Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes. Golden Era Piercing & Fine Jewellery is a private, appointment-only studio.
As a sole trader, I dedicate my full attention to one client at a time, so I am unable to accommodate walk-in appointments. This ensures every client receives a calm, unrushed experience with plenty of time for consultation, jewellery selection, the piercing procedure and aftercare.
There is often same-day availability, but all appointments must be booked through the website.
Do you have age restrictions?
Yes. Minimum age restrictions apply to all piercings and vary depending on the piercing you would like.
Please check the age requirements for your chosen piercing before booking your appointment. If you do not meet the minimum age requirement, your appointment cannot go ahead and you will be refused service.
If you are under 16, you must attend with a parent or legal guardian.
Please note that valid original photo ID is required to verify age. Full details of the identification requirements can be found in the Identification section.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes. Valid original photo ID is required to verify your age and identity before any piercing can take place.
Please note that all piercings have minimum age requirements. Before booking, please check that you meet the age requirement for your chosen piercing. Bringing valid ID does not override these restrictions.
If you are aged 16 or over, you must bring your own valid original photo ID. If you are under 16, both you and your parent or legal guardian must bring valid original photo ID.
Appointments cannot proceed if the required identification is not presented. Photographs, screenshots, photocopies and digital copies of ID are not accepted, only original physical documents are accepted.
What forms of ID do you accept?
Accepted forms of ID include:
Passport
UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
PASS-approved proof of age card (such as CitizenCard or Post Office PASS Card)
National identity card (where applicable)
Photographs, screenshots and digital copies cannot be accepted.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, although space in the studio is limited. If you are under 16, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian.
Do you use a piercing gun?
No. All piercings are performed using sterile, single-use needles. Needle piercings are more precise, less traumatic to the tissue and allow for accurate jewellery placement and optimal healing.
What jewellery do you use?
Only high-quality body jewellery suitable for fresh piercings is used. Jewellery options include implant-grade titanium and solid gold from trusted manufacturers.
Can I bring my own jewellery?
No. For both initial piercings and jewellery changes, I only work with jewellery that I source and supply myself. This allows me to ensure every piece meets my standards for quality, safety, material and fit.
How long is my appointment?
Single piercing appointments are allocated 35 minutes, while multiple piercing appointments are allocated 45 minutes.
This allows time for:
Choosing your jewellery
Sterilising your jewellery and preparing your equipment
Discussing the procedure and aftercare
Marking and performing your piercing
Cleaning and resetting the workspace between clients
This is usually plenty of time, but occasionally an appointment may take a little longer depending on the client's needs. If I'm running slightly behind schedule, I appreciate your patience. When it's your turn, you'll receive my full attention without being rushed.
Does getting pierced hurt?
Pain is different for everyone and depends on the piercing being performed. Most people describe it as a brief, sharp sensation or pressure that lasts a few seconds.
How long will my piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the piercing, your individual physiology and how closely you follow the aftercare advice. Approximate healing times will be discussed during your appointment, but it's important to remember that everyone heals differently. Some people heal more quickly than others, while some may take longer. There are many factors that can influence healing, so the most important thing you can do is follow your aftercare instructions carefully and consistently to give your piercing the best chance of healing well.
How do I care for my new piercing?
New piercings should be cleaned using a sterile saline spray as advised during your appointment. Avoid touching or twisting the jewellery, and always wash your hands before cleaning your piercing.
For detailed healing advice, cleaning instructions and things to avoid, please read the Aftercare section of the website.
How do I know when my piercing has healed?
A piercing can appear healed on the outside before it has fully healed internally, so it is important not to judge healing based on appearance alone. The tissue inside the piercing channel can take much longer to strengthen and settle.
Signs that your piercing is healing well and may be approaching full healing include:
No ongoing pain, tenderness or sensitivity.
No redness, swelling, warmth or irritation.
No persistent crusting or build-up around the jewellery.
The piercing feels comfortable during everyday activities.
During the healing process, it is normal for your body to produce small amounts of lymph fluid. This is a clear or pale yellow fluid that can dry around the jewellery and form light crusting, particularly in the earlier stages of healing. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
A fully healed piercing should no longer be producing regular lymph fluid, experiencing irritation, or feeling uncomfortable.
Approximate healing times will be discussed during your appointment, but these are only a guide. Healing varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including your individual physiology, general health, lifestyle and how closely you follow your aftercare routine.
If you are unsure whether your piercing has fully healed or whether it is ready for a jewellery change, please book a check-up. It is always better to wait a little longer than to change jewellery too soon and risk causing irritation or delaying the healing process.
When can I change my jewellery?
Jewellery should only be changed once the piercing has healed sufficiently. Healing times vary depending on the piercing. If you're unsure whether your piercing is ready, book a check-up before changing your jewellery.
Do you offer jewellery changes?
Yes. Jewellery changes are available by appointment.
For safety and quality assurance, I only fit jewellery that I have sourced and supplied myself.
Can I exercise or swim after getting pierced?
Exercise is usually fine, although you should avoid activities that place excessive pressure or friction on the piercing.
Swimming should be avoided during the early stages of healing wherever possible, particularly in swimming pools, hot tubs and natural bodies of water.
Can I get pierced if I'm pregnant?
As a precaution, new piercings are not performed during pregnancy due to the increased risk of complications and changes to the body's healing response.
What if I'm feeling unwell?
If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible. Your booking fee can be transferred to a new appointment for the first illness-related cancellation. Further cancellations due to illness will result in the booking fee being forfeited.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash or bank transfer is preferred, although card payments are also accepted.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your booking fee is non-refundable if you cancel your appointment within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time.
Please read the Terms & Conditions before booking for full details of the cancellation and rescheduling policy.
Do you sell jewellery without a piercing appointment?
Yes. Jewellery can be purchased and fitted without having a piercing appointment. I also offer consultations where we can discuss your anatomy, jewellery preferences and ideas for future piercings.
These appointments allow us to explore different jewellery options and discuss anatomy suitability, placement considerations and how pieces may work together over time. All recommendations are made with your individual anatomy, comfort and long-term piercing health in mind.
I have another question
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch. I'm always happy to answer questions before you book your appointment.