Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fine piercing jewelryin Fort Wayne.
Body jewelry Fort Wayne trusts
Jewelry comesstandard.
Shopping for body jewelry in Fort Wayne usually means choosing between mall kiosks, online marketplaces and a professional piercing studio. The difference is the metal. At Grade A Tattoos, every piercing comes with premium, body-safe jewelry included in the price — we don’t upsell you on quality, we start there.
Our piercers work exclusively with implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136), 14k and 18k solid gold, and high-quality surgical steel. Everything is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and selected for the healing process. And once you are healed, the same standard applies to the upgrades we carry in our cases at all three locations.
We have seen clients come in from other shops with months-old piercings that won’t heal, and the fix is almost always swapping bargain jewelry for proper implant-grade material. That is why we never use cheap fashion jewelry, mystery metals or plated pieces.
- Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136)
- 14k and 18k solid gold — never plated
- Nickel-free, hypoallergenic surgical steel
- Gemstone ends and statement pieces for healed piercings
- Jewelry swaps done by a piercer, in-store
Materials
What is itmade of?
Implant-grade titanium jewelry and solid gold piercing jewelry are the two names you will hear most. Here is how our three materials compare.
| Material | Why we use it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Implant-grade titaniumASTM F136 | Lightweight, nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Available in anodized colors, and the go-to for fresh piercings and sensitive skin. | Initial piercings, cartilage, known metal sensitivities |
| Solid gold14k and 18k | Real solid gold, never plated or filled, so there is no coating to wear away and expose a cheaper metal underneath. | Healed upgrades, statement pieces, everyday wear |
| Surgical steelHigh-quality, nickel-free | A durable, polished option from the same body-safe standard we apply to everything in our cases. | Classic looks and simple swaps |
Why it matters
Why finejewelry?
A skilled piercer and quality jewelry matter equally. One without the other is how good piercings go wrong.
Fewer complications
Cheap jewelry is the number one cause of piercing problems. Low-quality metals cause allergic reactions, irritation bumps, prolonged healing and infections. Implant-grade material removes the most common culprit.
No mystery metals
We never use cheap fashion jewelry, mystery metals or plated materials. Every piece is nickel-free, which matters because nickel allergies are very common and show up as redness, itching, swelling and rash.
The right fit
Gauge, length, material and style all matter. Our piercers are trained to match the right jewelry to every piercing and every body, so a piece looks good and sits correctly.
Healed piercings
Upgrades& swaps.
Ready to trade your starter stud for gold, add a gemstone end or change your look? Walk into our Clinton Street or Glenbrook Square studio in Fort Wayne, or our Castleton studio in Indianapolis.
Ask about jewelryMake sure it is fully healed
A piercing can look healed on the outside before the tissue inside has finished. Earlobes typically take 6–8 weeks; cartilage like helix, tragus and industrial piercings take 6–12 months. If you are unsure, a piercer can take a look.
Browse the case with a piercer
We carry a curated selection of premium jewelry in-store at all three locations — simple titanium upgrades, statement gold pieces and gemstone ends. Tell us the look you want and we will show you what fits your placement.
Get the fit checked
Your piercer confirms gauge and length so the new piece is not too tight or too long for your anatomy. Jewelry that fits properly is more comfortable and less likely to snag.
Swap it in safely
We change the jewelry for you so it goes in cleanly, without forcing it. You leave wearing the new piece. Bought jewelry somewhere else? Once you are fully healed, we are happy to swap in jewelry of your choosing.
Choosing
How to pickyour jewelry.
Start with the material
If you have ever reacted to cheap earrings, start with implant-grade titanium. If you want something that reads as fine jewelry next to your rings and necklaces, solid 14k or 18k gold is the upgrade. Not sure? Tell your piercer about any metal sensitivity before choosing.
Think about the placement
A lobe stack, a helix and a septum all call for different shapes, gauges and lengths. Studs, hoops and barbells each sit differently, and a piece that looks great in a photo may not suit your anatomy. Your piercer will guide you through options based on placement, healing, lifestyle and style.
Match your lifestyle
If you sleep on one side, wear helmets or headsets, or work with your hands, mention it. Lower-profile jewelry is less likely to snag. Browse healed work in our gallery for ideas, or read about the placements we offer on our body piercing page.
Care
Caring foryour jewelry.
Good jewelry lasts, but it still needs care — especially while a piercing heals. These basics match the guidance your piercer gives you after every piercing.
- Wash your hands before touching your jewelry — and touch it as little as possible
- Keep fresh piercings clean with sterile saline solution 2–3 times daily
- Do not rotate or twist jewelry while a piercing is still healing
- Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing and snagging it on hair or clothing
- Keep makeup, lotions and sprays away from the piercing site
- Leave your initial jewelry in for the entire healing period
Where to find us
Shop jewelryin person.
Two Fort Wayne, IN studios and one in Indianapolis, each with a curated jewelry selection and piercers who can help.
Grade A Tattoos — Clinton St
3615 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Our flagship since 1999, on North Clinton Street north of downtown Fort Wayne. Free parking in the lot in front of the shop.
Clinton studioGrade A Tattoos — Glenbrook Square
4201 Coldwater Rd, Suite B-03, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Inside Glenbrook Square on Coldwater Road — easy to stop in while you shop on Fort Wayne’s north side.
Glenbrook studioGrade A Tattoos — Castleton Square
6020 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Inside Castleton Square on East 82nd Street for clients in central Indiana.
Indianapolis studioQuestions
Piercing jewelryFAQ.
What jewelry materials does Grade A use?
Every piercing at Grade A uses premium, body-safe jewelry: implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136), 14k and 18k solid gold, and high-quality surgical steel. Every piece is nickel-free and hypoallergenic. We never use cheap fashion jewelry, mystery metals or plated materials.
Is jewelry included in the price of a piercing?
Yes. The price of your piercing includes premium jewelry selected for healing, with the proper gauge, length and material. Premium titanium, gold and specialty pieces are available at additional cost. Contact your preferred Fort Wayne studio for current pricing.
Do you sell jewelry for already-healed piercings?
Yes. We carry a curated selection of premium piercing jewelry in-store at all three locations, including our Clinton Street and Glenbrook Square studios in Fort Wayne. Stop by and a piercer will help you choose a piece and swap it in safely.
When can I change my piercing jewelry?
Not until the piercing is fully healed. Changing jewelry too early can cause irritation, swelling or the piercing to close. Earlobes typically heal in 6–8 weeks, and cartilage piercings take 6–12 months. When you are ready, come see us and we will make the change for you.
Can I bring my own jewelry?
For a new piercing, we use our professional-grade jewelry, since outside pieces may not meet our standards or have the right gauge, length or material for healing. Once your piercing is fully healed, we are happy to swap in jewelry of your choosing.
What is the best piercing jewelry for sensitive skin?
Implant-grade titanium is the safest starting point for most people with metal sensitivities. If you have a known allergy, tell your piercer before your appointment so they can select the best material for your body.
My piercing is irritated — could it be the jewelry?
It can be. Low-quality metal is a common cause, but so are touching, sleeping on the piercing or snagging it. Go back to a strict saline-only routine and contact our piercing team; they can tell you whether a jewelry change, material swap or other adjustment is needed. Do not remove the jewelry on your own.
Find yournext piece.
Get pierced with premium jewelry included, or stop by either Fort Wayne studio to upgrade a healed piercing.