esco & san diego body artists
esco & san diego body artists

The Best Piercing Shop in San Diego for Body Piercing and Fine Jewelry 

Get Pierced By The Best Team In The San Diego Area

Golden Child is your trusted destination for expert piercings and high-end jewelry in Escondido, serving the greater San Diego area with precision, care, and artistry. As one of the top-rated piercing shops San Diego residents trust, we combine safety, luxury, and skill in one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re getting your first piercing or adding to a curated collection, our experienced piercers ensure a seamless, safe experience from start to finish. Walk-ins welcome daily.

Our Piercing Services

From Ears to Noses and Nips to Navels: Experience Flawless Body Piercing

We do almost every type of piercing you can imagine. We just won’t pierce your junk, nor will we do frog eye or snake eye tongue piercings, because there’s too much risk of complications. Here’s just a sample:

We use only the finest jewelry brands, made with either surgical grade titanium (better than stainless steel, which some people react to) or gold. Brands include BVLA, Buddha Jewelry, Neometal, Metal Mafia, LeRoy Jewelers, and more.

Meet Our Professional Piercing Team

Meet the Best Piercers in The San Diego Area

Birdie and Josh are our dynamic piercing duo, two highly-skilled professionals dedicated to providing you with a seamless piercing experience. They bring decades of experience, unwavering dedication to their craft, and great personalities known for friendliness and care for each client.

Birdie: Our Bubbly Shop Mom

For baby ear piercings and female clients preferring a female piercer for nipple piercings, please text Birdie at the number above to schedule in advance.

Birdie is not only one of the best piercing artists in Escondido and San Diego… She’s also a source of comfort for all our clients. Her ability to make everyone feel at ease before they get pierced is one of the many reasons why clients keep coming back. She can pierce just about anything with a gentle touch and reassuring smile. 

For the ladies who prefer a female piercer for privacy reasons, and moms seeking a calm and non-stressful experience for their baby’s first piercings, Birdie is the go-to professional.

She is a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This professional training builds upon her talents in working with clients with anxiety or other unique circumstances requiring special care and attention.

Josh: Our OG Piercer

With over 8 years of piercing experience under his belt, Josh has become an integral part of our team, ensuring every client walks away with a beautifully placed piercing. In fact, Birdie learned from Josh as his apprentice many years ago. 

His methodical and meticulous approach to piercing has made him a favorite among clients looking for a quick and easy piercing delivered flawlessly with a gentle touch.

Reviews from Our Happy Piercing Clients

Gabriela Carlos
Such a fun place, super welcoming and nice! Birdie pierced my septum and she was so so so sweet, thorough, and fast! An amazing job and so glad I chose this place to go!! 100% recommend
Crissy Buchan
Katelyn is super talented. I went in wanting a delicate bow with my daughters’ names, and she absolutely nailed it — the line work is clean, feminine, and perfectly placed.

And the vibe? 10/10. Everyone in the studio was so kind and welcoming. From the second I walked in, I felt comfortable and taken care of.

