Cold Steel America

It’s a really cool shop with a great atmosphere. They have a huge selection of gold jewelry and probably the best selection of threadless tops I’ve seen at any piercing shop other than maybe Denver. Unfortunately, the staff really took away from the experience. They were talking to each other or on their phones, and whenever I had a question about jewelry the responses felt short and dismissive, like helping customers was an interruption. I came in planning to browse and buy jewelry, but ended up deciding I’d rather order on Etsy instead. The overall energy just felt unprofessional and unwelcoming, which is the last thing I want from a place that’s putting needles through people. It’s a shame because the jewelry selection is excellent, but the customer service and overall experience didn’t match the quality of the shop. Update: My boyfriend’s installed ear jewelry is way too tight as well. I specifically told them I wanted it to be fitted, but they barely looked at his ear or gave either of us a chance to check the fit before rushing us out the door. The titanium hoop alone was $50, which already is overpriced. What’s even more frustrating is that we’ll have to replace it immediately because it’s too tight. It ended up being a bad experience and a waste of money. Judging by the reviews, it sounds like a lot of other people have had similar experiences.

I have been interested in a septum piercing for so long and during during my last trip to San Francisco I finally made it happen. Cold Steele had such a beautiful shop, decorated with historical piercing items and you were able to see the variety they carried which was really nice. I didn’t get the name of the woman behind the counter but when she offered some help I took it. All I said was, “talk to me about septum piercings” and she was a wealth of knowledge. I really appreciate the shop putting someone in the front of the house that could answer all my questions. I wanted a dainty gold hoop and she showed me all the options. After our warm convo I felt very welcomed and she gave me Chris’s card and asked me to make an appointment to guarantee my spot. The next day I went in, met Chris who also took his time to show me several opinions of hoop sizes. We went back to his station and he took his time to explain his every move. I beyond appreciate the follow through.. he has the best hand at his craft and I immediately was relieved I found this shop. Didn’t hurt one but, after care given in detail and I can honestly say this shop will be my go to for now on. I live in SoCal but I’m in San Francisco often, and plan on my piercings and art. Thank you for being so professional and patient.

Had a fantastic experience. Everyone was really friendly and charismatic. Chris was my assigned piercer and he made everything amazing from start to finish. He mapped out my ear with me to help me decide what would work best with my anatomy and we made a decision together based on my personal preferences and his expertise. I don’t think I will ever go to another piercer again, he made what I thought would be a 10/10 pain level to a 4/10 (at most) and was so fast and confident. As soon as this piercing heals I will be going back to Chris again.

Piercing experience does not reflect the piercer (Chris) because he was great. However the front desk was terrible and incredibly pretentious. Accidentally booked and paid for an appointment on the wrong date and they told me I would have to repay the deposit since the date was in the past it was non-refundable, yet they were taking us as a walk in? I was getting my nose pierced and touched my earring on my lobe and was scolded for doing so.... I get that it's a sterile environment but that was ridiculous. Jewelry pricing was also a complete rip off and they do not have affordable options. Additionally, have to pay a $50 piercing fee for every piercing? I would have gotten my lobes done but I didn't feel like getting further ripped off. I won't go back sadly and would pick a different place in the future.

3/13/2026 My first piercings healed nicely so came back to get double lobe on both ears. I got pierced by Christ this time, and again amazing service! Loved that Christ was super calm and clearly explained everything he was doing with detailed aftercare instructions — 11/15/2025 Had a good service for my first ever piercings on ear lobes, from picking out the jewelry, answering my questions, explaining the care instructions, to the actual piercing with Mic. Very swift, efficient process and they have a good selection of cute pieces with decent price. Soreness went away after a day and the piercings healed nicely, even though I was being super careless and kept yanking them