A person with a dermal piercing smiling.

What Are My Dermal Jewelry Options?

Learn everything you need to know about dermal jewelry, and which options are best for you.

Whitney Johns

We’ve covered what dermal piercings are and how they're done. Now let's talk about the real showstopper: dermal piercing jewelry. Explore the different dermal anchors you can try, find out what’s trending, and learn how to mix and match dermal tops for the perfect look. Plus, get step-by-step instructions on swapping out a dermal top. 

But first things first: what kinds of dermal anchors and dermal piercing jewelry tops are out there? 

Different Dermal Anchor Types 

Dermal anchors usually come in two main styles: footed or rounded. Both can have holes in the base (or not), but each type has its own perks: 

Footed dermal anchor bases.
  • Footed: Made with a long, flat base that keeps jewelry stable in the tissue. 
  • Rounded: Designed with a small, circular base, making them less invasive to the tissue. 

Choosing a base with holes has one big benefit: during healing, tissue grows up through the holes and around the rim, locking the base in place.  

Piercers often choose rounded bases for spots with thinner skin, like the neck or face. Others swear by footed bases for their extra stability, even in areas that don’t have much tissue. If you have a strong preference, say so. Otherwise, your piercer will pick the style that works best for the placement you want. 

All-In-One-Dermal Anchors 

There’s also the all-in-one option, often called skin anchors or more casually, "skin divers. These have a decorative top permanently attached to the base. The downside? You can’t change the top. The upside? You’ll never lose it! 

Types of Dermal Tops 

There’s a huge variety of dermal piercing jewelry to pair with a traditional dermal anchor base. Options include: 

A flat dermal piercing top.
  • Solid-metal balls, cones, and discs 
  • Fun shapes like dolphins, hearts, and stars 
  • Jewel-studded balls and prong-set jewels 
  • Flatter jeweled discs (these are less likely to snag on clothing 😉) 
  • Custom-made tops in endless designs (like 14k white gold flowers set with your favorite jewels) 

And that’s just scratching the surface! There are 200+ dermal tops to explore. Check out our extensive dermal piercing jewelry selection and start browsing for your next favorite piece. 

How to Change Your Dermal Piercing Jewelry 

Once a dermal piercing has fully healed and the anchor is secured by new tissue, it’s safe to swap out the dermal top. Healing usually takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months, so as long as you’ve waited it out with no unnecessary touching, snagging, or bumping, you’re good to go! 

Many people let their piercer handle the first change. As the piercing becomes more stable, it’s easier to do at home using dermal anchor forceps.  

Dermal top application with forceps.

If tools and tiny screws sound like a hassle, magnetic dermal tops are a game-changer. Just screw a magnetic base with a 1.2mm internally threaded post into your dermal anchor (works with both 12g and 14g anchors with matching threading), then pop in a magnetic gem top in your favorite color. Change your look in seconds, no tools needed. Magnetic dermal tops come in 4mm or 5mm sizes and 14 different colors, so it’s easy to find the perfect size and shade of dermal piercing jewelry to match your style. 

Popular Dermal Piercing Jewelry Styles 

People are flexing their creativity and getting dermal piercings in all sorts of… unexpected places (yes, even Cardi B’s infamous gluteal cleft piercing). But bold placement isn’t the only way to make a statement. Mixed metals, colored jewels, and sleek minimalist looks are just as eye-catching as a striking placement. 

A jeweled dermal top.

Jewels

Opals, emeralds, citrine, and more are making waves in dermal piercing jewelry. Whether you’re going for subtle shimmer or a full-on color explosion, jewels (even of the synthetic, affordable variety) instantly turn a dermal top into a conversation starter. 

Metals 

Move over silver and gold. Black titanium, rose gold, and anodized rainbow finishes are stealing the spotlight. These metals add instant personality and help match jewelry to your unique style. 

Minimalist 

Sometimes less really is more. Tiny studs, petite barbells, and low-profile tops are trending for a clean, understated look that still feels luxe. Plus, these minimalist styles go with any look. 

Unique Shapes 

Spiked dermal jewelry tops.

The classic circle isn’t the only game in town anymore. Dermal piercing jewelry now comes in geometric designs, floral motifs, stars, and just about any shape you can dream up. If it can be made tiny and shiny, it’s fair game. 


Stacking 

One dermal piercing? Nice. A whole stack? Now we’re talking. Dermal piercing jewelry stacking—especially with size gradients—is trending hard. Popular spots include the face, back of the neck, and collarbone for a sleek, statement-making lineup. 

Bottom Line: You’ve Got Options 

Dermal piercings offer a wide range of jewelry options and room to get creative with them. Whether you wanna stick to a simple stud, statement-making piece, or say it loud with an ornate dermal arrangement, you're covered. Just stop by our dermal piercing jewelry section, and start building your look. 

A dermal piercing with a jeweled top.
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