Great artist. Great energy. Great place. Already planning my next one. 💁🏼‍♀️✨
Trevor Tanner
Kurt did a great job, spoke over text with what I wanted and he free handed a design and it came out great.
Tommy Yelland
Fantastic crew here! My brother and I walked and in and had an awesome experience the entire time. Matthias did an amazing job, he’s the literal best!
Katie Woff
this was my 4th time in the past year getting tattooed by Melissa & I would have it no other way! She has tattooed both of my hands at this point & just finished my third largest piece I’ve gotten in 11 years & im obsessed. She is so easy to trust & I love her style & everything about the experience- it is so important to go to people you would recommend to others & I standby this & can’t wait for my next tattoo with her at golden child! 🙂
WhyMaxey
Got my septum done here and it was a 10/10 experience! Very friendly and welcoming would recommend.
Hatim
Josh did a phenomenal job piercing my 6 month olds ear. Patient, professional, hygienic, and really allowed us a safe and easy space to discuss the exact markings for her piercings. 5 months later and the piercings healed up very well.
Lucia Rodriguez
We traveled from Arizona to Golden Child Tattoo and Piercing to have our daughter's ears pierced by Birdie and are so happy we did. Birdie is a professional who is an expert at what she does, and it is evident in her mannerism and show she manages the piercing experience. In addition, she's kind and a great communicator who explains what is going to happen throughout the process. Would 1,000% recommend her to anyone looking for piercings!
Emily Young
Okay guys this place is the best place everyone is so friendly and welcoming ♥️ I’ve been to other places and haven’t felt as comfortable as i did here 11/10🤩😏 I will be coming back fs ! I came with birdie to get my 23 month olds ears repierced and she was so patient with my daughter she was so sweet , My daughter did not cry much she felt relaxed as well You guys have to come here if your getting your kids ears pierced or just for anything they are the best !! The music was such a vibe oh and such a clean shop 😍 Thanks Birdie for everything and for your patience with my daughter 💋♥️ Thanks for having me GCT!!
Kimberlyn Chavez
Very clean and friendly. Josh was professional and attentive. He made my daughter and myself feel comfortable and relaxed. Great vibes.
dina
Love all my piercings (and tattoos thank u kat) people are nice and Josh explains everything rlly well
Caiya Regalado
I had an amazing time here! This was my first tattoo. Kurt did an amazing job! It is exactly what I wanted! Had a great time!
Sommer Mullen
My daughter got her eyebrow pierced by Josh! He’s amazing! We get all piercing done there! Birdie is great too
Maxine Slattery
This business was very professional; staff communicated consistently and respectfully, the establishment was clean and orderly, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. The design process was very flexible and my artist helped me get to an affordable design. She offered me plenty of breaks during my session and send me photos afterwards!! I will definitely be coming back 🙂
Danielle Bailey
I took my 9 year old daughter to get her ears pierced with Birdie. It was a great experience! My daughter has noise sensitivity and Birdie worked with me to come in at a time that the shop would be quieter. She also had the music lowered without being asked. She was kind and patient with my daughter who was very nervous. 10/10!
Ashley De Jonghe
Got 2 small tattoos by Kurt and he was amazing! Super quick, super efficient, and even added his own expert opinion in to make me feel more comfortable. He was wonderful and kept the price super affordable. Thank you guys! I’m definitely coming back.
Had such a great experience with Kurt/tatzila! He was so nice an accommodating, his line work was so impressive!! Will definitely be coming back, this was a great 18th birthday present!!
I had not been tattooed in 27 years so to say I was nervous would be an understatement. I met Kurt aka tatzilla, he walked me through the process from design to tattoo day. He designed a one of a kind piece and I’m beyond thrilled with the outcome. He kept me calm during the session when it seemed like too much. He’s a professional at every level. Tattoo came out amazing, if you need world class work go ask for Kurt or tatzilla.
Nora Smith
I went to see Birdie for piercings I have wanted for over 15 years and she made me feel so comfortable and walked me through everything. The shop is clean, courteous and I will be back for a tattoo and new piercings in the future!
Michelle Owens
I got my daith and conch pierced by Josh, and I’m so happy with them! Everything about the process was super quick and easy. I asked for his advice on placement, and I’m glad I took it. My husband also got a finger tattoo by Kristine! She was super friendly, professional, and attentive to what he wanted. Her line work is insanely perfect. The shop is clean and full of life, with good vibes and great people! Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to get a tattoo or piercing (or both, because why not??). We’ll definitely be back!
Riley McShane
I had a great experience here with Kurt! He took on a super ambitious project on short notice and absolutely knocked it out of the park. He tattooed me for 7 hours straight and never lost his steam - he kept the vibe very calm, was great with conversation, and even took some brief pauses to help guide me through the process when the pain was getting to me. Fantastic artist, super nice guy; I’d recommend him to anyone and will definitely be returning to him in the future.
Badass, chill, fast, and fun flash tattoo.
Kurt @ golden child tattoo added personal touches to his flash creation and has such crisp beautiful line work. Def . Coming back.
Jenni Tanksley
Kurt is awesome. A perfectionist and it shows in his work. I told him what I wanted, showed him some pictures and he made them even better. I am so happy with my new tattoos. Already planning more with him.
Everyone is so nice and friendly. I would highly recommend this shop.
Kurt was so personable and professional!! He went above and beyond to make my idea come to life, with artistic suggestions to make it even better! I would 100% recommend him to anyone!
alex pipa
Very professional and attentive staff, I will come back with my friend and daughter soon for piercing. Thank you!
Experience safe, professional ear piercing at Golden Child Tattoo & Piercing in San Diego. Our expert team creates a welcoming environment for all ages.

Why Golden Child Stands Out

Curious why so many clients rave about our piercing services? Here’s why Golden Child continues to lead as one of the best piercing studios in San Diego:

San Diego’s Best Piercing Shop

We’re not only Escondido’s top-rated piercing shop clients from all over San Diego seek us out for our professionalism, body-safe practices, and genuine client care. We’ve built a reputation rooted in precision, trust, and artistry.

