With body jewelry being sold everywhere from fine jewelry stores to gas stations, it can be hard to separate the true gems from the worthless junk. It's important to realize that no government agency certifies or regulates body jewelry. So, how do you make sure you're getting a good deal, both for your wallet and the health of your piercing?

We don't use piercing guns for several reason.

Threadless jewelry uses tension between the end and the post to stay together.

The quick answer is short term, sure. Long-term (1+ years), maybe not. A lot of factors go into how long these piercings will last.

The trick with stretching/enlarging piercings is to take things slow and easy.

First, we want to assure you that we have done our best to minimize the risk of a piercing rejecting through years of research and observation.

The best thing to do when you get pregnant is to inform your piercer of your new situation and come in for a consultation.

We are limited in what piercings we can and will offer to those under 18, for legal and other reasons.

Legitimate credentials for piercers other than medical degrees have not been officially established. The standards and guidelines below may be used as criteria for safe practice.

We don't require them, but we do recommend appointments. This ensures the minimum wait time when you arrive at the studio, which for most people is the worst part of the process.

You should have something to eat about an hour or two before your appointment. Having some food before the piercing helps your helps your body deal the rush of adrenaline from the piercing, that can drain your blood sugar.

You should also avoid blood thinners before the piercing. This means you should avoid pain-relievers such as advil/aspirin/aleve and alcohol the day of the piercing. The only pain-reliever that's ok is tylenol.

You need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to get pierced, such as a passport or driver's license.

Consider making an appointment. You won't have to wait when you arrive and you'll get a discount.

Yes, but there are several considerations for the mother or prospective mother-to-be before getting a nipple piercing.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an organization that has industry specific committees to create standards for everything from toilets to hip replacements.

The quick answer is yes.