Implant Grade Jewelry
Titanium
Good for use in new piercings and healed piercings. Can be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Titanium: Wash in warm water with mild soap. You may soak the jewelry for a few minutes as well. Rinse and carefully pat dry with a cloth. Be extra careful when cleaning jewelry with gemstones. Store jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
Jewelry Types: Rings, Barbells, Circular Barbells, Threaded, Threadless, Ends, Plugs, Tunnels
Titanium reigns as the top choice for piercing jewelry, thanks to its affordability, strength, abundance, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic nature. The jewelry industry favors Grade 23 Ti-6Al-4V-ELI, a nickel- and cobalt-free alloy with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, ensuring it’s gentle on sensitive skin. However, not all titanium is equal. Implant-grade titanium meets the rigorous ASTM F136 standard, designed for dental and orthopedic implants, and is commonly used by American manufacturers. While jewelry made abroad may still be Grade 23, it often lacks verified ASTM compliance. Purists insist on ASTM F136 for its unmatched quality, but its higher production costs drive up prices. For piercing, standard Grade 23 titanium is typically sufficient, as it faces less stress than medical implants. At Tribal Rites, we offer a stunning range of titanium jewelry from both American and international manufacturers. Want the best? Choose our American-made, ASTM F136-compliant pieces. Prefer high-quality Grade 23 at a great value? Explore our full catalog! Plus, titanium can be anodized in vibrant colors—just let us know if you’d like a custom hue.
Stainless Steel
Good for use in new piercings and healed piercings. Can be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Stainless Steel: Wash in warm water with mild soap. You may soak the jewelry for a few minutes as well. Rinse and carefully pat dry with a cloth. Be extra careful when cleaning jewelry with gemstones. Store jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
Jewelry Types: Rings, Barbells, Circular Barbells, Threaded, Threadless, Ends, Plugs, Tunnels
Stainless steel, an iron-based alloy infused with chromium and carbon, boasts impressive corrosion resistance. For piercing jewelry, the go-to is 316L stainless steel, enhanced with nickel and molybdenum for added strength and durability, with the "L" indicating low carbon content. Implant-grade stainless steel adheres to the strict ASTM F138 standard, ensuring precise elemental composition and top-tier quality. At Tribal Rites, all our stainless steel jewelry—think rings and select nostril screws—meets this ASTM F138 standard. Its annealed properties make it softer and easier to shape, perfect for intricate designs. However, since stainless steel contains nickel, those with nickel allergies should steer clear and opt for alternatives like titanium.
Gold
Good for use in new piercings and healed piercings. Can be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for gold: Wash in warm water with mild soap. You may soak the jewelry for a few minutes as well. Rinse and carefully pat dry with a cloth. Be extra careful when cleaning jewelry with gemstones. Store jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
Jewelry Types: Rings, Barbells, Circular Barbells, Threaded, Threadless, Ends
Gold is a stunning choice for piercings, blending elegance with durability. Crafted as an alloy, gold is mixed with metals like zinc, nickel, copper, or rhodium plating, so those with metal allergies should choose carefully. For piercings, we recommend 14k (58.3% gold) or 18k (75% gold) jewelry—perfect balances of strength and quality. Lower karat gold risks reactions and tarnishing, while higher karats are too soft and prone to deforming. Avoid rolled, filled, or plated gold, as they lack the integrity for piercings. At Tribal Rites, our Pro body jewelry line offers only premium 14k and 18k gold from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you shine with confidence.
Niobium
Good for use in new piercings and healed piercings. Can be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Niobium: Wash in warm water with mild soap. You may soak the jewelry for a few minutes as well. Rinse and carefully pat dry with a cloth. Store jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
Jewelry Types: Rings
Niobium is a less common cousin to titanium. It is hypoallergenic like titanium and can be anodized as well. It is the only body jewelry material that can be anodized black. While we do not stock niobium, we can special order niobium captive and seam rings.