A Stress-Free, Supportive Environment

We understand the anxieties that can come with getting a piercing. With stress balls, treats, and a genuinely caring team, we ensure your experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Quality and Variety in Jewelry

Explore our handpicked collection of premium jewelry crafted from implant-grade titanium and solid gold. Whether you want minimalist studs or bold, gem-set pieces, we offer some of the best selection and style guidance in San Diego.

Unparalleled Hygiene and Safety

We prioritize your safety, adhering to rigorous hygiene standards and using only surgical-quality titanium and 14+ karat gold jewelry.

What to Expect: The Piercing Experience

From consultation to aftercare, we’re with you every step of the way. Our process reflects why many consider Golden Child a standout among San Diego piercing places.

Piercing Safety, Healing, and Aftercare

Your health is our top priority. We follow industry-leading standards to ensure a safe and sterile piercing experience. It’s what makes us one of the best piercing shops San Diego has to offer.

Ready to experience the art of body piercing with San Diego's best?

Our expert team ensures every piece of jewelry sits perfectly and every experience is positive and memorable. Whether you’re here for your first piercing or your tenth, with our expert piercers, you’re in safe and skilled hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment or reach out with questions?

If you don’t have a preferred piercing artist or aren’t sure which one is right for you, you can reach out to the shop directly here and we’ll help you find your perfect piercing artist:

Contact Us About Piercings

If you know who you’re interested in working with, you can use the link below to reach out directly to our piercing staff with questions and appointment requests:

Piercing Artist Contact Info

While we welcome walk-ins for people 18 or older, scheduling an appointment is recommended to guarantee a piercer’s availability. For under-18 piercings, we ask you to schedule an appointment in advance. Appointments ensure a dedicated slot for your piercing experience. We like to provide a personalized experience from jewelry selection to piercing to aftercare guidance. Scheduling appointments helps us provide you with the most rewarding experience possible. That said, we cut no corners and will do our best to fit you in ASAP if you prefer to walk in.

Wait times can vary as we operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, those with appointments will be given priority to minimize any wait.

We operate as a cash-only establishment. For scheduled appointments, we accept deposits via Venmo or Zelle to secure your slot.

Our piercing prices begin at $55, which includes a standard titanium piece. The cost may vary depending on the piercing’s location and the choice of jewelry. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing and high-quality materials, ensuring you get the best value for your investment with absolutely no compromising when it comes to safety, the quality of your jewelry, or the accuracy of your piercing’s placement.

 

We offer a selection of titanium jewelry, both internally threaded and push-in pieces, as well as 14k gold in white and yellow. We carry brands including BVLA, Buddha Jewelry, Neometal, Metal Mafia, LeRoy Jewelers, and more. Custom jewelry orders are also welcome, and we’ll guide you through the pre-order process.

To maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, we do not use outside jewelry for initial piercings.

Yes, we can do ear piercings at any age, including babies. For other piercings not in private areas, we treat it on a case-by-case basis, but the typical minimum is 12 years old. Parents must be present. We encourage you to reach out to discuss further.

If you’re 18 or older, please bring your own valid photo ID for verification. Any individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian with a valid photo ID.

Absolutely! We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions post-piercing to ensure optimal healing. Our piercers are also available for follow-up questions or concerns, offering their contact information for your peace of mind. We also provide detailed instructions here.

It depends on placement. Earlobes typically heal in 6–8 weeks, while cartilage and body piercings can take 3–12 months. We’ll give you detailed healing timelines during your visit.

Contact Our Piercing Team

Have questions for our expert piercing team?

While you can call or submit the form here and we’ll get you squared away promptly, you can also connect directly with our lead piercer, Josh. Info below. Note: please text before calling.

We Are Currently:

Open

Our Hours:

Mon

12 pm - 7 pm

Tue

12 pm - 7 pm

Wed

12 pm - 7 pm

Thu

12 pm - 7 pm

Fri

12 pm - 7 pm

Sat

12 pm - 8 pm

Sun

12 pm - 6 pm

Stop In!

We’re at 505 W. Washington Ave in Escondido, CA, 30 minutes from downtown San Diego:

Contact Our Piercing Team

Connect Directly With A Piercing Artist

Know who you want to work with? Or have questions for one of the piercing artists before you decide?

While you can call or submit the form here and we’ll get you squared away promptly, you can also connect directly with a piercer.

Below are their details. Note: please text them before calling.