Titanium flat back earrings set the standard for safe, comfortable, long-term wear in cartilage and lobe piercings. Every piece in this collection is made from ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium, the same material standard used in surgical implants and the metal recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers for all initial and long-term piercing jewellery. The flat disc backing sits flush inside the piercing with nothing protruding behind the ear, eliminating the snagging, pressure, and irritation that comes from threaded or ball-backed earrings.
ASTM F136 titanium is lightweight, completely nickel-free, and inert in the body, making it the safest and most comfortable option for anyone with sensitive skin, metal allergies, or multiple cartilage piercings that need to be worn simultaneously. The threadless press-fit system allows decorative tops to be swapped without removing the post, making it straightforward to update your look across helix, tragus, conch, forward helix, flat, and lobe piercings without disturbing the channel. All pieces are 16G (1.2mm).
Titanium flat backs are available in silver titanium, 18K Gold PVD, and other finish options across the range. Silver titanium (the natural colour of the metal) is the most commonly requested colour for healing piercings as it is clean, neutral, and pairs with any adjacent jewellery. The silver titanium finish does not fade or tarnish, and because it is the base metal rather than a coating, it cannot chip or peel regardless of how long it is worn.
For ear stacks, titanium flat back studs form the foundation of the arrangement. Placed at cartilage piercings where hoops would be uncomfortable or impractical, flat backs provide visual presence without bulk. Combining flat backs at the tragus and forward helix with a hoop at the helix or conch is the most popular current ear stack structure among people with multiple cartilage piercings.
Explore related collections:
- Flat Back Earrings: the full flat back range across all finishes
- Gold Flat Back Earrings: flat backs in 18K Gold PVD
- Helix Jewellery: all jewellery for the helix piercing
- Tragus Jewellery: flat backs and hoops for the tragus
- Labret Jewellery: the full labret and flat back range
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose implant-grade titanium for flat back earrings?
ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium is nickel-free, lightweight, and biocompatible, meaning it does not react with body tissue. It is the only metal recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers for all piercings, including those that are still healing. Unlike surgical steel, which may contain trace nickel, titanium is entirely inert and will not cause reactions even in the most sensitive skin.
What is the difference between implant-grade titanium and regular titanium?
Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is a specific alloy of titanium, aluminium, and vanadium that meets strict medical standards for use in the body. Regular or commercial titanium may not meet these standards and can contain impurities. For piercing jewellery, always look for ASTM F136 specifically.
What gauge are titanium flat back earrings?
All titanium flat back earrings in this collection are 16G (1.2mm). This is the standard gauge for cartilage piercings including helix, tragus, conch, and forward helix. Most lobe piercings are done at 18G or 20G, so if you are buying for a lobe placement, check your gauge first.
How do I know what post length to choose?
For healed piercings, a 6mm post typically gives the neatest fit with just the decorative top visible from the front. For new piercings, an 8mm or 10mm post provides room for swelling. Your piercer will size you at the initial appointment and advise when to downsize. Downsizing to a shorter post once healed prevents the post from catching on clothing and reduces the risk of accidental snagging.
Are titanium flat back earrings MRI safe?
Titanium is non-ferromagnetic, meaning it is not attracted to magnetic fields and is generally considered safe for MRI scans. However, always inform your radiologist of any jewellery or implants before a scan, as policies vary by facility and scan type. For procedures where jewellery must be removed, the flat back post unscrews or the top pulls off cleanly without tools.