Body jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes, but what a lot of people do not realize is that body jewelry also comes in a variety of materials. Some of these materials are common among the jewelry market so it really is no surprise that manufactures use them when making body jewelry.
Probably one of the most popular types of material is found in 14k gold body jewelry. These pieces should contain 58.3% of gold. The remaining amount is made up from other metals such as copper, zinc, silver, nickel, steel or iron. If some says that they are allergic to gold, it is probably more likely that they are allergic to some of the other metals that make up the piece. These people should stick to either 18K or 14K body jewelry.
Silver body jewelry while it is widely available is not recommended for pieces that are going to be worn everyday. Silver is a softer metal than gold, titanium, or platinum and therefore does not share the same hardness characteristic. Silver will also oxidize, meaning it will turn black. This is a reversible condition if you use a silver jewelry cleaner or have it cleaned at a jewelry store.
Those interested in stainless steel body jewelry should look for pieces that use implant grade stainless steel. Also, look for steel body jewelry that is made with low carbon and pieces in which the stainless steel was made in a vacuum environment. A vacuum environment keeps dust particles and debris from forming with the steel.
Other types of popular pieces include acrylic body jewelry. These pieces are made from acrylic acids and can be cast and molded to make body jewelry. Under normal circumstances body jewelry made from acrylic is weather and shatter resistant. These pieces come in a wide array of colors making it easy to display one’s personality.
Also available is titanium body jewelry which has an amazing amount of strength and durability. Titanium body jewelry is highly recommended because it is virtually non-metallic and hypoallergenic. It is also as strong as steel but only weighs about half as much and is less expensive than its counterpart of gold. Titanium body jewelry can be found in a various amount of colors.
Glass body jewelry is available also in a variety of colors and has transparent features, but these pieces tend to be easily broken as they are hard and brittle. Platinum body jewelry is another option and this type of body jewelry will not tarnish nor fade since it is 95% pure. This purity will also lead to a higher price tag than the other materials used in body jewelry manufacturing. Prices can start at $500 and up. Due to this larger price tag, platinum body jewelry pieces are not very easy to come by.
The most expensive type of body jewelry is diamond body jewelry. Body jewelry made with diamonds will also come with a top quality metal such as gold, silver or platinum. Diamond body jewelry prices can start at $800 and up. Of course, the price will also depend on the carat of the diamond.