SECTION 4
Body Jewelry System TRAINING
SECTION 4 — Body Jewelry System TRAINING MANUAL
1. The Purpose of the Body Jewelry System
This section trains apprentices to understand and operate the complete jewelry system used at Salvation. Jewelry knowledge is essential for assisting customers, preparing piercings correctly, and recommending jewelry that heals properly.
Incorrect jewelry selection can lead to:
• irritation
• swelling complications
• embedding
• migration
• rejection
For this reason, jewelry knowledge is considered a core professional skill inside the studio.
Apprentices must learn:
• jewelry anatomy
• jewelry materials
• gauge and bar length selection
• jewelry codes
• tray organization
• jewelry assembly
• jewelry recommendations
• jewelry consultations with clients
4.1 Jewelry Anatomy Fundamentals
Every piece of body jewelry is built from a few core structural components. Apprentices must understand these parts in order to identify and assemble jewelry correctly.
Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry.
Common gauges used in the studio include:
• 20 Gauge (20G)
• 18 Gauge (18G)
• 16 Gauge (16G)
• 14 Gauge (14G)
The smaller the number, the thicker the jewelry.
Example:
20G is thinner than 18G
18G is thinner than 16G
16G is thinner than 14G
Choosing the correct gauge is essential because jewelry must match the piercing channel size.
Bar Length
Bar length refers to the distance between the ends of the jewelry bar.
Bar length is extremely important during healing.
Fresh piercings must always allow room for swelling.
If jewelry is too short during swelling, it can cause:
• severe pressure
• embedding into the skin
• intense discomfort
• delayed healing
For this reason, piercers typically choose longer jewelry initially, and then the client returns later for downsizing.
Downsizing means replacing the long jewelry with shorter jewelry once swelling decreases.
4.2 Jewelry Materials Used in the Studio
The studio carries several different jewelry materials.
Each material has advantages and is used for different situations.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most commonly used materials for body jewelry.
Benefits include:
• extremely lightweight
• highly biocompatible
• corrosion resistant
• low risk of allergic reactions
Because of these properties, titanium is frequently used for fresh piercings.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is also widely used in body jewelry.
Steel is durable and visually appealing but may contain trace metals that some individuals are sensitive to.
For this reason, steel is often used for:
• healed piercings
• decorative jewelry
• upgrades
14K Gold
The studio also carries 14 karat gold jewelry.
Gold jewelry is considered a premium option and is typically selected by clients who want:
• luxury jewelry
• long-term wear
• unique styles
4.3 Jewelry Connection Systems
Body jewelry connects using two primary systems.
Apprentices must understand how each system works.
Threadless (Push-In) Jewelry
Threadless jewelry uses a small pin attached to the top.
The pin pushes into the post and stays secure through tension.
Advantages include:
• easy installation
• easy jewelry changes
• reduced thread damage
Threadless systems are commonly used with:
• flat back posts
• push-in tops
One important note:
Threadless tops fit multiple gauges depending on the post system. Posts in the shop may be:
• 18G
• 16G
• 14G
Threaded Jewelry
Threaded jewelry uses screw threads.
The ball or top screws directly into the bar or post.
Threaded jewelry is commonly used for:
• barbells
• curved barbells
• nipple jewelry
• tongue jewelry
Push-in systems and threaded systems cannot be mixed together.
4.4 Jewelry Code System
Jewelry codes are made up of multiple parts, and each part tells you something different about the jewelry.
A typical jewelry label contains three layers of information.
Example:
TRAY 1 — 14323 SERD-3C
Each part must be read separately.
Part 1 — Tray Number
Example:
TRAY 1
This tells staff where the jewelry belongs in the tray system.
The tray number corresponds to the tray in the backstock that contains the jewelry.
If a client selects jewelry from Display 1, staff must retrieve it from Tray 1.
The tray number is used for:
• locating jewelry quickly
• keeping trays organized
• restocking inventory correctly
Part 2 — Internal Product Number
Example:
14323
This number is the shop’s internal product number.
