PVD Coating (Physical Vapor Deposition)

What It Is
A vacuum-based metal coating process that fuses titanium or zirconium compounds onto jewellery to create durable, hypoallergenic colour finishes.

Advantages Over Traditional Plating

Will not flake, chip, or tarnish

Hypoallergenic (base metal dependent)

Adds only microns of thickness without affecting thread sizing

Available Finishes

Gold, black, rainbow, rose gold, blue, etc.

Best Base Metals for PVD

Titanium (best choice)

Surgical steel (suitable for healed piercings only)

Whether you're new to piercings or stretching your lobes, knowing what your jewellery is made from is critical for health, comfort, and longevity. This is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the safest and most suitable materials for your body.

Titanium (Grade 23 / ASTM F136)

Overview

Titanium is widely regarded as the gold standard in body jewellery, especially Grade 23 Titanium (ASTM F136). It's implant-grade, meaning it's approved for surgical implants in the human body.

Key Features

- Biocompatibility: Hypoallergenic and nickel-free

- Weight: About 50% lighter than steel

- Strength: Extremely strong and corrosion-resistant

- Oxidation: Naturally forms a protective oxide layer

- Colours: Available in bright hues via PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) or anodization

Best For

- Initial piercings

- Sensitive skin or metal allergies

- Long-term wear

- High-movement or high-friction areas

Wood

Overview
A lightweight, breathable, and natural alternative for stretched ears.

Common Types

Tamarind, saba, areng, teak, crocodile, sono

Benefits

Ideal for dry, healed lobes

Reduces odor by allowing skin to breathe

Earthy, organic aesthetic

Cautions

Porous: Not for healing piercings

Must be kept dry — remove before showering or swimming

Needs oiling (e.g., jojoba oil) to maintain longevity

Glass

Glass is smooth, inert, and excellent for sensitive piercings, especially during stretching transitions.

Types

Borosilicate (Pyrex): Heat-resistant, strong

Soda-lime: Softer, more common

Pros

Non-porous and easy to clean

Hypoallergenic

Excellent for freshly stretched lobes

Often available in vibrant colors

Cons

Can break if dropped

Edges must be smooth to avoid microtears

Natural Stone

Overview
Stone plugs and weights are popular in stretched piercings for their beauty, density, and cooling touch.

Common Stones

Obsidian, rose quartz, amethyst, howlite, jasper, and labradorite

Properties

Naturally hypoallergenic and non-reactive

Each pair is unique in pattern and weight

Considerations

Fragile: Can chip or crack if dropped

Heavy: Can cause thinning in high gauge lobes

Porousness varies: Not suitable for freshly stretched lobes

Bone & Horn

Overview
Ethically sourced animal products used traditionally in many cultures.

Properties

Lightweight and smooth

Organic, natural finish

Ideal for healed ears only

Care

Avoid moisture and alcohol-based cleaners

Occasionally oil to prevent drying/cracking

Surgical Steel (316L & 316LVM)

Overview

Surgical stainless steel is a common, durable, and affordable option for body jewellery. The most widely used grades in jewellery are:

- 316L: Standard low-carbon surgical steel

- 316LVM: Vacuum-melted version, cleaner and higher purity

Composition

- Iron alloyed with ~16-18% chromium, ~10-14% nickel, and small amounts of molybdenum

- Nickel content: While it's “nickel-safe,” it's not nickel-free. Traces may leach over time, especially in moist or healing piercings.

Best For

- Healed piercings

- Budget-conscious options

- People with no metal sensitivity

Not Recommended For

- Fresh piercings

- Nickel-allergic users

Silicone

Overview
Soft and flexible, a favourite for sleeping, sports, or tight-fitting needs.

Best Use

Fully healed stretches only

Low-profile looks or when needing flexibility (helmets, headphones)

Advantages

Lightweight and comfortable

Easy to insert and remove

Comes in bold colors and fun shapes

Warnings

Not suitable for fresh stretches

Can harbor bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly

May cause irritation if worn too long or poorly cleaned

Sterling Silver (925)

Overview
Sterling silver is beautiful and widely used, but not suitable for any internal piercing use.

Why?

Soft metal prone to scratching and oxidizing

Tarnishes with skin exposure and moisture

Not hypoallergenic for all users

Best For

Externally-worn items like ear cuffs, septum clicker fronts, or dangle elements — never posts or wearable shafts

Acrylic

Overview
Colourful and inexpensive, acrylic is a casual option for experienced stretchers.

Pros

Lightweight

Affordable

Wide range of colours and designs

Cons

Porous and not hypoallergenic

Can’t be autoclaved (not for professional use)

Brittle and prone to cracking

Only for

Healed piercings

Short-term use or display purposes