Majors

How to Safely Pierce Ears Amid a Pandemic

MajorsSep 21, 2020

How to Safely Pierce Ears Amid a Pandemic

National Jeweler spoke with Piercing Pagoda’s Kecia Caffie and Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric Tattoo about how ear piercings can continue during COVID-19.

20200921_Piercing_header.jpg
Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric Tattoo shares the steps he’s taken to resume ear piercings safely in his Los Angeles studio.
New York—Life has been returning to some semblance of normalcy as retailers reopen stores and restaurants cautiously welcome back guests, but the COVID-19 pandemic lingers.

It casts a shadow over our everyday activities and forces us to rethink how we approach nearly everything, including retail.

The jewelry business is a hands-on world, particularly if a store does ear piercings. But, how can ear piercing services continue safely in light of the pandemic?

National Jeweler hopped on a Zoom interview with Kecia Caffie, senior vice president and general manager of Piercing Pagoda, then called Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric Tattoo in Los Angeles to find out.

Getting back to business is a learning process.

Piercing Pagoda stopped offering ear piercing services around late March, right around the time parent company Signet Jewelers Ltd. temporarily closed all North American locations.

Prior to the closures, there was no blanket mandate, said Caffie, noting stores were able to determine for themselves when to stop piercing, depending on the local situation and guidelines.

Piercing Pagoda kiosks began to open in late April alongside Signet’s other stores, but the free piercings didn’t start back up right away.

“All of us were learning a lot about what living with COVID would be like. And so, we were starting to establish our general safety procedures for just general shopping,” she said.

Kecia Caffie, senior vice president and general manager of Piercing Pagoda
Kecia Caffie, senior vice president and general manager of Piercing Pagoda

All stores under the Signet umbrella are implementing Love Takes Care, a system of safety protocols that covers everything from social distancing and face masks to trying on jewelry and screening employees.

It was established in partnership with Cleveland Clinic, the No. 2 ranked hospital in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Caffie described that time of reopening as a learning experience.

“We wanted to spend some time really learning from medical experts on the best way to protect both our customers and our team members before we started piercing again.”

In Los Angeles, Body Electric Tattoo had to make a few changes when it reopened, including following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the letter.

L.A. tattoo shops and other personal service businesses temporarily closed in March. They reopened in June but were closed down in July as the number of COVID-19 cases in the city rose.

Limited indoor operations were allowed to resume again in September.

Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric TattooThompson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, took the Corps’ “adapt and overcome” motto to heart.
Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric TattooThompson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, took the Corps’ “adapt and overcome” motto to heart.

“Complaining about it is not going to get it to go away quicker. Adapting these safety protocols will,” he said.

The tattoo and piercing shop, founded in 1992 on the famous Melrose Avenue, is running with a skeleton crew.

“This isn’t something I like working in. But the only other alternative is for me to lose everything that I’ve worked 15 years to obtain, so I decided to do it as safely as possible,” said Thompson, who left a corporate job and cashed out his 401(k) to buy Body Electric in 2006.

His niece, Veronica, takes phone calls and schedules the appointments while his “sidekick” Richard sets up the piercing station and assists with the cleaning.

“Life is much slower in the studio when you’re operating like this, but you can’t put a price on safety and human life.”

Health and safety are the top priorities.

When a business requires employees to be in close proximity to customers attention to health and safety is paramount, especially in the time of COVID-19.

Piercing Pagoda’s safety procedure for piercings was announced May 27, about a month after the reopening process began.

Most locations were prepared to restart piercings by the middle of June. Stores reopened gradually, with 450 of the chain’s 555 kiosks open by early September.

There is generally a week between when a store reopens and when piercings are able to begin, allowing time for cleaning, training and preparation.

To start piercing again, educating the team was crucial, said Caffie.

Everyone in the organization is a certified piercer, she said, but there was extra training in place.

“We went back and made sure that there was no issue, no possibility that someone didn’t know exactly what our base assumptions were about how you pierce someone safely.”

District managers spoke with every employee to ensure the training had been taken, and made sure they were able to answer questions about the new procedures.

Signet Jewelers-owned chain Piercing Pagoda is taking extra precautions to ensure customer ear piercings are happening again safely after a COVID-19-related halt.
Signet Jewelers-owned chain Piercing Pagoda is taking extra precautions to ensure customer ear piercings are happening again safely after a COVID-19-related halt.

Both Piercing Pagoda and Body Electric Tattoo are regularly cleaning before and after customer visits and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

The pandemic hurt Thompson’s business, but he has no intention of straying from the proper safety measures.

“I’ve been hit very heavy by this pandemic, but I’m not complaining about it,” he said. “What type of person would I be if I only saw profits and I didn’t care about human life?”

Here’s how the piercing process works.

Piercing Pagoda, in line with Signet’s policies, requires customers and employees to wear a face covering whether or not an ear piercing is taking place.

Employees can also request a face shield if they want an added layer of protection, as per Signet’s protocol.

When piercing ears, employees wear both.

“During the piercing process, six feet isn’t possible,” said Caffie. “You’ve got to get very close to someone, so those two layers were critically important before we started.”

Prior to the piercing, customers undergo a health assessment, which involves a temperature check and a series of questions about the most critical symptoms of COVID-19.

