Getting started in Piercings

[Angels Ink]

I noticed the piercing forums are pretty slow, but I'll go ahead and post this anyway just in case someone on here does body piercings.

On getting started, does anyone have an idea of what all will be needed to add/offer this in a shop? There's so many different gauges and sizes, as well as TYPES, but it seems thre should be a 'basic' supply list for starting out. What types and size jewelry would one consider getting at first, not to mention the stainless tools needed.

I know I'll find out eventually when I go to apprentice for this, but the guy can't do it until the end of April. He's doing a tattoo aprentice at the moment and wants to devote totally to that person first, I guess I can understand that part. But in the meantime, I'd love to begin purchasing all the needed jewelry and tools I'll need so I can be completely ready after I complete my apprenticeship. Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.

To the mods, sorry I let my subscription run out, it was unintentional. I had assumed that it would renew automatically. Better late then never I guess. :)

Angel

[undercover art]

Don't go buying tools and jewelry until you have a complete understanding of what it is and why you need it......There is a lot of junk equipment and jewelry out there, and you want to know the difference before you buy anything......but....a short list....
needles
derma tools
receiving tubes
tapers
penningtons (clamps)
forceps
shitload of captive bead rings
assorted navel jewelry
long and short tongue barbells
and all the usual stuff (gloves, autoclave bags, Matacide, mayo table, dental bibs, etc...)
But seriously, learn before you buy...identical jewelry can vary greatly in its quality

[Angels Ink]

Thanks a bunch. I didn't want to make the same mistake I did when I first started tattooing....buy a kit with crap I'll never use. The hardest part of that was coming on here and admitting it....after the fact. lol

I'm not really buying anything just yet, I'm preparing a 'need' list for when it's time, and you mentioned a few things that I had not thought of. I think my BIGGEST issue is with all the different sizes and gauges. I'd like to find out the basic sizes needed. You know, like the most 'used' in each size. For instance, let's just say ear piercings, it looks like the gauges used are 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20, with diameters of 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 and 5/8. For a new piercer with limited funds, I'd like to shoot for the most commonly used sizes in those areas instead of getting handfuls of each one right in the beginning. You were a great help, so thanks again. :)

[undercover art]

Guys seem to like to pierce their ears at 8 gauge....I'll ask my piercer some snoopy questions on Thursday (my Monday) and try and get some good solid info for you on what all you should need (like what is most common)

[Angels Ink]

That would be awesome, thank you!

[prosthetis]

14 guage is the most common in all piercings " to start with "that goes for nipples,tounge,navels.Ears vary in guage and measurement in those I got 5/16, 3/8 ,1/2 and 3/4 inch Cbrs. you can also figure on a few lengths for industrials and some short curved 18 ga barbells for eyebrows.Also some that were not mentioned is nose jewelry the easiest I found to use at first were just long and staight "bend them to fit your client". Those are your starters you will need to get a set of tapers"for gauging up".