FAQ

What is threadless flat back jewelry? 

Threadless flat back jewelry is a recommended type of body jewelry used for piercings. It has two parts: a decorative top and a flat back. 

• The flat back is inserted into the piercing, providing stability and comfort.
• Unlike threaded jewelry, it doesn't require twisting to secure the top. Instead, the decorative top snaps securely into place on the flat back.
• Decorative tops can be designed the same for every part of the ear. They can be mixed and matched with any flat backs for the perfect fit. 

Is threadless jewelry new? 

It’s actually been around for some time. It was introduced as an alternative to traditional threaded jewelry, with advantages in reliability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. 

In recent years, it has become popular in the body piercing community because of improvements in jewelry design, materials, and manufacturing techniques. 

Why is threadless flat back jewelry better? 

Threadless flat back jewelry is sleeker, cleaner, and a much better fit. 

• Cleaner aesthetic – the flat back sits flush with the decorative top, so you don’t have a long backing sticking out behind your ear. Even better when you have more than one earring.
• Very comfortable to sleep on – you’re not getting stabbed by the long backings of traditional earrings. 
• Easier to clean – it’s just a flat, smooth disk, with no crevices that collect crust or dirt.
• Better and safer material – it’s made with 14k gold or implant grade titanium, which lasts longer and is safe for allergies and sensitive skin. 
• Smoother healing – the flat back design prevents skin irritation and movement of the jewelry within the piercing. 
• More stable – it stays put. No long backing to wobble around or get snagged in clothing.
• Best for custom fit – flat backs come in various sizes, while butterfly backs usually just have one. 

Does that make butterfly back or threaded jewelry bad? 

Here are the drawbacks:

• Irritation and discomfort – the threads can rub against your pierced skin and affect the healing process. The long backing is also a pain when you’re sleeping or it gets caught in your hair/clothes.
• Risk of loosening – butterfly back jewelry is prone to getting loose over time, so there’s a risk of jewelry falling out and your piercing closing or becoming infected. 
• Potential for damage – the threading can get damaged or worn down. Even worse: the plastic backing can fuse to the jewelry over time, and it’s nearly impossible to remove. 
• Limited options – threaded jewelry typically has limited options for their decorative tops. 

Why stick to the less safe, less comfortable, less durable, and less versatile option? 

Is threadless jewelry more expensive? 

The short answer is: it depends–on the material, design, and brand. In general, threadless jewelry tends to be slightly more expensive for these reasons:

• It’s usually made with high-quality materials such as solid gold or implant-grade titanium. 
• It often features intricate designs and gemstone settings and is designed for ease of use.
• It’s often associated with professional piercers and studios, which could result in slightly higher prices due to their expertise.

How to install threadless flat back jewelry 

1. Bend the pin on the back of the decorative top*.
2. Going in from the back, gently guide the flatback post through the piercing.
3. Line up the pin with the hole at the top of the flatback post and squeeze together. You might hear a small click.
4. Enjoy your new bling!

*Our jewelry comes pre-bent, so you don’t have to bend it yourself. 

We also give you three of the most popular size posts so you can choose which ones fit best.

How do I know if I have the right size post for my jewelry? 

You’re in luck–we’ll include three of the most popular size posts in your purchase of any single earring. If you buy a pair of earrings, we will give you six posts.

If you do need to find out your stud jewelry size, you’ll need to find two measurements:

1. Your post gauge
2. Your post length

How to measure your post length
This is the width of the tissue between the entrance wound and exit wound. It’s complicated to properly measure on your own, so we recommend asking someone to lend you a hand.

Make sure you both wash your hands and that the tissue is in a rested position. With a ruler or a clean set of calipers, measure the space between the entrance hole and the exit hole.

It’s important to note where the entrance and exit are because if you’ve slept on the piercing a lot or had it pierced at an angle, there will be more surface area to cover than if it healed at a perfect 90-degree angle.

If your piercing is at an extreme angle, you’ll need to also take into account the disk on the back of the post, and where it will sit. If the post is too tight, it will be entering your ear at an angle.

How to measure your post gauge

The gauge size of your piercing is the thickness of the post that goes through your piercing. Gauge sizes work in reverse, meaning that higher numbers are thinner than smaller numbers. For example, an 18 gauge post is thinner than a 16 gauge post.

If you’re already wearing a piece of jewelry, the easiest way to do this is to measure the jewelry and use the chart below to find your gauge size.

Gauge | Millimetres 

• 20g = 0.8mm
• 18g = 1mm
• 16g = 1.2mm
• 14g = 1.6mm
• 12g = 2mm

Download and print this gauge card for measuring body jewelry. Make sure you print it at 100% original size and do not scale to fit your paper size.