This number is used for:
• inventory tracking
• identifying specific pieces
• ordering replacement items
• preventing confusion between similar jewelry pieces
Important:
This number does not usually describe the jewelry itself.
It simply identifies the item inside the system.
Part 3 — Jewelry Style Code
Example:
SERD-3C
This part tells you what the jewelry actually is.
This section typically includes:
• jewelry style
• size
• stone color
• metal color
This is the part apprentices must learn to read carefully.
How to Read a Jewelry Code
Jewelry codes should always be read from left to right.
Staff should follow this order:
Identify the tray
Identify the jewelry category
Identify the size
Identify the color
Example Code Breakdown
Example:
TRAY 1 — 14323 SERD-3C
Step 1 — Tray
TRAY 1
The jewelry belongs in Tray 1.
Step 2 — Style Code
SERD
This tells us the jewelry belongs to the butterfly back stud style family.
In the studio system this code represents:
• surgical steel butterfly back stud
• round stone design
Step 3 — Size
3
This means the stone size is 3 millimeters.
Step 4 — Stone Color
C
This means clear stone.
Final Meaning
This code represents:
A 3mm clear round butterfly back stud in surgical steel from Tray 1.
Example — Same Style, Different Size
Code:
SERD-4C
Breakdown:
SERD = same butterfly stud style
4 = 4mm stone
C = clear stone
Meaning:
4mm clear round butterfly back stud.
Example — Same Style, Gold Color
Code:
SERDG-3C
Breakdown:
SERD = butterfly stud style
G = gold color metal
3 = 3mm stone
C = clear stone
Meaning:
3mm clear round butterfly back stud in gold color.
Important:
Gold color does not mean solid gold.
It refers to the metal finish.
Example — Ball Style Stud
Code:
SSEB-2-GD
Breakdown:
SSEB = ball style butterfly stud
2 = 2mm ball
GD = gold color metal
Meaning:
2mm gold color ball butterfly back stud.
Understanding Stone Size Codes
In many jewelry codes, the number represents the stone size in millimeters.
Examples:
2C = 2mm clear stone
3C = 3mm clear stone
4C = 4mm clear stone
The studio carries stones up to 7mm.
Typical Stone Preferences
While customers may choose any size, some preferences are common.
Women often choose:
• 2mm
• 3mm
Men often choose:
• 3mm
• 4mm
Larger stones are sometimes chosen by clients who want a more noticeable appearance.
Understanding Stone Color Codes
Many jewelry codes end with a letter representing the stone color.
Examples used in the studio include:
C = Clear
P = Pink
Q = Aqua
R = Red
E = Emerald
B = Blue
AB = Aurora Borealis
These codes allow staff to identify stone colors quickly without needing to inspect every piece individually.
Understanding Metal Color Codes
Some codes describe the metal color rather than the stone color.
Examples include:
GD = Gold color metal
ST = Steel color metal
K = Black metal
KC = Black metal with clear stone
RD = Red tone metal
RDC = Red tone metal with clear stone
It is important to understand that these codes describe the metal finish, not the stone color.
Size Codes for Rings
Clicker rings use a slightly different code system.
Example:
2008
This code contains two measurements.
20 = gauge
08 = ring diameter in millimeters
Example meanings:
2008 = 20 gauge, 8mm ring
1608 = 16 gauge, 8mm ring
1806 = 18 gauge, 6mm ring
The second number determines how large the ring will appear.
Bar Length Codes
Many barbells and labret posts use codes that describe both gauge and length.
Example:
1608
16 = 16 gauge
08 = 8mm bar length
Example:
1410
14 = 14 gauge
10 = 10mm bar length
Bar length is extremely important for:
• swelling during healing
• anatomical comfort
• proper jewelry fit
Style Family Codes
Many codes begin with letters that represent a style family.
