Sensitive skin, and scared your earrings will start to itch, turn red or irritate your lobes? Then you’ve probably wondered which metal is actually safe for you. Niobium is one of the best-kept secrets for sensitive ears. Here’s why, how it compares to titanium, and how to choose the right one for you.
Why is Niobium the Perfect Material for Piercings?
Niobium is a hypoallergenic metal that is well-tolerated by the skin, even in people sensitive to metals. Thanks to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, niobium provides a safe and durable material for piercing jewelry, while its natural silvery tint adds an elegant and refined look.
Key Benefits of Niobium
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Hypoallergenic Material:
Niobium is perfect for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Its biocompatibility ensures comfortable wear without irritation. -
Corrosion Resistance:
Unlike many other metals, niobium does not react with body fluids or oxidize, making it durable and resistant to losing its shine. -
Natural Silvery Color:
The silver-like hue of niobium suits various styles and pairs easily with other jewelry, making it ideal for everyday use. -
Strength and Durability:
While not as hard as titanium, niobium provides sufficient strength for long-term use. It is also flexible, allowing it to be shaped into various jewelry designs.
Differences Between Niobium and Titanium
Not sure which one to pick? Both niobium and titanium are popular hypoallergenic materials for jewelry, but there are some notable differences:
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Price:
Niobium is more expensive than titanium due to its unique properties and limited availability. Titanium offers excellent durability and safety at a lower cost. -
Strength and Hardness:
Titanium is harder and more resistant to deformation, making it ideal for active lifestyles. Niobium is slightly softer, making it easier to shape and a great choice for flexible designs. -
Aesthetics and Color:
Niobium has a natural silver color and is typically worn in its original hue. Titanium can be anodized in a range of colors, offering more options for personalization.
Getting a new piercing? For a fresh piercing we use titanium, the best material while your piercing heals. Want gold straight away? Then we usually go for a titanium bar with a gold top. Our gold jewellery has a titanium internal thread, because a gold thread wears out quickly. See our first titanium & gold piercings. Once your lobe has healed, a niobium ring is a lovely next step.
Niobium Ring (1.2 mm x 10 mm) as a Practical Choice
Worried a ring will feel heavy or bulky? In addition to niobium's properties, the specific dimensions of the ring also matter. A 1.2 mm thick and 10 mm diameter ring is subtle, comfortable, and lightweight, making it perfect for daily use in an earlobe piercing. Its silvery finish ensures a timeless look that complements any style.
Not sure about your size? Check our size guide, or walk into the studio and we’ll measure and fit it for you. Prefer to order online? Our webshop ships to the Netherlands and Belgium. Browse more piercing rings.
Tips for Maintaining Niobium Jewelry
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Regular Cleaning:
While niobium does not oxidize, it is recommended to clean it regularly with mild soap and water to keep it hygienic and shiny. -
Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals:
Although niobium is resistant to most everyday substances, avoid contact with perfumes and creams to maintain its natural appearance.
Conclusion
Niobium is one of the best choices for earlobe piercings due to its hypoallergenic properties, durability, and stylish appearance. While both niobium and titanium are safe and comfortable, personal preferences in price, strength, and aesthetics can guide the choice. With niobium, you opt for luxury, comfort, and a refined look that lasts for years.
Still in doubt? Come and see us
- No time to wait? We’re open every day of the year from 10:30 to 22:00. Walk in without an appointment.
- Worried about infection? We pierce with sterile, single-use tools.
- Questions in your own language? Our team speaks about six languages, including English and Dutch.
- Experience? We’ve been piercing since 1998, at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam.
- Between 12 and 16? Then you come with a parent. From 16 you can come on your own. See our minimum age page.
Worry-free healing, sorted in one go: your lobe piercing, titanium jewellery, AphraHeals aftercare spray and later the shorter bar swap in the studio, after which you can switch to niobium. (AphraHeals is meant for piercings only, not for tattoos.)
Prefer a fixed time? Book your appointment online.
From Ira, with love
Ira Lutvica is co-owner of Piercings Works, which she runs together with her husband Mensur Lutvica: since 1998, and 22 years at the same spot on Reguliersbreestraat 46. Ira writes the books herself and runs the piercing course (in Dutch), where she has trained 100+ piercers. Want to know more about this topic? Read her e-book (in Dutch) DE KUNST VAN HET OOR Het Master Ebook over Oorpiercings. Also read Piercings Works in the media.
Walk in without an appointment at Reguliersbreestraat 46 and leave with earrings your sensitive skin will love.