4 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Piercing Jewelry Online
Buying piercing jewelry online can be convenient, but it can also be risky if you overlook a few key details. This article covers the common mistakes to avoid when shopping for piercing jewelry online, with your health and comfort in mind.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Material Quality
Let's start with one of the most important factors: choosing your material. Whether you're buying piercing jewelry in person or online, choosing a quality material is essential.
Recognising Quality Materials
- ASTM F-136 titanium: This grade of titanium is a preferred choice for piercings, since it's biocompatible and hypoallergenic, meaning it's very well tolerated by the body and minimises the risk of allergic reactions like inflammation, irritation or infection. It's also lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and doesn't release nickel or other metals into the body, making it ideal for sensitive skin and long-term wear. Titanium is one of the most widely used materials in the piercing world.
- 14k and 18k gold: gold is prized not only for its luxurious look, but also for its hypoallergenic properties, especially at higher purity levels (14k or 18k). Gold under 14k can contain metal alloys that trigger allergic reactions, which is why at Obsidian Piercing, we only recommend 14k and 18k gold.
- 316L surgical steel: while suited only to healed lobes, 316L surgical steel is still a great option for many people. It's particularly resistant to corrosion and scratches, and hypoallergenic, making it a durable material for piercings. Some mid-range steels, like 304 steel, are also used for piercing jewelry, but they contain higher nickel levels and other metals that can cause irritation, inflammation or infection.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Size or Type of Jewelry
Why the Right Jewelry Size Matters
Jewelry size matters: it keeps the piercing in place and heals correctly while avoiding healing issues. Jewelry that's too large can catch on your hair or clothing, while jewelry that's too small can cause inflammation or irritation from being too tight. A trustworthy website will offer you size guides.
Understanding Standard Piercing Sizes
Piercing jewelry sizes vary depending on the type and location of the piercing. For example, ear piercings done with a piercing gun (at a jewelry store) often use 1mm jewelry, while those done with a needle (by a professional piercer) may need slightly different sizes, such as 1.2mm or larger. A nipple piercing, meanwhile, is typically done at 1.6mm.
To help clarify things, here's a simplified table of standard sizes for a few common piercings:
|
Piercing Type |
Size |
| Ear piercing (gun) | 1mm |
| Ear piercing (needle) | 1.2mm / 1.6mm |
*We don't recommend getting pierced at a jewelry store. Jewelry stores use piercing guns rather than sterile needles, which carries risks for your tissue and cartilage due to the pressure of the gun, along with a risk of slower healing and reactions like inflammation or irritation.*
For a complete, detailed list, please check our size guide for piercings on our website.
Tips to Avoid Sizing Mistakes When Buying Online
Be sure to check the product details, including:
- Length
- Dimensions
- Thickness
If you're unsure about the product size, don't hesitate to contact customer service before finalising your purchase, or ask your piercer for the ideal jewelry size for the area in question.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Customer Reviews and Feedback
Why Customer Reviews Matter
As you probably already know, customer reviews offer a genuine, unbiased perspective on product quality and customer service. Be sure to check:
- Trustpilot and Google reviews
- Feedback about the brand on social media (Instagram and TikTok)
Mistake 4: Not Checking Return and Warranty Policies
Why Flexible Return Policies Matter
A solid return policy is essential for any online purchase. Here's what to look out for:
- A generous return window: look for a return period that gives you enough time to evaluate the product, ideally at least 30 days.
- Multiple refund options: a standard refund, or store credit / a gift card.
- A simple, straightforward return process.
Check the source: always buy piercing jewelry from reputable sellers or trusted websites, and be wary of unknown sellers or poorly secured sites.
Shop smart by avoiding the common pitfalls of buying piercing jewelry online. Always check material quality, choose the right size, read the reviews, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, to protect your health and get the most out of your purchase.
