Gold Belly Rings
Gold belly-rings are not necessarily the best for initial piercings. Over the years it has developed a reputation as been unsafe to use as jewellery for first time piercings.
But gold belly rings are good to use as long as they are of good quality. Due to the fact that gold is very popular it is often alloyed (mixed) with reactive metals, metals that react negatively with the users body chemistry. Cheap gold-plated rings are a no-no. Even expensive belly rings mixed with low grade metals are not recommended.
Gold just like any other metal used as initial navel jewellery should be of the best quality. There are a number of metals that don’t react well with healing body tissue and these should be avoided whenever possible even when alloyed with non-reactive metals like gold.
So it is important that you use a belly ring that is made out of high quality biocompatible metal in your initial piercing.
Other Metals that you can Safely Use
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) has a recommended list of safe metals to use in initial piercings these are:
- Solid 14 karat or higher Yellow or White Gold (Nickel Free)
- Solid Platinum Alloy (Nickel Free)
- Niobium
Other recommended metals that can safely be used for initial piercings include titanium (which is only normally alloyed with implant grade metals) and high quality biocompatible steel alloy.