But when can you wear one, which types are there and how do you stop it catching on everything? Here's your chain guide.
Types of piercing chains
- Dangling chains: a ring or labret with one or more chains hanging from it, like a helix ring with three dangling chains. Lovely in a helix or lobe.
- Connecting chain: a chain that links two piercing rings, for example two rings in your ear. It turns separate piercings into one look.
- Industrial chain: the chain replaces the straight bar and runs between the two holes of your industrial.
- Nipple chain: a nipple barbell with a dangling chain attached.
- Belly button chain: navel piercings also come in designs with moving elements such as little chains.
You can find these styles in our webshop.
Heal first, chain later
This is the golden rule: you only wear a chain in a piercing that has fully healed. A fresh piercing needs rest, and a chain moves, pulls and can catch. Exactly what a healing piercing doesn't want. How long healing takes depends on the spot and on you. Cartilage usually needs months. Planning several ear piercings? Read Would you like to get several ear piercings at the same time?
For a fresh piercing titanium is best, but gold is possible too: we often use a titanium bar with a gold attachment. Gold is fine for a new piercing too, but the first bar is longer and is later replaced with a shorter one. That's why we usually use a titanium bar with a gold attachment. Our gold is solid 14K and 18K gold (most in 18K). The chain comes later, once your piercing has settled.
Check material and size
Not every chain is made of the same material. Many chains in our webshop are surgical steel 316L, sometimes with a gold PVD coating. Some are titanium. So always check the material on the product page. Sensitive skin? Titanium contains no nickel and is lighter than surgical steel. Read more in our FAQ on jewellery and materials.
The size has to be right too: the thickness of your bar or ring has to match your piercing, and with a connecting chain the distance between your two holes counts as well. How to measure is explained on All about sizes.
How to avoid catching and pulling
- Hair: brush carefully around your chain and tie long hair back for sport or sleep.
- Clothes and scarves: pull jumpers and scarves over your head slowly.
- Headphones and helmets: dangling jewellery can get caught. Take care when putting them on.
- Sport: a chain can catch. Ask us what works for your sport.
- Sleeping: lying on a chain isn't comfy. Ask us what suits you.
Your first change is best done by us. That way you know everything fits and closes properly. Curious how closures work? See How do I open and change my piercing jewelry?
Aftercare and keeping it clean
A healed piercing needs less care, but keep your jewellery and skin clean. For a new piercing, follow our aftercare instructions: wash with lukewarm water, pat dry and touch it as little as possible. Care for your piercing daily with the Aphraheals Piercing Aftercare Spray: it keeps your new or healing piercing clean. Beyond that, you don't need ointments or other products. Never take your piercing out yourself while it's healing.
Come and see us
Between 12 and 16? Then a parent or guardian comes along and signs the consent form, and you both bring ID. From 16 you can come on your own, with your own ID. More on our minimum age page. For costs, check our studio price list.
Piercings Works has been piercing in Amsterdam since 1998, and has been on the Reguliersbreestraat since 2004. We have more than 2,000 reviews and our team speaks six languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian, Croatian and Indonesian. Fancy a chain? We'd love to help you choose.