Question 1

Why Should I Invest in Implant Grade Body Jewelry?

Accepted Answer

The cost of body jewelry varies greatly depending on where it is made, (North-American made vs. Overseas), the care that is put into assuring no defects are present before sending it out to the client, the material it is made of (implant grade material with certification vs. mystery metal or "surgical steel"), and if it contains genuine or synthetic gemstones, all affect the price of the piece you are purchasing.Our jewelry is handmade in North-America, and carries an ASTM certification for implant grade material. This means that all of our jewelry, regardless of the material you are pierced with (whether it is titanium, niobium, or solid 14k gold) meets the same specifications required for medical implants. It is nickel-free, will not tarnish, or cause allergic reaction. As well, our jewelry manufacturers use ethical standards to ensure the conditions their employees are working under are safe, that they are paid fairly, and do not experience abuse. For more information on what "Safe Body Jewelry" means in this context, please read this blog from our colleague, Lynn Loheide.  All of our body jewelry meets the Association of Professional Piercers Minimum Jewelry Standards for Initial Body Piercings (revised/updated in 2025)
Any and all materials that meet ASTM and/or ISO standards for implantation.
Examples of these include, but are not limited to:Steel that is ASTM F138 compliant or ISO 5832-1 compliant[Note: The EEC Nickel Directive is a regulation that requires a low rate of nickel release for all materials used for costume or fine jewelry, belt buckles, watches, or other metallic accessories with direct skin contact. It does not specify nor prove that a material is safe to wear in the body; therefore, compliance with this directive alone is not sufficient for meeting the APP initial jewelry standards.]Steel that is ISO 10993-6, 10993-10 and/or 10993-11 compliantUnalloyed titanium that is ASTM F67 or ISO 5832-2  compliantAlloyed Titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) that is ASTM F136 compliant or ISO 5832-3 compliantAlloyed Titanium  (Ti6Al7Nb ELI) that is ASTM F1295 compliant or  ISO 5832-11 compliantPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is ASTM F754 compliantAny polymer or plastic material that is ISO 10993-6, 10993-10 and/or 10993-11 compliant. 
Solid 14 karat or higher yellow, white, or rose gold that is nickel and cadmium free.
Gold jewelry used for initial piercing may not be:Plated, unless with materials approved by this standard, including yellow, white, and rose gold that is 14k or higher, or white rhodium.Gold-filledGold overlay/vermeil
Solid unalloyed or alloyed platinum that is F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
Unalloyed Niobium (Nb) that is ASTM B392, F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
This includes but is not limited to:commercial grade 2 Niobiumcommercial grade 4 Niobium that contains 1% Zirconium 
 Glass that is F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
This includes, but is not limited to:Fused quartzBorosilicateSoda-lime
All threaded or press-fit jewelry must have internal tapping (no threads on exterior of posts and barbells).
For body jewelry purposes, surfaces and ends must be smooth and free of nicks, scratches, burrs, stamps, hallmarks, polishing compounds, and other potentially harmful residues.
Metals must have a consistent mirror finish on surfaces that frequently come in contact with tissue.
All jewelry used for initial piercing on people above the age of 12 must be ASTM F2999 compliant.
All jewelry used for initial piercing on people ages 12 and under must be ASTM F2923 compliant.A big thank you to Bryan Skellie for the updated list of APP minimum jewelry standards.

Question 2

I Have Metal Sensitivities, What is Your Jewelry Made Of?