Examples used in the studio include:
SERD — round butterfly studs
SSEB — ball butterfly studs
SESQ — square butterfly studs
SETD — teardrop butterfly studs
RHT — titanium clicker rings
RH — steel clicker rings
NOL — nose L studs
NOS — nose screws
TIN / ITN — navel jewelry
TIS — surface bars
BI — industrial barbells
BT — straight barbells
QC / QD / QCTL — threadless push-in jewelry systems
Apprentices do not need to memorize the original manufacturer meanings of these codes.
They only need to understand what the code represents inside the studio system.
Important Apprentice Rule
Never guess a jewelry code.
Always read it step-by-step:
What tray is it from?
What jewelry category is it?
What size is it?
What color is it?
This prevents mistakes during jewelry selection.
Common Apprentice Mistakes
Mistake 1
Assuming every number refers to stone size.
Sometimes the number represents:
• gauge
• bar length
• ring diameter
Mistake 2
Confusing metal color with stone color.
Example:
RDC means red tone metal with clear stone, not a red stone.
Mistake 3
Assuming all pieces are complete jewelry.
Some trays contain tops only, which must be paired with a post.
Mistake 4
Ignoring gauge size.
Even if the jewelry style is correct, the wrong gauge will not fit the piercing.
Code Reading Practice
Apprentices should practice reading codes out loud.
Example:
SERD-3C
Correct explanation:
“Round butterfly back stud, 3mm clear stone.”
Code Reading Practice
Apprentices should practice reading codes out loud.
Example:
SERD-3C
Correct explanation:
“Round butterfly back stud, 3mm clear stone.”
Example:
QCTL4-1810-GD
Correct explanation:
“Threadless flat back post, 4mm base, 18 gauge, 10mm length, gold color.”
Final Standard
An apprentice has mastered the jewelry code system when they can:
• read a jewelry code
• explain what the code means
• identify the jewelry type
• locate the correct tray
• recommend the correct size
4.5 The Salvation Tray System
The jewelry system in the studio uses a numbered tray organization method.
Every display in the showroom corresponds to a matching numbered tray in the backstock.
When a client selects jewelry from the display:
Identify the display number
Locate the matching tray number
Retrieve the jewelry from the tray
Each tray typically contains multiple pieces within the same category.
For example:
• butterfly backs
• clicker rings
• labret studs
• barbells
• decorative tops
This system allows staff to locate jewelry quickly during consultations and procedures.
4.6 Jewelry Selection Philosophy
When recommending jewelry to clients, staff should follow a specific priority order.
Priority 1 — Healing Safety
The most important factor is always safe healing.
Jewelry must allow room for swelling and must be appropriate for the piercing.
Priority 2 — Correct Size and Anatomy
Jewelry must fit the anatomy correctly.
This includes choosing:
• correct gauge
• correct bar length
• appropriate jewelry shape
Priority 3 — Client Style Preference
Once healing and anatomy are considered, the client can choose:
• stone size
• color
• decorative style
• metal type
Priority 4 — Jewelry Upgrades
Clients may choose premium options such as:
• titanium upgrades
• gold jewelry
• decorative styles
4.7 Jewelry Consultation Script
When assisting a client with jewelry selection, staff should guide the consultation in a structured way.
Step 1 — Identify the Piercing
Ask the client what piercing they are interested in.
Example:
“Are you looking for jewelry for your ear, nose, or another piercing?”
Step 2 — Show the Appropriate Jewelry Category
Direct the client to the trays that contain jewelry suitable for that piercing.
Example:
• nostril jewelry trays
• clicker ring trays
• labret trays
Step 3 — Discuss Jewelry Size
Explain the available stone sizes.
For example:
Smaller stones are often more subtle while larger stones are more noticeable.
Step 4 — Discuss Metal Options
Explain the available materials:
• titanium
• surgical steel
• gold
Clients may choose based on appearance or preference.
Step 5 — Confirm Final Selection
Before retrieving the jewelry, confirm the client’s choice.
Example:
“Great, so you’d like the 3mm clear stone in gold color, correct?”
SECTION 4.8 — Tray-by-Tray Jewelry System Training
This section teaches apprentices how to identify and use every jewelry tray in the studio.