How to take care of threadless flat back jewelry

• Cleaning: Use a gentle soap and warm water, or a saline solution, and gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• Dry thoroughly: Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it.
• Keep your threadless flat back jewelry away from harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners, perfumes, hairspray, and chlorine.
• Storage: Store your threadless flat back jewelry in a clean and dry container or jewelry box. Pro tip: organize them by size and keep them in small bags or individual compartments. This will prevent tangling and scratching, and future you will have an easier time finding the right piece.

What’s the difference between Chronic Ink and Chronic House?

Chronic Ink was founded in 2008. It is most well known for 1) popularizing a Neo Traditional Asian tattoo style, 2) despite resistance, creating a place where young artists can apprentice and enter the tattoo industry meaningfully, and 3) constantly reinventing itself so it can avoid succumbing to the perils of time.

Chronic House is a reinvigorated aesthetic and model that continues to represents the core founding principle of Chronic Ink–that, in order for us to be truly fulfilled, we have to make meaningful contributions doing things we love.  

The difference is that this time, not only are we pursuing tattoos as a medium, but we're extending our creativity and passion to jewelry.  

It is a natural extension as we’ve always been one of the best in wearables. It only makes sense that if you trust us to mark you permanently, you’ll trust us to style you as well. 

Who designs your jewelry?

Our jewelry is designed by tattoo artists, and like tattoos, each piece is designed with love. We hope to create jewelry that is inspired by the best ideas in tattoos, treading the fine line between contemporary and timelessness, and bring you pieces that you’d be proud to wear now and pass later to your children.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as payments by Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay.

What's the status of my order?

You can create an account to check the status of your order. After you’ve set it up and logged in, go to “My Orders” and click the “Track Status” link. It’ll take you to the order tracking page, and you can download the Shopify app to get instant notifications.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, you can cancel within 24 hours of placing your order. Please send us a message at chronichouse@chronicinktattoo.com

My order is a gift. Do you offer gift wrapping? Can I add a gift note? Can you include a gift receipt?

Sorry, at this time, we don’t offer gift wrapping or notes. 

Please see Refund and Exchange for more details.

Where do you ship to?

• North America (Canada, USA, Mexico)
• All of Europe
• South America (Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile,Colombia, Peru) 
• Central America (Cayman Islands, Costa Rica) 
• Africa (Egypt, South Africa)
• Asia (Hong Kong, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) 
• Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)

For deliveries outside of Canada, additional custom duties and fees may be charged. These will vary by country, so we cannot intervene or advise on what they might be. Please reach out to your local customs office for more information.


When do you ship? How long does it take?

We will try to ship within 48 hours of ordering. We appreciate your patience during busier times, such as Black Friday, Christmas, and other major occasions. 

Please note that we do not package or ship on weekends.

The delivery time depends on your location. Please see rough estimates below: 

• Canada: 2-8 business days
• USA: 2-9 business days
• Europe: 4-22 business days
• South America: 4-22 business days
• Africa: 4-22 business days
• Asia: 4-21 business days
• Australia: 4-21 business days

Can I get free shipping?

Yes! Spend over $90 CAD and we’ll ship to you (wherever you are) for free.

Can I refund my jewelry?

Yes, if you request a refund within 30 days of receiving your order and your jewelry is in original condition (no wear or damage) and accompanied by all original packaging. 

We do not refund shipping fees. 

Can I exchange it for another piece of jewelry?

Yes, if you request an exchange within 30 days of receiving your order and your jewelry is in original condition (no wear or damage) and accompanied by all original packaging. 

Please bring your jewelry, along with your order details, to one of our studios. 

Where does your gold come from?

We only use nickel free, 14k solid gold for our jewelry. All our gold is ethically sourced and suppliers are supervised by the World Gold Council.Our gold is independently checked by approved assay offices.

How do you ensure your factories in China are not using child labourers?

Our jewelry is proudly and ethically made under Canadian supervision in Hong Kong and China.

What’s the difference between gold and gold vermeil?

The primary difference is in the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal used. Gold is a solid precious metal, while gold vermeil (pronounced “ver-may”) is a layer of gold over a base metal, often sterling silver. 

Composition:

• Gold: When jewelry is described simply as "gold," it usually refers to solid gold, which is made entirely of the precious metal. Pure gold is typically too soft for most jewelry applications, so it’s often alloyed with other metals, such as copper or silver, to increase its durability and strength. 
• Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil, on the other hand, is a specific type of gold plating. It consists of a base metal, often sterling silver, that is coated with a layer of gold. The gold layer must be at least 10-karat gold and be thicker than the very thin gold plating found on some jewelry.

