What is 'surgical steel'?

The term "surgical steel" is commonly used by jewellery manufacturers and distributers as a marketing term. Using this term creates the false illusion that their jewellery meets some sort of medical standards, when in fact it often does not meet any standards at all. When looking to be pierced, be sure that your piercer is using jewellery the meets ASTM standards. It is your responsibility as a consumer to educate and protect yourself against substandard materials. A knowledgable and ethical piercer will gladly these facts to you upon request.

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What is 'ASTM'?

Organized in 1898, ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials) is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world.
ASTM is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services. More than 32,000 members representing producers, users, ultimate consumers, and representatives of government and academia from over 100 countries develop documents that serve as a basis for manufacturing, procurement, and regulatory activities. ASTM develops standard test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classifications, and terminology in 130 areas covering subjects such as metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, the environment, consumer products, medical services and devices, computerized systems, electronics and many others. ASTM Headquarters have no technical research or testing facilities; such work is done voluntarily by the ASTM members located throughout the world.
http://www.astm.org/index.shtml

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What does the term 'implant grade jewellery' mean?

"Implant grade jewellery" is manufactured from the same materials used in medical implants. In order to be considered implant grade, the metals in this jewellery must meet ASTM specifications. The American Society for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. Their system of specifications provides assurance of the quality, make-up, testing and reliability of materials in the marketplace.
See ASTM material specifications for stainless steel here.
See ASTM material specifications for titanium here.

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If you have any other questions related to our jewellery, please fill out the form below or call us at 604.676.3066.

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