Accepted Answer

All of the jewelry we supply is handmade in North-America, and carries an ASTM certification for implant grade material. This means that all of our jewelry, regardless of the material you are pierced with (whether it is titanium, niobium, or solid 14k gold) meets the same specifications required for medical implants. It is nickle-free, will not tarnish, or cause allergic reaction. All of our body jewelry meets the Association of Professional Piercers Minimum Jewelry Standards for Initial Body Piercings (revised/updated in 2025)
Any and all materials that meet ASTM and/or ISO standards for implantation.
Examples of these include, but are not limited to:Steel that is ASTM F138 compliant or ISO 5832-1 compliant[Note: The EEC Nickel Directive is a regulation that requires a low rate of nickel release for all materials used for costume or fine jewelry, belt buckles, watches, or other metallic accessories with direct skin contact. It does not specify nor prove that a material is safe to wear in the body; therefore, compliance with this directive alone is not sufficient for meeting the APP initial jewelry standards.]Steel that is ISO 10993-6, 10993-10 and/or 10993-11 compliantUnalloyed titanium that is ASTM F67 or ISO 5832-2  compliantAlloyed Titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) that is ASTM F136 compliant or ISO 5832-3 compliant (Which is the grade that we use at our studio)Alloyed Titanium  (Ti6Al7Nb ELI) that is ASTM F1295 compliant or  ISO 5832-11 compliantPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is ASTM F754 compliantAny polymer or plastic material that is ISO 10993-6, 10993-10 and/or 10993-11 compliant. (While this is technically biocompatible, we don't use PTFE, polymer, or plastic materials here)
Solid 14 karat or higher yellow, white, or rose gold that is nickel and cadmium free.
Gold jewelry used for initial piercing may not be:Plated, unless with materials approved by this standard, including yellow, white, and rose gold that is 14k or higher, or white rhodium.Gold-filledGold overlay/vermeil
Solid unalloyed or alloyed platinum that is F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
Unalloyed Niobium (Nb) that is ASTM B392, F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
This includes but is not limited to:commercial grade 2 Niobiumcommercial grade 4 Niobium that contains 1% Zirconium 
 Glass that is F2999 and or F2923 compliant.
This includes, but is not limited to:Fused quartzBorosilicateSoda-lime
All threaded or press-fit jewelry must have internal tapping (no threads on exterior of posts and barbells).
For body jewelry purposes, surfaces and ends must be smooth and free of nicks, scratches, burrs, stamps, hallmarks, polishing compounds, and other potentially harmful residues.
Metals must have a consistent mirror finish on surfaces that frequently come in contact with tissue.
All jewelry used for initial piercing on people above the age of 12 must be ASTM F2999 compliant.
All jewelry used for initial piercing on people ages 12 and under must be ASTM F2923 compliant.A big thank you to Bryan Skellie for the updated list of APP minimum jewelry standards.

Question 3

Conflict Free Diamond Declaration

Accepted Answer

At Ineffable Aesthetics, we are committed to sourcing our Genuine Diamonds responsibly and ethically. We work with trusted suppliers who adhere to internationally recognized standards and certify that their diamonds are conflict-free.Our suppliers comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the Responsible Jewelry Council who provide assurances that their diamonds (and genuine gemstones and gold) have been sourced through legitimate channels and are not used to finance armed conflict or human rights abuses.We believe that exceptional jewelry should be created with integrity, and we are committed to making thoughtful sourcing decisions that reflect our values of transparency, responsibility, and respect for the people and communities involved in every step of the supply chain. ♥

Question 4

What Jewelry Brands Does Your Studio Use?

Accepted Answer

Our studio is proud to use only the highest quality body piercing jewelry available on the market.Our Studio Proudly Uses the Following Brands:Body Vision Los AngelesAlchemy Adornment (Nanaimo Based Manufacturer)Mae Body Jewelry (Quebec Based Manufacturer)Infinite Body Jewelry (Vancouver Based Manufacturer)Canasteel Body Jewelry (Alberta Based Manufacturer)Kanora Body Jewelry (Canada Based Manufacturer)Neometal Body Jewelry People's Body JewelryGorilla Glass Body JewelryIndustrial Strength Body JewelryLe Roi Fine Body JewelryIf there are any styles or brands of jewelry you would like, and do not see available, we would love to hear from you! We love to cater to our clientele's wants and needs and provide you with only the best. Please email owner@defydefinition.ca to request a new style, or jewelry manufacturer.

Question 5

What Style of Jewelry Do I Have?

Accepted Answer

If you were pierced with us, your aftercare form will specify the style of jewelry you have in your piercing. We have several types of jewelry available at our studio, and each style corresponds with the kind of piercing you received.

If you were pierced with a pressfit (or threadless) style, the post itself lives in the body, and is custom fit to your anatomy. The 'end' (the decorative part you chose) is bent slightly at the pin & then fits securely into the post. The tension on the pin (which is affixed to the 'end') keeps the 'end' from coming out of the post.

A visual guide as to how this works can be found below:

How Does Internally Threaded Jewelry Work?

Our studio uses only internally threaded, or threadless style jewelry. Internally Threaded Jewelry features a post with internal threads, and a decorative end has external threads that screw into the post.  Internally threaded jewelry is preferred by professionals since it minimizes tissue damage and reduces the risk of bacteria to the piercing channel during insertion and removal, a critical consideration for new and healing piercings.

