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Titanium or Gold for a New Piercing?

For a new piercing, implant-grade titanium is the usual choice. Solid gold can be fine once the piercing has healed.

By BURDLIFE Studio Team ·

Woman wearing gold hoop earrings

The short answer

For a new piercing, implant-grade titanium is the usual pick. Solid gold can be a good choice once the piercing has healed. Plated jewelry is not for fresh piercings.

BURDLIFE pierces with implant-grade titanium jewelry.

Are titanium earrings safe?

Implant-grade titanium is a common choice for new piercings. It is nickel-free and light. Nickel is a common cause of irritation, so a nickel-free metal suits many sensitive ears.

The light weight helps too. Heavy earrings pull on a healing piercing.

Can I get my ears pierced with gold?

Solid gold can be fine once your ears have healed. Solid 14K or 18K gold is a common choice for healed ears. Quality varies between sellers, so check the karat.

For the first healing period, stay with titanium. Save your gold earrings for the day you are ready to change jewelry.

Metals compared

Metal New piercing? Notes
Implant-grade titanium Yes Nickel-free and light. Used for piercing at BURDLIFE.
Solid gold After healing Can be fine once healed. Check the karat and the seller.
Gold plated No A thin gold layer over another metal. It can wear off and expose the base metal.
Unmarked or costume metal No Often contains nickel. Skip it until your piercing has healed.

Best earrings for sensitive ears with a new piercing

Choose implant-grade titanium. It is the simple answer for sensitive ears.

Then check the fit. A flat back lies smoother on the ear, so read our flatback earrings guide.

How to choose

  1. Start with titanium Pick implant-grade titanium for the piercing and the healing months.
  2. Wait to change Keep lobe earrings in for 6 months. Cartilage stays in the flatback for 1 year.
  3. Switch to gold after healing Choose solid gold from a seller who lists the karat.
  4. Skip plating on fresh piercings Keep plated pieces for healed ears, or leave them out.

Want to know when your ears are ready? Read when to change earrings. For prices, see ear piercing cost.

Follow the aftercare steps whatever metal you wear.

Questions

Are titanium earrings safe?
Implant-grade titanium is a common choice for new piercings. It is nickel-free and light, which suits many sensitive ears.
Can I get my ears pierced with gold?
BURDLIFE pierces with implant-grade titanium. Solid gold can be fine once the piercing has healed.
What are the best earrings for sensitive ears with a new piercing?
Implant-grade titanium. It is nickel-free and light.
Can I wear gold plated earrings in a new piercing?
No. The thin gold layer can wear off. Wait until the piercing has healed.

Ready when you are

Studios: Houston, Nashville and San Antonio (open). Atlanta in Johns Creek (opening Nov 16).

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