When it comes to body piercings, the jewelry you choose is just as important as the piercer you pick. While there are a variety of materials to choose from, titanium grade 23 (6AL4V ELI ASTM F-136) is considered the best and safest choice. In this article, we’ll explore the history of titanium grade 23, its different forms in body piercing jewelry, and why it’s the best option for initial piercings.
The History of Titanium Grade 23:
Titanium has been used in various industries for decades, including aerospace and medicine. In the 1980s, it was introduced to the body piercing industry as a safe, hypoallergenic alternative to traditional metals like steel and niobium. However, it wasn’t until 2000 that titanium grade 23 was introduced as a specific alloy for body piercing jewelry. It’s made up of 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, and is further refined for use in medical implants.
Forms of Titanium Grade 23 in Body Piercing Jewelry:
Titanium grade 23 is available in various forms for body piercings. Threadless jewelry is a popular choice, as it makes changing out jewelry easy and reduces the risk of irritation from threading. Internal threading is another option, where the ball or decorative end screws into the barbell or stud, reducing the risk of irritation and bacterial buildup. External threading, while less common in titanium grade 23, can still be found in some jewelry pieces. Rings are another popular choice, especially clickers like septum, conch, daith, etc.
Why Titanium Grade 23 is the Best and Safest Choice:
Titanium grade 23 is considered the best and safest choice for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritations. It’s also biocompatible, which means it’s able to safely coexist with human tissue without causing adverse reactions. Additionally, titanium grade 23 has a very low nickel content (roughly 0.05%), which makes it ideal for people with nickel sensitivities. As an added bonus, it’s also very durable and long-lasting.
Body piercers take great care to ensure their clients’ safety and comfort, and choosing the right jewelry is a crucial part of that. Titanium grade 23 is the best and safest choice for initial piercings, thanks to its hypoallergenic, biocompatible, and nickel-free properties. Whether you opt for threadless, internal threading, or rings, titanium grade 23 is a classy and sophisticated option that will last you for years to come.
