Mostly, the first thing that goes to most people's minds when it comes to body jewelry are low cost barbells and labrets
. But with more and more people craving for body piercing, high end designers have produced accessories that can be considered luxury items. Which introduces the issue of what is the real value of piercing jewelry in the industry?
For those who are avid fans of piercings and body modification, mostly the metals monetary worth in body piercing accessories are not really that important. Body piercing wearers give more weight and importance on the properties of the material used in their piercing jewelry. But with the expanding market, the rise of piercing jewelry which is made from precious metals like gold and platinum has introduced a growing trend of high end body piercing accessories.
Gold and platinum are precious not just due to their rareness. People who love piercing also appreciate gold and platinum because these elements are inert or have very minimal reaction on the body. High quality precious metal piercing jewelry are hypoallergenic and very resistant to corrosion. But is it practical to purchase high end piercing jewelry when there are contemporary metals like titanium and stainless steel which are relatively affordable and also hypoallergenic?
Titanium and stainless steel are two of the most popular metals used in piercing jewelry today due to there affordability. They are also easy to manipulate in the creation of high quality body accessories. What is more, these metals took the attention of many because they are also hypoallergenic and have even been used as implant parts because they do not get rejected by the human body. Manufacturers can also produce stainless steel and titanium jewelry that resembles gold through PVD process or anodization to change their color without becoming as expensive.
Giving more value to piercing jewelry by incorporating precious metals also opens a new niche in the industry giving another opportunity for retailers and piercing professionals. People who buy expensive and high end body jewelry either give them as gifts to their partner or friends while some just love to make sure that the quality of their accessories is guaranteed by a brand.
It seems the rise of popularity of high end body piercing jewelry can be seen as a sign that society is getting more comfortable with permanent body manipulation. The choice whether buying high end body piercing jewelry or more affordable one made from alternative metals rest to the consumer's taste and style. Different people have different views on how they assess worth; whether it is a car or fashion jewelry. And as the industry evolve, body jewelry just got into that list of must have luxury items.