CARTILAGE CARTEL
METALS AND MATERIALS
At Cartilage Cartel, we only sell jewellery created with metals that are safe, nickel free and suitable for piercings.
Every metal we use has a place in our collection. We carefully select our materials based on skin sensitivity, wearability, customer preference, and how each metal performs across different jewellery designs.
Below is a guide to the metals and materials we use, and how to choose the right one for you.
The Gold Standard for Piercings
ASTM F136 TITANIUM
Widely regarded as the safest and most reliable metal for professional piercing jewellery. Its ultra-stable, skin-safe properties are why we confidently offer a lifetime guarantee on the titanium metal itself across our titanium range.
Why we love it
- Piercer approved implant grade titanium
- Hypoallergenic and 100% nickel-free
- Ultra stable and corrosion-resistant
- Waterproof and sweatproof
- Tarnish resistant with no green marks or discolouration
- Lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear
- Designed for 24/7 wear safe to sleep, shower, swim, and train in
If you’re choosing jewellery for a new piercing, sensitive ears, or permanent wear, titanium is always our number one recommendation.
WATERPROOF & SWEATPROOF
316L SURGICAL STEEL
Chosen for its strength, durability, and bright, polished finish. It is skin-safe, waterproof, and designed for long-term everyday wear, making it a reliable choice for fully healed piercings and curated ear stacks. We especially love surgical steel for its versatility allowing us to create more complex, crystal-led and design-driven pieces.
Why we love it
- Bright, high-shine polished finish
- Smooth and comfortable for daily wear
- Hypoallergenic for the vast majority of wearers and nickel-safe
- Waterproof and sweatproof
- Highly versatile, allowing for complex designs
- Slightly heavier feel than titanium, for a premium jewellery feel
- Excellent value for building layered, ear stacks
demi fine
925 sterling silver
925 Sterling Silver is a precious metal, loved for its bright white shine, soft lustre, and timeless appeal. At Cartilage Cartel, it remains a customer favourite thanks to its luxurious look, lightweight feel, and everyday wearability.
“925” means the metal is made from 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with a small amount of other metals to increase strength and durability while maintaining the beauty of real silver.
Why we love it
- Precious metal with a bright polished finish
- Made from 92.5% pure silver (the highest standard for sterling silver jewellery)
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear
- A popular choice for lobes and non-permanent styles