A hidden gem!

I found out about Black Betty in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, by chance through a patient of mine, who had the most unusual helix earring with a flat back. I later checked out the website and I was hooked! I ordered some pieces online and then made time to go into the store to look at the earring designs that come with labrets (that's the flat back that takes the place of the traditional butterfly). I ended up buying more jewellery (irresistible!), and have since booked appointment after appointment for piercings with Gavin! Lorelle and Jacqui are the sweetest store assistants and have helped me choose the right pieces with Gavin. After being mutilated with a piercing gun, getting pierced with a needle by Gavin was a breeze! He is super-professional and friendly and really knows his jewellery, metals, piercing techniques, what will work and what we won't. His advice has been invaluable. For instance, he advised against piercing with a certain piece as it tends to snag, and that is not good for a fresh piercing, so we jointly decided we'd pierce with a little moon and then change to the other earring once its healed. He was even kind enough to offer to make the back a labret for me (as opposed to a butterfly, which is the only one available on the online store). The amazing thing is that the staff are prepared to 'walk the journey' with a client for as long as necessary; they're happy to help you change your earrings as frequently as you would like, as some piercings can be a little tricky. As I have some nice earrings in both yellow and white gold, I made sure to buy my Black Betty pieces in both yellow gold and silver/titanium!

I am an emergency RN and Black Betty (the store and every single member of staff) has been my happy place during this difficult pandemic. With all the protective gear we wear daily, the only room for individual expression is a small part of the ear and our socks! Hence my newfound love for ear piercings and pretty earrings!

I am totally sold on piercing with a needle as opposed to a gun as I can now speak from personal experience and refer everyone who enquires about my piercings to Black Betty!

I could go on, but in short I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to Black Betty, Gavin, Lorelle and Jacqui for their time, kindness and patience. I am definitely a lifelong customer!