Customers are also asked if they’ve been in contact with someone who has had COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

If a customer answers “yes” to having any symptoms or having contact with a COVID-19 patient, they are asked to reschedule their piercing to a later date.

Employees wear disposable gloves and use a sanitized instrument to pierce the ear lobe.

Single-use, prepackaged sterilized earrings are placed in a clean cartridge. There is no needle involved in the process.

“Up until the point of piercing, no human hands have touched [the jewelry] since it was sanitized and sterilized,” said Caffie.

Ears are cleaned and marked before the piercing begins.

Thompson has implemented similar health and safety policies at Body Electric.

Employees and customers are required to wear masks. Face shields are sometimes used, as well.

Customers are seen one at a time to allow for maximum social distancing. Their temperature is taken upon arrival and they are asked questions about their health.

Appointments are made via email and customers must agree to abide by the studio’s policies.

For the former Marine, there is no wiggle room on the mask policy.

“I won’t let a client in the studio if they won’t first agree to the conditions via email and then show up with the proper protective equipment,” said Thompson, adding he has no issue asking a customer to leave.

“I’m not going to risk myself, my clients, my staff to any type of pushback on this,” he said. “If you want to live your life that way, that’s fine, but you’re not going to do it around myself and my staff.”

So far, he said, customer feedback has been positive, and he hasn’t run into any problems.

He provides masks if customers don’t have one and requests they not use masks with vents, which are thought to be less effective against the spread of the virus.

The piercings are done using sterilized, single-use needles rather than a piercing instrument.

Masks can pose a problem for certain piercings.

At Piercing Pagoda, 93 percent of the piercings done are through ear lobes—the locations also offer cartilage piercings for a $2 fee—so a mask can stay on through the process, said Caffie.

The ear loops needed to keep the mask on can be a problem though.

Customers are asked to take down the loops and hold the mask up against their face with their hands while the piercing takes place.

At Body Electric, masks stay in place the whole time.

Thompson does both ear and body piercings, but there are certain piercings that are off limits right now.

Nose piercings, lip piercings or any others that would require a customer to take their masks off aren’t happening.

“We get clients complaining about it and I’m like, ‘Look, your nose isn’t going anywhere. Just wait. Give it a little bit, man’,” said Thompson, who suggests they hold out for a celebratory, end-of-COVID-19 piercing instead.

Thompson bought Body Electric Tattoo in 2006, after leaving his corporate job and cashing out his 401(k).
Thompson bought Body Electric Tattoo in 2006, after leaving his corporate job and cashing out his 401(k).

Masks can also interfere with the healing process, he noted, especially if the piercing is somewhere the loops of a mask lay.

Depending on the piercing, he’ll suggest a different type of mask to help customers avoid a new earring snagging against the mask fabric.

Thompson recommends explaining any and all risks to customers, both to keep them safe and to ensure they have a positive experience.

Any type of piercing requires aftercare.

For Piercing Pagoda, within six to eight weeks of being pierced, customers are asked to come back in to ensure their piercing has healed properly.

When stores were closed, a virtual earring checkup was set up allowing customers to speak with a team member about their piercing.

“Piercing is at the heart of Piercing Pagoda. It’s in our name and we’ve been doing it for 50 years,” said Caffie. “We’re making sure that experience, whether you’re shopping with us or being pierced, is as safe as possible.”

Here are some words of advice from a professional piercer. 

In addition to sharing his piercing expertise, Thompson reflected on the state of the country—from the spread of the virus to the rise of social movements—and noted how emotionally and physically draining it all can be.

That’s not the state of mind an employee should have during the delicate process of ear piercing.

He advised business owners to be mindful of the effect it all can have on employees and their performance.

“If they can’t do it this day, you’ve got to let them have that day off and not retaliate against them.”

Thompson also shared a word to the wise for those about to resume piercings.

“If you want to stay in business after the pandemic, adapt these safety protocols from the CDC, move forward, and quit complaining about it.” 

Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Weekly QuizOct 24, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

Mourning Jewelry Pendant
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry

The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.

Artistry 2025 Catalog
MajorsOct 25, 2024
Artistry Releases Its 2025 Catalog

It features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.

Cartoon witch and black cat with cauldron and jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 24, 2024
From a Witch to Wednesday: The Best Jewelry to Wear With Your Halloween Costume

For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.

Jewelry from Boucheron
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3

Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.

JA Show entrance
Events & AwardsOct 24, 2024
JA New York Fall Show Announces Education Lineup

The education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.

Phillip Gavriel 2024-2025 Catalog
MajorsOct 24, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Releases 2024-2025 Catalog

The book features new styles and revived favorites.

Still from Worth the Wait natural diamond marketing campaign
SourcingOct 23, 2024
De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign

Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.

Pnina Tornai New York Bridal Fashion Week
EditorsOct 23, 2024
The Modern Bride’s Approach to Wedding-Day Jewelry

Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 23, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Jade Trau and Harrods pop-up shop
IndependentsOct 23, 2024
Jade Trau Sails Overseas

The New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.

20241023_Bruce Wayne Kryptonite header 1.jpg
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
See Scott West Jewelry’s ‘Kryptonite’ and ‘Joker’ Rings

They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.

Timex Waterbury 170th anniversary edition watch
WatchesOct 23, 2024
How to Get a Timex Watch for $1

The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.

GemFair diamond toolkit
SourcingOct 23, 2024
GemFair Buys 10,000th Diamond

Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy