, and their expertise. But there's one thing you might not think twice about—the jewellery going into your body. You see a shiny piece, the piercer inserts it, and you leave, feeling great. But do you really know what that piece of jewelry is made from?
For a lot of people, body jewellery is just another accessory, something that looks good in selfies or fits their aesthetic. But here's the reality—what your jewellery is made of matters way more than you think. And we’re not just talking about how it looks on the outside. The materials used in body jewellery can make the difference between a piercing that heals well and one that leaves you with painful infections or nasty scars.
In this article, we’re going to break down exactly why the quality of your body jewellery is so important, especially when it comes to APP-approved jewellery. If you’re part of the alternative scene or a student exploring body modifications, this information can help you make smart, safe decisions about what you’re putting in your body.
Who Are the APP and What Do They Do?
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe piercing practices. They were established in the 1990s with one clear goal: to set high standards in the piercing industry and educate both piercers and the public about the safest techniques, materials, and aftercare for body piercings. Think of them as the gold standard for body modification professionals—like a watchdog group ensuring that piercers are following the best possible practices for their clients’ health and safety.
The APP focuses on several key areas:
Jewellery Standards: One of the most important things the APP does is establish strict guidelines for the types of materials that can safely be used for body jewelry. They recommend only using implant-grade metals, like titanium or solid 14k/18k gold, and materials that are bio compatible, meaning your body won’t reject or react negatively to them. If a piece of jewellery is APP-approved, you know it meets these rigorous standards.
Education and Training: The APP requires its members to constantly further their education. They host annual conferences, seminars, and workshops where piercers can learn about the latest advancements in piercing techniques, hygiene, and safety. This helps ensure that APP-certified piercers stay up-to-date and continually improve their craft. When you go to an APP-certified piercer, you’re working with someone who has committed to ongoing education.
Hygiene and Sterilization: One of the biggest roles of the APP is ensuring that members follow strict hygiene and sterilization protocols. This means using sterile gloves, individually packaged sterile needles, and autoclaves to sterilize equipment. The goal is to minimize any risk of infection, making the piercing process as safe as possible.
Piercer Code of Conduct: The APP has a code of conduct that all members must follow, ensuring that piercers operate in an ethical and responsible manner. This includes everything from respecting client consent to offering honest advice about piercings and aftercare.
When you choose an APP-certified piercer, you’re working with a professional who has met these high standards. They don’t cut corners on the quality of their jewelry, their tools, or their techniques, and they prioritize your safety and satisfaction above everything else.
In short, the APP is like a seal of trust. Their certification means your piercer is fully committed to providing safe, professional, and high-quality body modifications—giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid the risks that come with less-regulated, cheaper alternatives.
Key Point 1: What is APP-Verified Jewellery and Why Does It Matter?
Let me take you back to my early days as a body piercer. One of the first clients I had came in with a piercing that just wouldn’t heal. They had gone to a cheaper place that promised a quick job and “affordable” jewelry. They thought they were getting a good deal. But what they didn’t realize was that their body was fighting against the low-quality metal in the jewelry every single day. Their piercing was swollen, irritated, and starting to reject the jewelry altogether.
This story is more common than you'd think. And it all comes down to the materials.
When we talk about APP-approved jewellery, we’re talking about jewelry made from high-quality materials that are safe for long-term wear in your body. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) has strict guidelines on what materials can be used—think titanium, niobium, and implant-grade stainless steel. These materials are bio compatible, meaning your body won’t try to attack them the way it might with cheaper metals.
Imagine your body as a fortress, constantly defending against invaders. Low-quality metals like nickel or mystery alloys are like unwelcome guests—they cause chaos, triggering allergic reactions, infections, and even rejection of the piercing. On the other hand, APP-approved metals are like trusted friends—your body welcomes them in, allowing the piercing to heal smoothly and without drama.
Take titanium, for example. It’s not just lightweight and durable; it’s also used in medical implants. If it’s safe enough for the inside of your body, it’s certainly safe for your piercings. And because it's nickel-free, there’s a much lower chance of an allergic reaction.
In contrast, non-approved jewelry might contain high levels of nickel or other elements that can cause serious irritation. Think of it like wearing a pair of cheap shoes—sure, they look good for a day or two, but after constant wear, they start to rub, blister, and break down. Cheap body jewelry works the same way: it looks good at first, but it doesn’t hold up, and your body suffers because of it.
Key Point 2: The Risks of Using Low-Quality Jewellery
So, what happens when you don’t choose APP-approved jewellery? Well, the consequences can range from minor discomfort to major complications that could have you regretting that piercing decision.
Here’s a story I’ve heard far too many times: a client comes in complaining about redness and irritation that just won’t go away. They’ve tried everything—cleaning it regularly, avoiding tight clothing, even switching soaps. But the real culprit? That cheap, mass-produced jewelry they bought online or from a discount shop.
Cheap jewelry is often made from alloys that contain high levels of nickel, lead, or other questionable metals. These metals aren’t bio compatible, meaning your body sees them as foreign invaders. What’s worse, they can corrode over time, releasing harmful substances into your skin. This can lead to infections, keloids (raised scar tissue), or even the piercing closing up altogether.