Each tray contains jewelry organized by category, which allows staff to quickly locate jewelry during consultations and procedures.
Apprentices must become familiar with what each tray contains, how the jewelry works, and what piercings it is commonly used for.
TRAY 1 — Butterfly Back Studs (Surgical Steel)
Tray 1 contains butterfly back earring studs made from surgical steel.
Butterfly backs are one of the most common types of jewelry used for earlobe piercings.
They consist of:
• a straight post
• a decorative stone or ball
• a butterfly-style backing that secures the jewelry
These pieces are typically 20 gauge.
Common Uses
Butterfly backs are most commonly used for:
• earlobe piercings
• helix piercings (in some situations)
• occasionally nostril piercings depending on anatomy
Stone Sizes
Common stone sizes include:
2mm
3mm
4mm
5mm
6mm
7mm
Typical preferences:
• 2C or 3C are most common for women
• 3C or 4C are common for men
Larger stones are often chosen by clients who want a more noticeable appearance.
TRAY 2 — Butterfly Back Studs (Decorative Styles)
Tray 2 also contains butterfly back studs, but these feature different decorative shapes.
These may include:
• square stones
• teardrop stones
• alternative decorative shapes
These are still typically 20 gauge jewelry.
Common Uses
Most commonly used for:
• earlobe piercings
• helix piercings
Important Note
Square stones are usually not recommended for nostril piercings because they may appear bulky or uncomfortable.
Round stones tend to be the preferred option for nostrils.
TRAY 5 — Titanium Butterfly Back Studs
Tray 5 contains butterfly back studs made from titanium.
Titanium butterfly backs function the same way as those in trays 1 and 2 but offer the benefits of titanium.
Advantages
Titanium jewelry is:
• lighter
• more biocompatible
• corrosion resistant
• less likely to cause irritation
Because of these properties, many clients prefer titanium for long-term wear.
TRAYS 6, 7, and 8 — Clicker Rings
These trays contain clicker rings, which are rings that close using a small hinged segment.
The hinge “clicks” closed, which gives the jewelry its name.
Clicker rings are popular because they are:
• secure
• easy to open and close
• visually seamless
Tray 6
Titanium clicker rings in black color.
Tray 7
Titanium clicker rings in gold color.
Tray 8
Steel clicker rings in standard steel color.
Size Codes
Example:
2008
20 = gauge
08 = diameter in millimeters
The larger the number, the larger the ring diameter.
Common Uses
Clicker rings are commonly used for:
• septum piercings
• nostril piercings
• cartilage piercings
• lobe piercings
TRAY 9 — Titanium Push-In Tops
Tray 9 contains threadless push-in decorative tops made from titanium.
These tops are designed to be inserted into threadless posts.
The tops themselves do not include the post.
Common Uses
Push-in tops are used with:
• flat back posts
• labret posts
• custom bar systems
They allow jewelry to be customized easily.
TRAY 12 — Surgical Steel Nose Jewelry
Tray 12 contains nose screws and L-shaped nose studs made from surgical steel.
Nose Screw
A nose screw has a curved end that helps keep the jewelry secure in the nostril.
L-Stud
An L-stud has a small 90-degree bend at the end.
Common Uses
These are used for:
• nostril piercings
They are designed to sit comfortably in the nostril while remaining secure.
TRAY 13 — Titanium Push-In Tops
Tray 13 contains another selection of threadless push-in tops made from titanium.
These tops allow clients to choose from many decorative styles and pair them with posts.
Push-in systems are extremely popular because they make jewelry easy to change and customize.
TRAY 14 — Surgical Steel Labret Studs
Tray 14 contains labret studs with push-in tops made from surgical steel.
These include both:
• the post
• the decorative top
Labret studs are commonly used in many ear piercings.
TRAY 15 — Titanium Labret Studs
Tray 15 contains titanium labret studs with push-in tops.
These function the same as Tray 14 but are made from titanium.
These are frequently used for:
• cartilage piercings
• tragus piercings
• helix piercings
TRAY 16 — Surgical Steel Labret Jewelry
Tray 16 contains additional labret style jewelry made from surgical steel.
