Piercing at Emerald Sun Studios

At Emerald Sun Studios, we take piercing seriously,  not just as a service, but as a blend of art, safety, integrity, and individualized client care. Our Howell location is an APP Member Studio through the Association of Professional Piercers, and we follow those same strict standards at our Jackson location as we work toward official membership there.

APP membership represents the highest level of health, safety, sanitation, and ethical practices in the industry. It means our procedures, jewelry quality, sterilization systems, and environmental standards have all met rigorous criteria designed to protect our clients. It also reflects our commitment to continuing education and doing things the right way, every single time.

A Safe, Customized, High-Quality Experience

We believe piercings should feel special,  and that the process should feel just as good as the final result looks. Every appointment is intentionally tailored to the client: your anatomy, your comfort level, your goals, and your personal style.

While health and safety remain our top priorities, we equally prioritize your comfort, clarity, and overall experience. Our piercers take time to explain your options, answer questions, and ensure you feel informed and supported from start to finish.

Before Your Appointment: Hydration, Food, and Comfort

Please arrive well hydrated and after eating a full meal. Piercing on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of feeling lightheaded or faint.

You are always welcome to bring water, juice, or snacks to help keep your blood sugar stable throughout your appointment. Your comfort is important to us.

High-Quality, Implant-Grade Jewelry

All jewelry used for initial piercings in our studio is implant-grade, meaning it meets the same biocompatibility standards as medical implants. This includes:

  • ASTM F-136 titanium

  • ASTM F-138 steel

  • Niobium

  • Solid 14k–18k gold

Implant-grade metals are the safest and most predictable materials for healing piercings, reducing the risk of irritation and promoting long-term success. Our jewelry is sourced from reputable, industry-leading makers who adhere to these strict material standards.

Custom Jewelry Curation and Special Orders

We carry an extensive selection of high-quality jewelry in both studios. If you have a specific piece in mind that we don’t currently have in stock, we offer special orders. A 50% deposit is required to place all special orders.

Our piercers also provide jewelry styling and curation services, helping you build personalized ear arrangements or select pieces based on your anatomy and aesthetic preferences.

Consultations

If you’re unsure about placement, anatomy, or what you want to get pierced, we offer consultations,  in person or virtually. These appointments help ensure you feel fully prepared and confident before scheduling your piercing.

Aftercare and Follow-Up Support

Your piercing journey doesn’t end when you walk out the door. We’re here for you throughout the entire healing process.

  • In-person checkups

  • Photo check-ins

  • Aftercare instructions and troubleshooting

  • Downsizing appointments when the swelling period ends

  • Guidance on lifestyle considerations that may affect healing

You are never inconveniencing us by asking questions.  We want you to heal well and love your piercing long-term.

FAQs

What identification do I need for a piercing?

Adults (18+)

Adults must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include:

  • Driver’s license

  • State ID

  • Passport

  • Military

Minors (Under 18)

For anyone under 18, Michigan law requires three separate documents. All three must be presented at the appointment:

1. Parent or Legal Guardian’s Photo ID

Must be a valid government-issued ID.

2. Minor’s Identification

The minor must have one of the following:

  • State ID

  • Passport

  • School ID

  • Yearbook with a clearly identifiable photo

3. Proof of Legal Relationship

This document must show that the adult signing consent is the minor’s legal parent or guardian. Accepted forms include:

  • Birth certificate

  • Court-issued guardianship papers

  • Adoption paperwork

  • Custody paperwork (if applicable)

For Young Children Without School Records

If the minor is too young to have school-issued identification, the following will be accepted as their ID:

  • Their birth certificate

This applies only to young children who do not yet have any form of school or government ID.

Name Matching Requirements

The parent or guardian’s ID must connect clearly to the proof-of-relationship document (such as the birth certificate).

If the parent’s last name does not match the name listed on the birth certificate, we must see:

Legal paperwork showing how the names connect, such as:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce decree

  • Court-issued name-change document

  • Updated custody paperwork

This verifies legal guardianship and is required by law.

Legal Compliance

These requirements come from Michigan state law regarding consent for piercing minors. They are not rules we created as a studio. Emerald Sun Studios follows these laws exactly to ensure safety, proper documentation, and full legal compliance.

APP Member Studio

At Emerald Sun Studios, your safety, comfort, and experience come first. As proud members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), we uphold strict health, safety, and jewelry standards set by the global leaders in professional body piercing.

Being an APP Member Studio means:

  • We only use implant-grade, APP-compliant jewelry from trusted brands like Neometal, Junipurr, and Khrysos.

  • We follow hospital-grade sterilization protocols and maintain rigorous cross-contamination prevention standards.

  • We stay current through continuing education, attending APP conferences and ongoing training to ensure we offer the safest and most advanced techniques.

  • Our piercers are committed to transparency and education, empowering you to make informed decisions about your body.

To learn more about the APP and their standards, visit safepiercing.org.