Steel is a strong metal type that can be shaped into all sorts of cool designs. People love using it for their body piercings because it’s tough, doesn’t cost too much, and looks great.
It would help to be careful when picking out steel jewellery for your piercing. Not all Steel is safe for your body. You want to look for 316L or 316LVM Steel or implant-grade Steel. These kinds of clothing are safe to wear on your body.
So Steel is excellent for body jewellery because it’s strong, affordable, and stylish. Just ensure you’re getting the right kind that won’t cause any problems for your skin.
Why Steel is a Popular Body Jewellery Material
Stainless Steel is like the superhero of body jewellery. It comes in all sorts of styles, like rings and studs, and it’s super tough, so you can wear it every day without worrying. It doesn’t get rusty or dirty quickly; you can clean it easily with soap and water.
While it might not be the best for people with sensitive skin, most folks can wear it without issues. Plus, it’s inexpensive, so you can get charming jewellery without breaking the bank.
And here’s a fantastic bonus: Stainless Steel is good for the planet because it doesn’t need a lot of stuff to make, and you can recycle it when you’re done with it. So, when you choose stainless steel jewellery, you’re not just helping yourself; you’re helping the environment too!
The Pros of Using Steel for Body Jewellery
Steel jewellery is great for a bunch of reasons:
1. Super Strong and Tough: Steel isn’t easily scratched or worn out, so you can wear it daily without worry.
2. Okay for Most Skin: Even if your skin is sensitive, most people can wear implant-grade Steel without any issues. It’s not as good for sensitive skin as titanium, but it’s still safe for most folks.
3. Not Expensive: You can get lovely steel jewellery without spending much money.
4. Stays Shiny: Steel keeps its shine and looks suitable for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about it getting dull.
5. Easy to Keep Clean: You can easily clean steel jewellery to keep it germ-free and looking nice.
6. Lots of Looks: There are different finishes, like shiny or matte, so you can pick what you like best.
7. Good for the Planet: Steel is good for the environment because it doesn’t need a lot of stuff to make, and you can recycle it when you’re done using it. So, it’s a sustainable choice!
Cons of Using Steel for Body Jewellery
Steel jewellery is fantastic, but there are a few things to think about:
1. Metal Allergies: Some people might be allergic to metal, so they should go for something like titanium instead of Steel.
2. Weight: Steel can be heavy, which might not feel great if you wear it for a long time.
3. Hard to Change: Steel is vital, which is good, but it’s also tough for jewellery makers to bend or resize because of that strength.
4. Not Unbreakable: Even though Steel is tough, it’s not invincible. It can still break or get damaged if you’re not careful.
5. Limited Colours: Unlike titanium, Steel can’t be coloured in many ways. You’re pretty stuck with its colours because of how it’s made.
So, while steel jewellery is pretty cool, it’s good to remember these things when picking out what to wear.
How to Take Care of Your Steel Body Jewellery
Here’s how to take care of your steel jewellery so it stays looking awesome:
- Keep it Dry: Don’t wear it in the water, like in the shower or pool, because water can make it rust.
- Store it Right: When you’re not wearing it, put it in a dry place. Please don’t leave it sitting out where it can get wet or dusty.
- Clean it Regularly: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean your jewellery. Just give it a gentle rub to keep it shiny and clean.
Doing these things ensures your steel jewellery stays in good shape and lasts a long time!
A Note About “Surgical” Steel Body Jewellery
There are some points to keep in mind about “surgical steel“:
1. Name Isn’t Everything: Even though it sounds safe because of the word “surgical,” there’s no strict rule about what “surgical steel” must be made of.
2. Can Be Tricky: Some jewellery labelled as “surgical steel” might be mixed with different metals, which could cause issues for people with sensitive skin.
3. Look for Official Grading: Instead of just trusting the label “surgical steel”, it’s better to look for jewellery with a specific grade, like 316L or 316LVM. This way, you know exactly what it’s made of and if it’s safe for your skin.
4. Don’t Get Fooled: Just because something says “surgical steel” doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Check for the official grading to be sure you’re getting good quality jewellery that won’t cause any problems.