These may include slightly different decorative styles or stone arrangements.
TRAY 17 — Floating Navel Jewelry (Titanium)
Tray 17 contains floating navel jewelry made from titanium.
Floating navel jewelry is designed for anatomy where traditional navel jewelry may not sit properly.
These pieces often feature a decorative top and minimal decoration on the bottom.
TRAY 18 — Titanium Navel Jewelry
Tray 18 contains standard titanium navel jewelry.
These are designed specifically for belly button piercings.
TRAY 19 — Titanium Nose Jewelry
Tray 19 contains titanium nose screws and L-studs.
These function the same as the steel nose jewelry but are made from titanium.
TRAY 23 — Surgical Steel Clicker Rings
Tray 23 contains additional clicker rings made from surgical steel.
These are often used for:
• septum piercings
• cartilage piercings
TRAYS 24 & 25 — Flat Back Posts
These trays contain flat back posts used with threadless tops.
Tray 24
Flat back posts with 3mm base
Tray 25
Flat back posts with 4mm base
These posts are used with push-in tops to create a complete jewelry piece.
TRAY 32 — Surgical Steel Navel Jewelry
Tray 32 contains navel jewelry made from surgical steel.
These function similarly to Tray 18 but use steel instead of titanium.
TRAY 34 — Titanium Butterfly Back Studs
Tray 34 contains butterfly back studs made from titanium with different stone styles.
TRAY 35 — Titanium Screw-In Labret Jewelry
Tray 35 contains labret studs with threaded screw-in tops.
Unlike push-in tops, these screw directly into the post.
TRAY 37 — Surface Bars
Tray 37 contains titanium surface bars.
Surface bars are designed for surface piercings, where jewelry sits beneath the skin with two visible ends.
TRAY 38 — Nipple Jewelry
Tray 38 contains nipple shields and barbells made from titanium.
These are designed specifically for nipple piercings.
TRAYS 39–42 — Push-In Top Collections
These trays contain various threadless push-in tops in different designs and colors.
These tops allow clients to customize jewelry combinations.
TRAYS 43, 60, 63 — Dermal Jewelry
These trays contain dermal anchor tops.
Tray 63 also includes dermal anchors themselves.
Dermal anchors are used for microdermal piercings, which sit beneath the skin with a single decorative top.
TRAYS 44 & 45 — 14K Gold Jewelry
These trays contain solid 14K gold jewelry in multiple styles.
Examples include:
• labret studs
• navel jewelry
• nose jewelry
• push-in tops
• rings
These trays represent the studio’s premium jewelry selection.
TRAY 46 — Industrial Barbells
Tray 46 contains industrial barbells made from titanium.
Industrial piercings use long barbells that pass through two holes in the upper ear cartilage.
TRAY 47 — Straight Barbells
Tray 47 contains titanium barbells commonly used for tongue piercings.
These include different colors such as:
• purple
• rainbow
• gold
TRAY 48 — Horseshoe Jewelry
Tray 48 contains titanium circular barbells (horseshoes).
End styles include:
• balls
• spikes
• stones
TRAY 49 — Curved Barbells
Tray 49 contains titanium curved barbells.
These are extremely versatile and may be used for:
• eyebrow piercings
• cartilage piercings
• nipple piercings
• oral piercings
TRAY 61 — Long Labret Jewelry
Tray 61 contains extra-long labret posts used for fresh piercings.
These longer posts allow room for swelling during healing.
TRAY 62 — Custom Bars
Tray 62 contains plain titanium bars without ends.
These allow piercers to build custom jewelry combinations using push-in tops.
TRAY 65 — Mixed Push-In Tops and Labrets
Tray 65 contains a combination of push-in tops and complete labret studs.
TRAY 67 — Custom Nipple Jewelry
Tray 67 contains plain bars and specialized push-in tops designed for nipple piercings.
These tops are designed so the decorative stones face outward when worn in nipple piercings.