All about surgical steel jewelry

Surgical Steel Jewelry – What Is It and Why Choose It?

What is surgical steel and why is it so popular for piercings and earrings? Surgical steel (316L stainless steel) contains chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It is extremely strong, durable, and low in nickel – suitable for 98% of people. For a severe nickel allergy, titanium is the safest choice. Check out our steel jewelry collection and piercings.

What is surgical steel?

Surgical steel is a specific type of stainless steel (316L) that contains chromium, a small amount of nickel, and molybdenum. This combination makes the material incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant – hence its use in medical instruments such as scalpels and hip prostheses. For jewelry and piercings, surgical steel is popular due to its high durability and low risk of allergic reactions.

How is surgical steel made?

Surgical steel is made through Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM): the metals are heated in a vacuum until they become liquid and then poured into a mold. After cooling, the metal undergoes further processing to improve its strength and durability.

Advantages of surgical steel jewelry

• Low nickel content – suitable for 98% of people, even with sensitive skin
• Extremely durable – resistant to daily wear and tear, sweat, and water
• Affordable – one of the most budget-friendly options for piercings
• Wide assortment – from helix piercings to navel piercings and earrings

Please note: navel piercings with pendants

For navel piercings, the pendants are sometimes made of copper with a chrome-plated layer. This layer can wear off due to showering or sweat, which can lead to discoloration. Want less risk? Then choose a navel piercing with acrylic balls or a navel piercing without a pendant.

Nickel allergy? Choose titanium or bioplast

Do you have a severe nickel allergy? Then choose titanium jewelry (completely nickel-free) or bioplast piercings. Read more on our nickel allergy explanation page.

What is surgical steel?

Surgical steel (316L) is a type of stainless steel with chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It is extremely strong, durable, and low in nickel – popular for piercings and earrings due to the low risk of allergic reactions.

Is surgical steel safe for nickel allergy?

Surgical steel contains a small amount of nickel, but so little that 98% of people can wear it without problems. For a severe nickel allergy, we recommend titanium. Read more on our nickel allergy explanation page.

What is the difference between surgical steel and stainless steel?

Surgical steel (316L) is a specific type of stainless steel with an extra layer of chromium and a lower nickel content than regular stainless steel. It is used in medical instruments and piercings due to its high corrosion resistance.

What surgical steel piercings are available?

At Aramat Jewels, you'll find surgical steel helix piercings, navel piercings, tongue piercings, and earrings in many styles and sizes.

Can surgical steel discolor?

Solid surgical steel does not discolor. Some navel piercings have pendants made of copper with a chrome-plated layer – this layer can wear off. Choose acrylic balls or a solid steel pendant for the best durability.