Thickness:

• Gold: In solid gold jewelry, the entire piece is made of the specified karat gold, whether it’s 14k, 18k, or any other karat.
• Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil, while not solid gold, has a significantly thicker layer of gold than standard gold plating. It is required to have a gold coating that is at least 2.5 microns thick. This thickness contributes to its higher quality and durability compared to regular gold-plated jewelry.

Durability:

• Gold: Solid gold is highly durable and resistant to tarnishing or discolouration. It can be worn daily without significant risk of damage. 
• Gold Vermeil: While more durable than standard gold-plated jewelry, gold vermeil can eventually wear down over time. The thicker gold layer provides better resistance to wear and tear, but it may eventually wear off, revealing the base metal beneath.

Price:

• Gold: Solid gold jewelry is generally more expensive due to the higher gold content and value of the metal.
• Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil offers the appearance of gold at a more affordable price point compared to solid gold. It strikes a balance between quality and cost.

Does your jewelry tarnish?

Although it is generally more resistant compared to gold-plated jewelry, gold vermeil jewelry can show signs of wear over time. 

Our gold vermeil jewelry cannot be coated with a powder to ensure it doesn’t tarnish because it’s not mass manufactured. Those jewelry are moulded in a base of stainless steel, almost like a printing press, which is why they can be sold at a very low price point.  

Our gold vermeil jewelry is made from the same process of gold jewelry: one by one, by hand. After covering the sterling silver base with a layer of gold, each piece is hand polished to give it the desired shine and finish. We make our jewelry this way because it is inspired by tattoos and designed with intricate details that cannot be mass manufactured.

With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your gold vermeil jewelry for years to come.

How do I measure my ring size?

To measure your ring size accurately, you can follow these steps at home:

Method 1: Using a Ring You Already Have

• Select a Ring: Choose a ring you already own that fits the finger you want to buy a ring for.
• Measure the inside diameter: Place the ring on a ruler (that includes millimeters) and measure the inside diameter of the ring from one end to the other. Be sure to 
• measure across the widest part of the inside of the ring.
• Find your size: Use a ring size chart or an online ring size calculator to determine your ring size based on the inside diameter measurement you obtained. Match the measurement to the closest size on the chart.

Method 2: Using a Piece of String

• Wrap a string around your finger: Take a piece of string or a thin strip of paper and wrap it around the finger you're purchasing the ring for. Make sure it's snug but not too tight.
• Mark the length: Use a pen or marker to mark where the string or paper overlaps.
• Measure the length: Using a ruler, measure the length from the end of the string or paper to the mark you made.
• Find your size: Use a ring size chart or an online ring size calculator to determine your ring size based on the measurement you obtained. Match the measurement to the closest size on the chart.

Remember that ring sizes can vary slightly based on factors such as temperature and time of day, so it's a good idea to measure your finger at different times and under different conditions to ensure accuracy. If you're still uncertain about your size, consider visiting a local jeweler for a professional measurement.

How do I take care of my jewelry? 

• Remove Before Activities: Take off your gold vermeil jewelry before engaging in activities that might expose it to excessive wear or potential damage, such as exercising, gardening, or doing heavy household chores.
• Keep Dry: Avoid wearing gold vermeil jewelry in the shower, while swimming, or during activities that could make it damp or wet. Moisture can lead to tarnishing and discolouration.
• Limit Contact with Sweat: Perspiration can affect the gold plating over time. Remove your jewelry during strenuous physical activities or on hot days when you may sweat more.
• Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals: Remove your gold vermeil jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools, using cleaning chemicals, or coming into contact with substances like perfume, lotion, and hair spray. These chemicals can cause the gold plating to tarnish or fade.
• Clean Gently: Clean your gold vermeil jewelry regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive materials, like paper towels or rough fabrics, as they can scratch the gold plating.

Store Properly: When you're not wearing your gold vermeil jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratches and keep the jewelry from coming into contact with other pieces, which can cause friction and wear down the gold layer.

Is there a warranty on the jewelry?

We offer a 3-year warranty on all of our jewelry, with the following exceptions:

• Lost or misplaced items 
• Normal wear and tear 
• Damage caused by improper handling or storage

If a product is sold out, will it be back in stock? Can I join a waitlist? 

Each collection is specially designed by a tattoo artist and produced in limited quantities. Right now, we can’t guarantee that we’ll restock, and we don’t have a waitlist yet. So make sure you get your desired pieces ASAP.