Internal Threading
Internally threaded jewelry has "end"s which screw into the "post."
External Threading
Externally threaded jewelry has a "post" which screws into the "ends."
Internally threaded jewelry is better than externally threaded jewelry for a number of reasons:
- Internally Threaded Jewelry causes less trauma to a piercing and is much more comfortable to insert. When jewelry is inserted through a piercing there is always the risk of trauma- that’s why most people take care when they are changing their jewelry. With externally threaded jewelry, which has the threaded end exposed, there is a much higher risk of damage to your piercing. Look at the External Threading graphic above and imagine the serrated edge of that threaded post being pushed through a piercing- especially a brand-new piercing. OUCH!
- Internally Threaded Jewelry is less likely to carry germs or bacteria into a piercing. One of the biggest concerns with body piercing is the risk of infection. When externally threaded jewelry is inserted through a piercing, the serrated edge (caused by the exposed threading) is capable of carrying germs and bacteria into the piercing; and depositing those germs and bacteria as the threading scrapes through the piercing. This is especially true with fresh (initial) piercings where the wound is new and open. YUCK!
- Internally Threaded Jewelry is Stronger and More Stable. Since the threaded stem extends from the ball and is screwed into the shaft, the ball piece is more stabilized and is lined up better with the post. This added strength and stability results in the jewelry lasting longer and the ends are far less likely to come loose by accident- a common problem with externally threaded jewelry. The longer your jewelry lasts, the more you save in replacement costs!
- Internally Threaded Jewelry is more standardized and offers more versatility. Virtually all manufacturers of internally threaded jewelry use the same thread pattern. This means that most counter-bored ends will be compatible with internally threaded posts. The opposite is true of externally threaded jewelry. In an attempt to force brand loyalty, manufacturers of externally threaded jewelry (generally) use unique thread patterns so that ONLY their own ends will fit on their jewelry. Wouldn’t you rather have a more versatile piece of jewelry?
Internally Threaded Jewelry is much more difficult and expensive to produce – the threading is much tighter and requires more precision - so it costs more. At Body Adorned we offer internally threaded jewelry at a competitive price so that everyone will be able to buy (and wear) quality body jewelry. You may be able to find cheaper body jewelry online, but not by much. Our hope is that you’ll spend the extra dollar or two to take a big step up in the quality of the jewelry you buy.
