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Materials & Plating
When it comes to body jewelry, material quality isn't just about aesthetics — it directly impacts your safety, healing, and how long your jewelry lasts. At Pressha, we carefully select materials that meet the demands of sensitive skin and everyday wear, so you can wear with confidence.
Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F136)
Our premium base metal is implant-grade titanium — the gold standard for body jewelry. It is 100% nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible, making it safe for fresh and healed piercings alike. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, titanium is resistant to corrosion and body fluids.
316L Surgical Steel
Our primary workhorse metal is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel — a widely trusted material in body jewelry known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and smooth finish. Suitable for most healed piercings.
⚠️ Nickel Notice: 316L surgical steel contains trace amounts of nickel. While it is considered safe for most people, those with a known nickel allergy or sensitivity should opt for our implant-grade titanium pieces instead. When in doubt, consult your piercer.
316L Surgical Steel with PVD Coating
Many of our pieces feature a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish applied over 316L surgical steel. PVD coatings are significantly more durable than traditional electroplating — resistant to chipping, fading, and tarnishing. We offer the following PVD finishes:
- Gold — warm, classic, and timeless
- Rose Gold — soft, romantic, and on-trend
- Black — bold, sleek, and modern
The PVD finish is applied over surgical steel, so the same nickel notice above applies to these pieces.
Brass (Select Styles)
Some of our decorative and fashion-forward pieces are crafted from brass. Brass is used in select styles where design complexity or aesthetic detail takes priority. We recommend brass pieces for healed piercings only, and suggest removing them before swimming, showering, or extended wear to maintain finish quality.
Gemstones & Embellishments
Many of our pieces are set with cubic zirconia (CZ) stones — a brilliant, affordable alternative to diamonds that delivers exceptional sparkle. Our CZ stones are carefully set in surgical steel or titanium settings to ensure secure, long-lasting wear. Select styles may also feature crystal or synthetic opal accents for added color and dimension.
Care Tips
- Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or saltwater
- Clean with mild soap and warm water
- Pat dry with a soft cloth — avoid abrasive materials
- Store separately to prevent scratching
- Remove brass pieces before swimming or showering
Shop by Material
Find the right metal for your piercing:
Care Instructions
Your piercing is an investment. Protect it.
At Pressha, we source our jewelry from implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) and 316L surgical steel — materials designed to work with your body, not against it. But even the best jewelry needs proper care. Follow this guide to heal faster, avoid irritation, and keep your piercing looking flawless.
Daily Care Routine
Clean your piercing twice daily — morning and night:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing
- Spray or apply sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) directly to the piercing
- Gently remove any crust with a clean cotton swab or gauze
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never a cloth towel (bacteria!)
- Do not twist, rotate, or move the jewelry
Always avoid: alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, and antibacterial soaps — these damage healing tissue.
Healing Times by Piercing Type
Healing times vary by person and aftercare. Initial healing (surface) happens faster than full internal healing — don't change jewelry based on surface appearance alone.
Ear Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks |
| Upper Lobe | 8–10 weeks |
| Helix / Cartilage | 3–12 months |
| Tragus / Anti-Tragus | 3–6 months |
| Conch | 3–9 months |
| Daith / Rook | 6–12 months |
| Industrial | 6–12 months |
Facial Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Eyebrow | 6–8 weeks |
| Nostril | 2–8 months |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks |
| Lip (Labret / Side) | 6–8 weeks |
| Bridge | 8–12 weeks |
| Cheek / Dahlia | 4–6 months |
Body & Oral Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Tongue / Smiley (Oral) | 3–6 weeks |
| Navel (Belly Button) | 6–9 months |
| Nipple | 6–12 months |
| Surface Piercings | 6–12 months |
| Genital | 4 weeks – 6 months+ |
Piercing-Specific Tips
Belly Button (Navel)
- Wear high-waisted clothing loosely during healing — avoid waistbands pressing on the piercing
- Be extra careful at the gym — sweat + friction = irritation
- Sleep on your back when possible
- Healing takes up to 9 months — patience is everything
Septum
- Flip the jewelry up inside your nose if needed during healing
- Avoid blowing your nose aggressively
- Saline rinse works perfectly for septum — spray directly
Daith
- Sleep on the opposite ear or use a travel pillow with a hole
- Avoid earbuds/headphones on that side during early healing
- Cartilage heals slowly — don't change jewelry before 6 months
Cartilage / Helix / Tragus
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing — use a travel/donut pillow
- Hair products, dry shampoo, and hairspray can irritate — rinse away from the piercing
- Cartilage is more prone to keloids — keep it clean and undisturbed
Nipple
- Wear breathable, soft fabrics during healing
- Avoid underwire bras pressing directly on the piercing
- Healing can take up to 12 months — do not change jewelry early
Why Our Materials Matter
Not all body jewelry is created equal. All Pressha pieces are made from:
- Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F136) — the gold standard for body jewelry. Nickel-free, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Anodized for color with no added chemicals.
- 316L Surgical Stainless Steel — strong, durable, and safe for most people. Not recommended for those with severe nickel sensitivities.
If you've had reactions to jewelry before, implant-grade titanium is your best choice.
Normal Healing Signs
These are all normal — don't panic:
- Mild redness and swelling in the first few days
- Clear or white/yellow crust forming around the jewelry (lymph fluid — not infection)
- Occasional tenderness when bumped
Signs You Need Professional Help
See a piercer or doctor if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain after the first week
- Green or dark yellow discharge with a strong odor
- Spreading redness or heat around the piercing
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
Do not remove the jewelry yourself if you suspect an infection — this can trap bacteria inside.
When to Change Your Jewelry
Only change jewelry once your piercing is fully healed — not just feeling fine. Changing too early is the #1 cause of setbacks.
When you're ready to switch it up, shop our full collection of implant-grade titanium and surgical steel styles at pressha.co.
Quick Reference
- ✔ Clean twice daily with sterile saline
- ✔ Hands clean before touching
- ✔ Pat dry — never rub
- ✔ Avoid pools, hot tubs, and lakes during healing
- ✔ Don't twist or rotate jewelry
- ✔ Be patient — healing takes time
Ready to upgrade your jewelry? Browse our full collection of body-safe pieces.
Shop Pressha →
Size chart
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Not sure what size you need? We've got you. Use this guide to find your fit — and when in doubt, always check with your piercer for your exact gauge and anatomy.
📏 How to Measure Your Jewelry
Different jewelry styles are measured differently. Here’s how to get it right:
| Jewelry Type | What to Measure | How |
|---|---|---|
| Straight & Curved Barbells (tongue, navel, eyebrow) |
Wearable length | Measure the straight-line distance between the balls or decorative ends — not the total bar length |
| Hoops & Captive Bead Rings (septum, ear) |
Internal diameter | Measure across the inside of the ring at its widest point, from inner edge to inner edge |
| Labrets & Flat-Back Studs (lip, tragus, cartilage) |
Post length | Measure from the back of the flat disc to the bottom of the ball or decorative top |
Tip: Gauge (thickness) is always measured the same way regardless of style — it’s the diameter of the post or bar itself. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the jewelry (14G is thicker than 16G).
💍 Septum Rings
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 16G (1.2mm) | Most common — used by most piercers |
| Gauge — thicker | 14G (1.6mm) | Less common, some piercers prefer this |
| Diameter — snug | 5/16" (8mm) | Close-to-nose, minimal drop |
| Diameter — standard | 3/8" (10mm) | Most common healed fit |
| Diameter — range | 6mm–12mm | Varies by anatomy and personal preference |
Tip: 16G / 8–10mm fits most people. If you’re unsure, check with your piercer — they’ll know your exact gauge and anatomy.
How to Wear
- Pinch the hoop gently at the hinge point
- The segment clicks open — no tools needed
- Slide through your septum piercing and click closed until you feel/hear it snap
👃 Nose Rings & Studs (Nostril)
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge — most common | 20G (0.8mm) | Standard for most nostril studs |
| Gauge — slightly thicker | 18G (1.0mm) | Common alternative, slightly more durable |
| Stud length (wearable) | 1/4" (6mm) – 5/16" (8mm) | Standard nostril depth range |
| Hoop diameter — snug | 6mm | Close-fitting, minimal drop |
| Hoop diameter — standard | 8mm | Most common hoop fit for nostrils |
Nose jewelry comes in several styles: nose screws, L-shaped pins, seamless rings, and hinged hoops. All fit the same gauge piercing — it’s just a matter of preference. 20G is the most common for standard studs.
How to Wear (Nose Screw)
- Insert the straight post into your nostril piercing
- Gently twist clockwise until the curved screw end tucks inside the nostril
- It should sit flush against the skin with no gap
💋 Lip & Labret Piercings
| Style | Standard Gauge | Standard Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labret stud | 16G (1.2mm) | 5/16" (8mm) | Most common healed labret size |
| Labret — initial | 16G (1.2mm) | 3/8" (10mm) | Longer for swelling during healing |
| Monroe / Madonna | 16G (1.2mm) | 5/16"–3/8" | Upper lip placement |
| Lip ring (hoop) | 16G (1.2mm) | 5/16"–3/8" diameter | Seamless or hinged hoop styles |
Tip: After healing, most people downsize their labret from 3/8" to 5/16" for a snugger, more comfortable fit.
