Anodization - what is it?

Feb 6, 2026 Piercing Planet

You see beautiful gold, pink or blue earrings in our store and wonder: "Will this paint chip off my skin?"

We have great news for you: It's not paint. It's pure physics and chemistry. Learn about the anodization process—the only way to achieve colorful jewelry that's 100% safe, even for new piercings.

What is anodization? (Definition)

Anodization is an electrochemical process that changes the properties of the metal surface (in our case Titanium G23 or Niobium).

To put it simply: We immerse a titanium earring in water with an electrolyte and pass an electric current through it. The voltage causes a thin, transparent layer of titanium oxide to form on the titanium's surface.

Where does color come from?

This is the most interesting part! The oxide layer acts like a prism. Depending on the thickness of this layer (which we control using voltage), light reflects off it differently, and our eyes perceive a specific color.

Low Voltage = Gold / Brown Color

Medium Voltage = Blue / Purple Color

High Voltage = Pink / Green / Turquoise

Conclusion: Anodized color is still the same, safe titanium, just "dressed" in light. There are no dyes, varnishes, or toxic chemicals.

Anodizing vs Painting (Why is it important?)

The difference for your health is colossal.

Characteristic	Anodization (Titanium)	Regular Painting/Varnish
Security	✅ 100% safe, hypoallergenic	❌ Risk of allergies and toxins
Durability	✅ Does not chip (is part of the metal)	❌ It chips off, creating sharp edges
Healing	✅ Can be used on fresh piercings	❌ Only for healed (or not at all)
Surface	✅ Perfectly smooth	❌ Often rough (bacteria)

Is anodized titanium safe?

Yes, it is one of the safest forms of jewelry in the world.

The anodizing process not only adds color but also passivates the metal surface. This means the earring becomes even smoother and more corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin.

Does anodization wear off?

Anodization won't "chip" like paint, but it may fade over time .

Because color depends on the thickness of the oxide layer, daily wear and contact with sweat, cosmetics, or sebum can gently wear away this layer over time, returning the earring to its natural, silvery titanium color. This is a natural and harmless process.

Fun fact: Anodized jewelry can often be re-anodized (refreshed in color)!

What can NOT be achieved with anodization?

Not all colors are possible to obtain with this process.

🔴 Red: Titanium does not anodize to blood red (it tends to be pink).

⚫ Black: True black is not achievable through anodization. Black earrings are typically titanium coated with PVD (also safe, but different from anodization).