MRI Patient Resources

Best MRI-Safe Jewelry & Piercing Retainers (What’s Actually Safe)

Welcome to our guide on finding the best MRI-safe jewelry alternatives. I know from first hand experience that piercings can start to close in a matter of 45 minutes to an hour and it’s a worry that many patients have going into an MRI. My goal with this article is to provide straightforward answers regarding which jewelry is allowed in MRI scan rooms and give you recommendations for the best jewelry and piercing alternatives.

If you have searched for “best MRI safe jewelry” you may have already found multiple listings, but one thing all patients should know is many of these listings are not actually MRI-safe for patients. This may be frustrating and surprising, especially if you buy “MRI safe jewelry”, only to be told by the MRI technologist that it must be removed before your exam. We break down why this happens in the section below.

If you’re an MRI patient concerned about how jewelry affects your scan and want trustworthy, truly safe alternatives, this article will help provide some guidance.

Basic criteria for MRI safe jewelry alternatives:

  • Safe for use in MRI zone 4.
  • Safe for use in strong, time-varying secondary magnetic fields.
  • Unaffected by prolonged exposure to high-frequency radio waves.
  • Does not contain any ferrous metals or material.
  • Does not interfere with image quality.
  • Vetted by MRI community.

To help you in finding MRI safe jewelry we curated a list of MRI safe jewelry alternatives priced as low as $5. Some of the items on this list are available as fast as same day delivery. Use the complimentary Amazon prime 30-day trial for free shipping and fast delivery on your orders. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You can also see the full list of Top MRI safe jewelry below.

Additionally, we included a list of jewelry that is not MRI compatible. Our goal is to provide the most helpful and accurate resources to empower patients. If you notice any errors in the lists below, please reach out to us here.

What is MRI Safe Jewelry?

MRI safe jewelry is uniquely designed to function within the powerful magnetic field present inside an MRI scan. Additionally, MRI safe jewelry is made of materials that does not contain any metal. They are crafted of non-magnetic materials, such as acrylic, silicone, or organic materials, that remain unaffected in close proximity to the MRI machine.

One of the most important considerations when choosing the right MRI safe jewelry is the material it is made of. Ideally, any jewelry worn during an MRI should be made of a clear material that contains no metal. The most popular choices are clear acrylics, such as Bioflex (registered trademark) jewelry, or clear silicone jewelry. Wood and organic materials can also be used but may require further safety tests.

MRI Safe Jewelry FAQ

What materials are recommended for MRI-safe jewelry?

Acrylic, nylon, plastic, silicone, or wood. MRI-safe jewelry should contain no metal and ideally be clear, flexible, and rigid enough to keep piercings from closing.

Is titanium jewelry safe for MRI?

No. Titanium jewelry is not allowed inside an MRI scan room. All metal jewelry should be removed before entering the MRI scan room.

Are gold necklaces safe for MRI?

No. Gold necklaces are not allowed in the MRI scan room. Gold can heat during scans, so all metal jewelry must be removed.

How can jewelry interfere with MRI scans?

Ferrous metals can be pulled by the magnet and create a safety hazard. Non-ferrous metals can heat up during the scan. Any metal can also disrupt imaging by reflecting RF signals.

Can I Wear a Necklace during an MRI?

No. All jewelry should be removed before entering the MRI scan room.

What should I do if my body jewelry cannot be removed for an MRI?

Contact your imaging center for instructions. If you need help removing a piercing, consult a licensed piercer.

Does permanent jewelry need to be removed for an MRI scan?

Yes. Permanent metal jewelry, including gold, may need to be removed. Even non-ferrous metals can heat during MRI and are not considered safe.

MRI Safe Jewelry List Criteria

This list of best MRI safe jewelry features hand-selected listings based on the material which they are made from, ratings, and recommendations from the MRI community. Some of the products have been marked explicitly as MRI safe, and those products will be noted below. We have also included some products that have been classified under other use such as surgical, however the materials, ratings, and recommendations meet the stringent criteria for MRI environment. As always, we recommend you do your own research and conduct a magnet safety test on your items before introducing them in to the strong magnetic field and RF field.

Technologist vs Patient: An Important Distinction

Before we jump into the top MRI-safe jewelry recommendations, it’s important to make one thing very clear: Why “MRI-safe” Means Something Different for Patients vs. Technologists

The standards for patient-worn MRI-safe jewelry are much stricter than for the jewelry worn by MRI technologists. Technologists work around the MRI scanner and are mainly exposed to the static magnetic field surrounding the machine. As long as their jewelry isn’t ferromagnetic, it generally isn’t a risk.

Why jewelry is not safe inside an MRI scan room.

Patients, however, are placed inside the MRI magnet, specifically at the magnet isocenter (the center of the scanner where the imaging happens). Inside this area, they are exposed not only to the main magnetic field but also to:

  • Rapidly changing gradient magnetic fields, and
  • High-frequency radiofrequency (RF) fields

RF energy is essential for producing MRI images and is completely safe for the body but it can cause metal to heat up. This heating is actually the number one cause of MRI safety incidents, making up around 60% of reported cases.

