When it comes to body piercings, one of the most important decisions is choosing your jewelry type. The two main engineering styles for body jewelry are threadless and threaded.

Threadless jewelry uses a small pin that snaps securely into the post. Threaded jewelry comes in two forms: external and internal. Internal threading attaches with a screw that fits inside the post. External threading uses a threaded post that screws into the jewelry itself.

Of the two, internally threaded jewelry is the preferred style. Studios affiliated with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) use this design for safety and comfort.

The APP is a voluntary health and safety organization for the piercing industry. It provides members with education on sterilization, safe environments, quality jewelry, and professional ethics. Members commit to high standards of practice, ensuring safe and hygienic piercing experiences.

APP

Internal Threading

Internal threading is the most popular type of threading used by APP studios—and for good reason. This style is trusted in many applications, including medical equipment and body jewelry.

For body piercings, internal threading works especially well. It can be safely used for piercings on outer body areas, including the ears, mouth, nose, and eyebrows.

One of the key benefits of internal threading is its reliability and ease of use. Internal threading is also less likely to damage the piercing site because the post has no external ridging.

Manufacturers often make this type of jewelry from higher-quality materials, such as implant-grade titanium or stainless steel. In contrast, they usually make externally threaded jewelry from surgical steel. The term “surgical stainless steel” is broad and often used to describe any steel applied in medical or biomedical settings.

Key Benefits of Internal Threading

  • More secure – Internal threading creates a tighter connection between the post and jewelry, reducing the risk of jewelry loss.

  • Easier to use – The screw design allows easy access, making jewelry attachment and adjustments simple and safe.

  • More aesthetic options – The secure screw supports larger and more decorative jewelry, giving artists greater creative freedom.

If you want a secure, easy-to-use, and stylish piercing option, internal threading is the best choice.

Internally threaded jewelry uses a screw that fits inside the jewelry and attaches to the post. External threading works the opposite way—the post itself is threaded and screws into the jewelry. For newcomers, this difference can be confusing. Always ask your piercer which type of threading they use before getting pierced.

If you are unsure which style works best for your piercing, speak with your piercer. They can guide you and help choose the safest option for your anatomy.

Jewelry Material

Once you’ve decided between internal and external threading, the next step is choosing jewelry material. This decision is just as important. Different materials carry their own pros and cons, and the right choice affects comfort, healing, and safety.

The most common material used in APP studios is implant-grade titanium. Titanium is lightweight and an excellent choice for anyone concerned about nickel sensitivity.

This material can also be anodized to produce different colors without reducing safety. Anodization is an electrochemical process that changes the titanium surface into a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide finish. This process allows titanium jewelry to display a wide variety of colors.

When selecting jewelry for a new piercing, consider both the size and shape of the piercing hole. Jewelry comes in many sizes, so you can usually find a piece that fits comfortably. Shape also matters because some jewelry styles are designed specifically for certain piercing types.

If you are uncertain about which jewelry to choose, ask your piercer. A professional can recommend the best size, shape, and style to ensure both comfort and safety.