But it’s not just about avoiding irritation or infections. Poor-quality jewelry can also compromise the fit and comfort of your piercing. Cheap jewellery often has rough edges or poor threading, which can snag on clothing or hair, causing micro tears in your skin. These tiny injuries can become big problems if they get infected, potentially leading to a cycle of pain and frustration.
It’s like putting a low-quality tire on a high-performance car—it’s just not going to function well or last long. Your body deserves better than that.
Key Point 3: Trusted Brands We Use – Junipurr, NeoMetal, Khrysos
Now, let’s talk about why we insist on using only the best when it comes to your piercings. At our studio, we source all our jewellery from APP-verified brands like Junipurr, NeoMetal, and Khrysos, because we believe your body deserves nothing less than the safest and most reliable options and we feel as a business our customers deserve to know where our Jewellery comes from.
Junipurr is known for its beautiful, gold jewellery. Their pieces are crafted from 14k solid gold that’s completely nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Gold isn’t just a statement piece—it’s one of the safest metals for body piercings, especially for people with sensitive skin. Junipurr combines aesthetic beauty with the reliability of APP-approved standards, so you know you’re wearing something that’s both gorgeous and safe.
NeoMetal specializes in titanium jewellery. This brand is a favorite for initial piercings because their implant-grade titanium is incredibly lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for healing piercings. Plus, their push-fit design ensures a smooth, easy fit that won’t irritate or tug at your skin. Titanium is an all-star in the piercing world for good reason—your body will thank you for choosing it.
Khrysos delivers luxurious and innovative designs in solid gold. What sets them apart is their commitment to using only the highest quality materials, ensuring both comfort and style. Each piece is polished to a smooth, flawless finish, meaning no sharp edges or rough surfaces that could harm your piercing. Their intricate designs also appeal to those who want something unique but aren’t willing to compromise on safety.
By choosing brands like these, you’re making a long-term investment in your health and comfort. These aren’t just pieces of jewelry—they are tools designed to help your body heal properly while letting you express your personal style.
Key Point 4: How to Identify Safe Body Jewellery
You might be wondering how to spot quality jewellery on your own, especially if you’re browsing online or in stores. Here are a few key things to look for to make sure you’re getting something safe and reliable:
Material Listings: Always check if the jewellery is labeled as implant-grade titanium astm f136, or solid gold (14k or higher). Anything less, and you’re probably looking at a piece that could cause problems.
APP Verification: Look for APP certification or brands that are known within the piercing community. If a brand like Junipurr, NeoMetal, or Khrysos is mentioned, you’re in safe hands.
Smooth Finishes: Check that the jewellery has no rough edges or visible flaws. If it’s rough to the touch, it’s rough on your skin too.
Nickel-Free: Make sure the piece explicitly says it’s nickel-free. This is especially important for people with metal sensitivities.
Key Point 5: Why Quality Matters – Would You Cheap Out on Your Car?
Let’s take a step back for a second and think about something else in your life that you wouldn’t cheap out on—your car. Imagine you’ve saved up for your dream ride, but instead of using high-quality parts and services, you decide to cut costs. You opt for knock-off tires, skip regular maintenance, and use cheap, untested brake pads. Sounds risky, right? The result? Sooner or later, those low-grade parts start failing, and your once-smooth ride becomes a nightmare, putting your safety at risk.
Now, let’s draw a parallel with body piercings. Much like your car, your body requires care, attention, and high-quality parts. When you get pierced by a professional body piercer who uses APP-approved jewellery and follows strict hygiene standards, you’re making a smart, long-term investment in your health and well-being. A trained piercer attends seminars, stays up-to-date on the latest techniques, and uses sterile gloves and tools for every single piercing. They’re like a certified mechanic for your body, ensuring everything goes smoothly and safely.
On the other hand, there’s Joe Bloggs down the road, who might use cheaper materials sourced from unknown manufacturers—often mass-produced in places like China with no safety regulations. His jewelry could contain harmful metals like nickel or lead, which can cause allergic reactions, infections, and worse. And hygiene? Maybe he doesn’t even bother with sterile gloves or properly sanitizing his equipment. That’s like having someone slap on the cheapest tires they can find and calling it good, without any concern for your safety.
Here’s the thing: you wouldn’t trust your car to just anyone, so why trust your body to someone who cuts corners? Much like using quality car parts ensures a smoother ride and fewer breakdowns, choosing a professional piercer with verified jewelry means fewer complications and better healing.
Cheap might seem like a good deal in the moment, but when it comes to your body, cutting corners can lead to costly repairs—or worse, damage you can’t undo. You deserve better, and when you choose a piercer who takes their craft seriously, you’re investing in the safety and longevity of your piercings.
Conclusion: Your Body Deserves the Best
At the end of the day, your piercings aren’t just another accessory—they’re a part of you. And when it comes to what you put in your body, quality matters. Cheap jewellery might seem like a good deal in the moment, but the risks just aren’t worth it. From infections and irritations to the potential for permanent damage, the stakes are high.
That’s why we only trust the best brands, like Junipurr, NeoMetal, and Khrysos, to ensure that you get jewelry that’s not only safe but also stylish and built to last. After all, you wouldn’t skimp on something like your health, so why cut corners with your jewellery?
Next time you’re considering a new piercing or switching out your jewellery, remember: your body deserves the best, and that’s exactly what we provide.
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