Because this guide is specifically for patients, every jewelry recommendation featured here contains no metal at all. The goal is to help you choose pieces that stay comfortable, safe, and compatible with MRI procedures.

Related article: Jewelry in MRI: Risks, Safety Guidelines & Alternatives

List of Top MRI Safe Jewelry

This list contains the top-rated MRI safe jewelry, piercing retainers, and plugs.

Best MRI Safe Jewelry, Retainers, and Plugs.

If you are looking for fast, delivery (same-day/next-day) we encourage you to use the complimentary Amazon Prime 30-day trial for fastest deliveries. If you are an imaging center representative, you can sign up for amazon business account here.

Because many MRI-related jewelry requests are time-sensitive and exams are often scheduled within days, we placed Amazon options in positions 1–8 to prioritize fast, reliable shipping. If you need your items quickly, consider using the complimentary 30-day Amazon Prime trial for expedited, fee-free delivery on most orders.

Transparency disclosures: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This list also contains Etsy affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

We also want to support small businesses, so our top-rated MRI-safe jewelry options from Etsy shops are featured in positions 9–14.

Support independent creators. Click here to jump directly to the Etsy small-business section.

1. Clear flexible retainer for Nose, Naval, Septum, Eyebrow, Lip, Cartilage, Tragus, and Earring

This 38-piece clear, flexible plastic combination set is made of a flexible acrylic that combines comfort with functional designs. This is the most popular and top rated MRI safe jewelry listing that features horseshow rings, curved bars, labret studs, nose studs, belly rings, and earring retainers. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a low-cost option for multiple piercings.

Price

Pricing for “38pcs Clear Piercing Retainers for Surgery Bioflex Nose Rings Belly Rings Septum Eyebrow Lip Cartilage Tragus Earring Retainer Industrial Bar Plastic Piercing Jewelry for Work” by Mayhoop begins at $7.89 (Up to $9.99).

2. Silicone Ear Gauges, Plugs, and expander set

This silicone ear plug and gauge set is made of a semi transparent silicone and offers an all-in-one solution for a variety of ear gauges.

MRI Safe Ear Gauges

Price

Pricing for “20pcs Tunnels Kit 2g-1″ Silicone Ear Skin Gauges Plugs Ear Expander” by Longbeauty begins at $10.26 (Up to $12.99).

3. 36 Pcs Clear Flexible Plastic for Tongue, Nipple, Septum, Eyebrow

This 36 piece clear flexible plastic set is a perfect temporary replacement for tongue rings, nipple rings, septum piercings, and eyebrow piercings. At under $10 for the entire set, it’s a strong value-focused option and serves as an excellent backup for any sizes or pieces not included in the top recommendation.

Price

Pricing for “Clear Piercing Retainers Bioflex Plastic Jewelry for Nipple Tongue Nose Septum Eyebrow Belly Earrings Tragus Helix Cartilage Industrial Lip Labret Rings Studs For Surgery Mri” by the PiercingArt Store begins at $9.68 (Up to $9.99).

4. 10 pc Mixed Set Retainers for Earring, Septum, Nose, Lip, Tongue, and rings

This versatile and MRI safe 10-piece set includes clear retainers for earrings, septum piercings, nostrils, lips, tongue, and rings. It’s ideal for situations where metal jewelry must be removed. The set features a variety of shapes and sizes so you can choose the style that fits your piercing comfortably.

Each piece is made from flexible, transparent material for a low-profile look and a customized fit. We recommend the clear options.

Price

Pricing for “Mix Set Clear Piercing Retainers Septum Retainer Nose Studs Flexible Lip Ear Nose Tongue Rings Nipplering” by MODRSA begins at $5.76 (Up to $11.99).

5. Clear Plastic Earrings Set

This set of soft rubber earring with backs is a perfect temporary replacement for piercings. One caveat is they come in minimum 100pcs sets for around $4. Reasonably priced, but you may have 98 extra pieces.

Price

Pricing for “Plastic Earrings, Clear Earrings Clear Post Earring Posts and Backs Silicone Stud 100 Pairs Back Blank Pins Stud” by DSOMHZ begins at $3.99 (Up to $8.99).

6. Clear silicone gauges for ear (double flared)

This set of double flared silicone gauges features a soft flexible design that ensures ear gauges stay in place. A comfortable, lightweight and semi-transparent MRI safe jewelry alternative.

Price

Pricing for “Clear Silicone Gauges for Ear Double Flared Ear Gauges Tunnels Flexible Plugs Tunnel Earrings for Women Men” by Pexveiuu the begins at $7.99 (Up to $9.99).

7. Wood Ear Plugs 3 pair

This 3 pair wood ear plug set includes three pairs of solid organic wood ear gauges with a smooth saddle-fit design. The double-flared shape provides a secure, comfortable hold, and the natural wood material offers a lightweight, metal-free option suitable for temporary wear in non-metal environments.

Price

Pricing for “3 Pairs Gauges For Ears Wood Saddle Fit Solid Organic Earrings Plug Gauges Double Flared Wooden Ear Tunnels Stretcher Punk Piercing” by TIANCI FBYJS begins at $8.99 (Up to $11.99).

