Frequently Asked Questions

About us…

We are small, by-appointment tattoo studio located in Wilmington, NC. We welcome every race, ethnicity, gender, etc.. and do not promote hatred or prejudice of any kind. You must be 18 years old to be tattooed in North Carolina, and will be asked for an ID upon entering. No, parent permission does not count.

How do I choose an artist?

Before you request an appointment, please check out our portfolios: at Triple Gem we do not do every style of tattooing and our artists styles vary. There are enough generalist tattoo shops to ensure an artist for every taste but at Triple Gem we achieve best results by creating tattoos that suit our skillsets. Like what you see? Drop us a line!

How does pricing work?

We price on a timed meter at $150 per hour. The meter goes on when the actual tattooing starts and is paused for breaks. Our shop minimum is $100.

Can i get a price estimate?

Estimating how much a tattoo will cost is a tricky endeavor. It is almost impossible to determine how long a tattoo will take, because of a variety of factors that cannot all be predetermined. There is an in-person and often times collaborative process that takes place at the appointment, where changes often occur. Tattoos are not a product that can be priced as easily as an item on a shelf. They are a piece of art that can last a lifetime. If you are on a tight budget, a good rule of thumb would be to wait and save.

Can I bring a friend?

You are welcome to bring one friend to the appointment at this time. Please do not bring a group with you unless everyone has an appointment. Please note, we are a small intimate studio.

Is it rude to bring headphones?

Not at all. If jamming out to your own thing is what you like to do when you get tattooed, then bring your favorite earbuds and enjoy the process.

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

Eat something beforehand, preferably something on the healthy side. You can also bring a snack with you to have during a break. Clear your schedule - especially for a larger or more intricate piece. Every piece requires different preparation, and sometimes in-person collaboration with a client is necessary. It may take a while to make the design and placement just right, so please don’t have other stuff planned that day, unless your getting something super simple/small.


Why am I being asked for a deposit?

A non-refundable deposit will be asked for at the time of booking. This holds the spot in the calendar and will go toward the price of the tattoo.

I filled out a tattoo request. Where is my reply?

Thanks for the request! The reply will go to the email address that you provide in the form. Please allow a few days for a response. If after 5 days you have not heard back, feel free to contact your artist again.

Can I purchase a gift certificate?

At this time, we are not offering gift certificates. We like to review/assess each tattoo request before booking. Gift cards sometimes lock the artists or clients into an appointment that may not be the best fit.

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