How to Wear (Labret Stud)
- Unscrew the decorative top counterclockwise
- Insert the flat-back post through your lip piercing from the inside out
- Screw the top back on clockwise until snug
- The flat disc inside should sit flush against the inner lip — not pressing or loose
👅 Tongue Barbells
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 14G (1.6mm) | Universal standard for tongue piercings |
| Initial length | 3/4" – 7/8" (19–22mm) | Longer to allow for significant swelling during healing |
| Healed length | 5/8" (16mm) | Most common size once swelling subsides (2–4 weeks) |
| Shorter healed | 1/2" (12mm) | For thinner tongues or snugger fit |
Tip: Tongue piercings swell significantly — always start with a longer bar (19–22mm) and downsize to 16mm once fully healed. A bar that’s too short on a swollen tongue can embed into the tissue and cause serious damage. Bar length also varies depending on tongue thickness — your piercer will size you correctly at the initial appointment.
How to Wear
- Unscrew the top ball counterclockwise
- Insert the barbell vertically through your tongue piercing from bottom to top
- Screw the top ball back on clockwise until snug
- Check tightness daily — tongue barbells can loosen with eating and movement
🌙 Daith Rings
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 16G | Standard daith gauge |
| Diameter | 5/16"–3/8" (8–10mm) | Depends on ear anatomy |
How to Wear
- Open the hinged segment at the clasp point
- Guide the hoop through the daith fold of your inner ear
- Snap closed — it should sit snugly in the cartilage fold
💎 Belly Rings (Navel)
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 14G | Universal standard for navel piercings |
| Shaft Length | 3/8" (10mm) | Most common — fits standard anatomy |
| Longer shaft | 7/16" (11mm) | For deeper navels or during pregnancy |
How to Wear
- Unscrew the top ball or decorative end counterclockwise
- Insert the bar through your navel piercing from bottom to top
- Screw the top end back on clockwise until snug — do not overtighten
🔩 Nipple Barbells (Straight)
| Measurement | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 14G (1.6mm) | Standard thickness for nipple piercings |
| Initial length | 5/8" (16mm) | Standard for fresh piercings — allows room for swelling |
| Healed — short | 3/8" (10mm) | Snug fit once fully healed |
| Healed — medium | 1/2" (12mm) | Most popular healed size |
| Healed — longer | 9/16" (14mm) | For more comfort or larger anatomy |
Tip: Most people downsize from 5/8" to a shorter bar (1/2" or 9/16") after their piercing is fully healed for a more comfortable, flush fit.
How to Wear
- Unscrew one end ball counterclockwise
- Insert the straight barbell horizontally through your nipple piercing
- Screw the end ball back on clockwise until secure
- The barbell should sit flush — not too tight, not loose
💠 Cartilage Piercings
All cartilage placements typically use 16G (1.2mm) as the standard gauge unless noted. Here’s a full breakdown by placement:
| Placement | Standard Gauge | Standard Size | Jewelry Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix (Upper Rim) | 16G | 1/4" (6mm) – 5/16" (8mm) | Barbell or hoop | Most popular cartilage piercing |
| Tragus (Front Nook) | 16G | 1/4" (6mm) – 5/16" (8mm) | Flat-back stud | Small flap in front of ear canal |
| Conch (Inner Bowl) | 16G or 14G | Stud: 1/4" (6mm) – 3/8" (10mm) Hoop: 3/8" (10mm) – 1/2" (12mm) |
Stud or hoop | Longer post for initial swelling; larger hoop diameter for inner conch anatomy |
| Rook | 16G | 5/16" (8mm) – 3/8" (10mm) | Ring or curved barbell | Inner ridge above daith |
| Industrial (Scaffold) | 14G (1.6mm) standard; 16G sometimes used | Length: 1-1/4" (32mm), 1-3/8" (35mm), or 1-1/2" (38mm) Ball size: 5mm or 6mm |
Straight barbell | Exact length depends on ear anatomy. Longer bar used initially for swelling — a professional piercer can fit a shorter custom bar after healing |
Tip: Cartilage piercings can be worn with hoops, flat-back studs, or curved barbells depending on placement. When in doubt, ask your piercer what style suits your anatomy best.
📏 General Sizing Tips
- Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry post — the lower the number, the thicker the bar (e.g., 14G is thicker than 16G)
- Diameter is the inner measurement of a hoop or ring
- Shaft/bar length is the wearable length of a straight or curved barbell
- All Pressha jewelry is labeled with gauge and size in the product variant selector
- New styles may be added — check back or contact us if you need help sizing a specific piece
Still not sure? Contact us and we'll help you find your perfect fit. 💜