8. Clear Belly Button Ring Retainer

These clear belly button ring retainers offer a flexible, metal-free alternative for situations requiring non-metal jewelry. The set includes multiple barbell lengths (10mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm) to ensure a comfortable fit for most navel piercings. Clear, lightweight, and ideal for work, medical imaging, or surgery.

Price

Pricing for “Clear Belly Button Rings Bioflex Plastic Belly Ring Curved Barbell Navel Piercings Retainers for Work Surgery 10mm 14mm 16mm 18mm” by QWALIT begins at $7.99 (Up to $7.99).

Support small businesses to make a huge impact!

9. 16g Clear Flexible Barbell retainer 1 pcs

A clear flexible barbell retainer designed for discreet, metal-free wear. The flexible material and secure ball ends make it suitable for cartilage piercings and other 16G placements where a low-visibility option is needed. Perfect if you need only one retainer or select up to 5 per pack.

Price

Pricing for “16G Bioflex Bioplast Piercing clear retainer with ball ends Cartilage Barbell” by StorybyMIMIsPICK begins at $2.97 (Up to $11.05).

10. Push top retainer (10 pcs)

These 16G push-fit clear flex retainers offer a smooth, comfortable, and metal-free solution for work or medical imaging. The clear design keeps piercings discreet while maintaining a secure fit.

Price

Pricing for “16g Bio-Flex push fit top retainers” by EveandkUS begins at $6.00 (Up to $8.00).

11. Clear Barbell 3pcs

A versatile 16G clear barbell retainer designed for discreet everyday wear. Suitable for cartilage, lip, banana, and barbell-style piercings, this lightweight piece provides a metal-free option ideal for MRI and other no-metal environments.

Price

Pricing for “16g Piercing retainer, retainer body jewellery, discreet retainer, clear body jewellery, banana retainer, clear barbell, MRI safe jewellery” by BessiesBodyJewellery begins at $5.17 (Up to $10.34).

12. Acrylic Flat Back Studs 6pcs

This set includes six clear acrylic flat-back studs for 16G piercings. Each piece offers a comfortable, low-profile fit for labret, cartilage, helix, conch, tragus, or lip piercings. A practical metal-free option for work or medical procedures.

Price

Pricing for “6PCS 16G Acrylic Clear Ball End flat back studs/Invisible Labret Piercing/Cartilage Stud/Lip Piercing/Cartilage/helix/conch/tragus earrings” by OuferJewelry begins at $5.39 (Up to $8.99).

13. Flexible Clear Horseshoe retainer

A clear flexible horseshoe retainer designed for comfortable, medical-safe wear. Its flexible, metal-free construction makes it suitable for septum, cartilage, or other 16G piercings requiring a discreet, MRI-safe option.

Price

Pricing for “16G Clear Bioflex Horseshoe Retainer: Medical Piercing Jewelry” by thecityloft begins at $7.99 (Up to $7.99).

14. Labret Retainer

This clear PTFE labret retainer is available in multiple gauges and lengths, featuring a flat head and secure O-ring. A simple, metal-free solution for keeping labret or cartilage piercings open during work or medical procedures.

Price

Pricing for “Labret Retainer, 16g, 14g, 8mm, 10mm, L, Clear Flat head, O-Ring, Sold Single, Medical Grade PTFE” by HoleExperience begins at $4.95 (Up to $4.95).

Top MRI Safe Jewelry By Category

Best MRI Safe Earrings

Top MRI Safe Septum Jewelry

Best MRI Safe Ear Gauges

Top Rated MRI Safe Naval piercing alternative

Best MRI Safe Eyebrow Piercing

Which Jewelry Is Not MRI Safe?

List of Jewelry that is not safe for MRI patients

If your jewelry contains any material made from the metals listed below, then they should not enter the MRI scan room.

Ferrous metal vs non-ferrous metal

Key Takeaways

Metals can heat up during an MRI and that’s why jewelry is not allowed inside the MRI scan room. Find trusted MRI safe jewelry, retainers, and plugs above to keep you piercings from closing. When in doubt, phone your imaging center for guidance and recommendations. I hope this article was helpful and provided clear answers. For more information, see the related resources linked below.

This content is regularly reviewed and updated to provide accurate, helpful information across our website. We strive to ensure that all resources and articles are current and reliable for readers and professionals alike.

Read more on Larry’s author page.

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Larry Lopez

Larry is a biomedical imaging specialist with more than 16 years of professional experience in MRI, CT, and PET system installation, calibration, quality assurance, and advanced troubleshooting. As the founder, digital creator, and lead author of MRIPETCTSOURCE, he produces educational content designed to elevate the skills of technologists, engineers, and imaging center operators. Larry also serves as the chief technical advisor and lead web developer for MedicalImagingSource.com, where he oversees the accuracy, technical depth, and clinical relevance of all published resources. His work integrates field expertise with clear, evidence-based explanations to support both professionals and patients. Connect with Larry on social media: LinkedIn | YouTube | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook

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