Question 6

Can I Return or Exchange my Jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of body jewelry being worn in the body, we are unable to accept returns, refunds, or exchanges on worn, or opened jewelry. 
This is best practice for the Health and Safety of all our Clientele.

Question 7

I Have an MRI or Medical Procedure, but I Was Told I Can't Wear my Jewelry.... What Do I Do?

Accepted Answer

Good news is jewelry from our studio is safe to be worn through an MRI machine. Our jewelry is non-ferrous and therefore, non-magnetic. 
However, if you require an MRI and there is a piercing in or around the area that you are having imaged, the jewelry may cause an 'artifact' or flash on the image itself. 
If this is the case, we suggest booking in a jewelry change, and we can change your piercing to a retainer. This is a temporary glass piece that you can wear during your medical procedure or MRI. 
Glass retainers are safe to wear, but we typically recommend coming back soon after your procedure to change back to your implant grade jewelry, as glass pieces have a chance of snapping if slept on hard, or bumped. 
Glass retainers are $20 each, and can be used multiple times.

Question 8

What Does the Jewelry Warranty Repair Guarantee Cover?

Accepted Answer

All of the Jewelry Purchased at Our Studio is Warrantied for Life Against Manufacturing Defects, unless otherwise noted.What is a Repair Covered by the Lifetime Guarantee?• Thread or Pin breakage at the solder point that is no fault of the user*• Component breakage at the solder point• Gemstone pops out when item does not appear to be damaged by user **• Gemstone discoloration when item does not appear to be damaged by user **• Loose hinges that do not appear to be damaged by user**Pin breakage from not downsizing extra length within an appropriate and timely manner will be considered user error. This is due to the fact that heavier pieces on longer posts are more prone to breakage from torsion and catching. Please ensure any heavier pieces you wear are appropriately downsized to limit the likelihood of breakage.**Pearls and Paua Shell are not covered by the lifetime guarantee as the organic nature of these items may result in problems from daily wear and exposure to chemicals or body fluids. If there is an issue with Pearl or Paua Shell within the first two weeks of purchase, please contact us for assistance.What is Not a Repair Covered by the Lifetime Guarantee?Items that are cut, scratched or marred from tools used by userGlass Items which have snapped or brokenGemstone pops out when item is visually crushed, cut or marred by userChanging a chain attachment length due to incorrect size requestPearl and Paua Shell problems after 2 weeks of wearA gemstone is discoloured from chemical or UV exposure (this includes chemical products such as hair dye, and chemical face products) Seam or hinge rings distorted or scratched by user

Question 9

How Long Do Jewelry Repairs Take?

Accepted Answer

The length of how long jewelry repairs take to be returned to our studio depend on the manufacturer. Typically, if turn around times are quick, it can be anywhere between 2-3 months. 
If the repair is simple, we may be able to repair it ourselves. We use a Sunstone Orion mPulse Arc Welder to repair things like broken chains, or pins, which we also use for our Permanent Jewelry services!
Please book a Jewelry Repair Consultation appointment & we will be happy to figure out which repair service you will need, and how long it will take. 
Bring your broken jewelry back to us in a small plastic baggie during your appointment.

Question 10

I Purchased Jewelry Online & Am Not Happy With It...

Accepted Answer

If you purchase jewelry from us online, and break or tamper with the seal of the sterile packaging, it will be considered opened and therefore, not returnable or exchangeable.

If you are unhappy with a piece you purchased online, and the jewelry is still in its original packaging, and has not been tampered with or opened, you may bring the jewelry back to us for store credit. (This is on a case by case basis, the sterile packaging will be inspected thoroughly prior to allowing store credit) Please book an appointment for a jewelry consultation and add in the notes what you are hoping for, specifically.

Question 11

I Purchased Jewelry From Your Online Store & It Doesn't Fit Me...

Accepted Answer

If you purchase a piece online, insert it, and realize it is improperly sized, or does not look or sit the way you expected, this is not an instance where we are able to return a piece for store credit.

We always suggest coming in for a jewelry consultation if you are unsure how items will fit or look on you. Our Piercer takes into consideration your bodies' unique size and shape, to ensure all jewelry is appropriately fit.

Frequently Asked Questions