Choosing the right materials for your studio’s body jewelry collection is more than a design decision—it’s a business one. In the U.S. market, where clients are more educated than ever about quality, safety, and style, offering the right mix of gold, titanium, and surgical steel can directly impact your bottom line.

At Shining Light Body Jewelry, we bring our extensive experience to supplying thousands of piercing studios across America. We've seen firsthand which materials move and why. Here’s what you need to know to make smarter buying decisions.

1. Titanium: The Healing Hero

Why it sells: Titanium (especially ASTM F136 certified) is the gold standard for initial piercings. It’s lightweight, nickel-free, and ultra biocompatible, which means fewer reactions and faster healing.

Clients often request titanium by name thanks to education from piercers and influencers. It’s especially popular for:

• New piercings
• Sensitive-skin clients
• High-end but minimalist aesthetics

Studio tip: Use titanium as a premium default for first-time clients. It helps build trust and reduces the chance of complaints.

Browse our Body Jewelry collection and tick on the titanium to stock your studio with healing-friendly options.

2. Surgical Steel: The Workhorse

Why it sells: ASTM F138-certified surgical steel is the most versatile and affordable option for a wide range of piercings. It offers durability, shine, and a lower price point without sacrificing quality—great for clients who want style and savings.

It’s ideal for:

• High-volume studios
• Cartilage, nostril, and septum jewelry
• Clients looking to upgrade without overspending.

Studio tip: Use steel for displays with lots of visual variety. It’s perfect for upselling second or third piercings and stacked looks.

3. Solid Gold: The Luxe Upgrade

Why it sells: For clients who want jewelry that feels like jewelry, 14k+ solid gold pieces are the go-to. They’re elegant, long-lasting, and perfect for healed piercings.

Gold sells well in:

• High-end studios and urban boutiques
• Fashion-forward clientele
• Curated ear or septum stacks

It also makes a great upgrade gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or personal milestones.

Studio tip: Offer solid gold pieces as premium add-ons to healed piercings or stacked curation projects. Having even a small showcase builds brand prestige.

Side-by-Side Comparison: What Works Where

Material

Best For

Certified Standard

Price Range

Sells Best In

Titanium

New piercings, sensitive skin

ASTM F136

Healing-focused studios

Surgical Steel

Every day wear, healed piercings

ASTM F138

High-volume locations

Solid Gold (14k+)

Fashion, luxury, healed

Nickel-safe alloys

Premium studios + boutiques

What’s Trending Right Now?

• Titanium clickers and threadless ends are booming thanks to influencer posts.
• Steel septum rings and daith jewelry are consistent movers for bold clients.
• Gold for curated ears and fine jewelry piercing services is significantly rising in U.S. metro areas.

Stay ahead of the trend—explore our New Arrivals and keep your showcase fresh. This not only keeps your clients excited but also boosts your sales.

Final Take: Mix Smart, Sell More

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best-performing studios in the U.S. carry a balanced mix of titanium, steel, and gold, each serving different client needs and budgets.

At Shining Light Body Jewelry, we help you stock up smart with wholesale pricing, fast U.S. shipping, and high-quality pieces in every material category.

Need help curating your next order? Explore our collections or contact us directly—we’re here to help you grow and make the best choices for your studio.

Shining Light Body Jewelry — Trusted Materials. Certified Quality. Built for Studios Like Yours.