Titanium earrings, surgical steel earrings or silver earrings – which material to choose?
Choosing the right piercing earrings is crucial, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for the correct healing process. The material from which the ornaments are made is of great importance for wearing comfort, health and safety. In this article, we will compare three popular materials used for piercing jewellery, trying to point out their advantages and disadvantages. So what to choose: medical titanium piercings, surgical steel piercings or perhaps silver piercings? Which of these materials is best?
Medical Titanium Earrings
Titanium earrings have gained enormous popularity in the piercing world for several reasons. It is a lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant material and, moreover, it can be subjected to an anodisation process that changes the colour of the metal without affecting the chemical composition of the alloy. Furthermore, medical titanium earrings – as the name suggests – are hypoallergenic. This means that the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal. Titanium earrings are particularly recommended for fresh piercings.
Advantages of titanium earrings:
- Hypoallergenic – medical titanium earrings minimise the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, as this is the material from which implants or dentures are often made.
- Durability – titanium is one of the most durable metals, resistant to scratches and damage.
- Anodisation – titanium earrings can undergo an anodisation process, obtaining almost all possible colours (except black and white).
Disadvantages of titanium earrings:
- Price – it is relatively cheap, although not the cheapest material; some unique, ornate models can cost upwards of PLN 200.
- Aesthetics – titanium earrings have a distinctive metallic colour that may not be to everyone’s taste.
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Surgical steel earrings
Surgical steel is one of the cheapest – and therefore most popular – materials used for piercing earrings. Surgical steel earrings are widely available (you can get them in almost any jewellery shop, including online) and durable. The disadvantage of this material, however, is its allergenic potential – unfortunately, some people can develop allergic reactions to steel. Therefore, surgical steel earrings are not to be worn on fresh piercings.
Advantages of surgical steel earrings:
- Price – surgical steel is significantly cheaper than titanium, making it more accessible to a wide audience.
- Durability – surgical steel earrings are resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage.
- Accessibility – this is the most popular material used for earrings, making the decorative models available for purchase both in-store and online.
Disadvantages of surgical steel earrings:
- Sensitisation potential – although surgical steel is safer than other metal alloys, it can cause allergic reactions in people who are very sensitive to nickel.
- Weight – surgical steel earrings are heavier than those made of titanium, which can be less comfortable when worn for long periods.
Silver earrings
Sterling silver is a classic choice that is very popular for its elegant appearance. Silver earrings are available in many jewellery shops and jewellery shops. The particular variety of models in silver earrings attracts many holders of basic earlobe piercings (known as lobe piercings). Unfortunately, this is a precious material, which also translates into high prices for silver earrings. It is also worth noting that silver earrings should not be worn over a fresh piercing, as they can cause allergic reactions when in contact with a fresh wound.
Advantages of silver earrings:
- Aesthetics – silver has a beautiful, classic look that suits many beauty types.
- Variety of designs – silver is easy to work with, allowing a wide variety of silver earrings designs to be created.
- Availability – sterling silver is a popular jewellery material, so silver earrings can be purchased from either a jeweller or a piercing salon.
Disadvantages of silver earrings:
- Allergenic potential – silver can cause allergic reactions, so silver earrings should not be worn over a fresh piercing.
- Darkening of the silver – unfortunately, sterling silver earrings can darken over time – this is a natural, reversible corrosion process that can be reversed by cleaning the ornaments regularly.
Summary
The choice of earring material essentially depends on individual preferences and needs. Titanium earrings are an excellent choice for a fresh piercing and will also work well for those with allergies. Surgical steel earrings are durable and affordable, although they can cause allergies in those sensitive to nickel. Silver earrings impress with their classic look and variety of models, but require regular cleaning and are quite expensive.
Therefore, the final choice is up to you! Remember, if you are looking for unique silver earring designs or titanium earrings – check out our range today!