What is the best metal to get ears pierced with?

Surgical or stainless steel. As long as it's sterile, it shouldn't make a difference. Unless you're allergic to silver, like me, you'll be fine. They know what they're doing. Don't worry(:

The best kind is surgical steel. It doesn't seem that Claire's has that (it didn't really say-- just had gold).

And I know you didn't want anyone to harp you, but Claire's is really not the way to go with piercings. I've gotten pierced there one time and the holes got pretty infected (and I cleaned them properly). I don't understand why your mom won't take you to a professional piercer? They're safer. If they're just your lobes, then I guess it's fine, but if you ever want to get a cartilage, Claire's is actually dangerous because they use a gun, which is not at all meant for cartilage piercings (it shatters the cartilage). Just saying.

If you are not legal to get it done by a professional with a needle at a parlor you are not legal to get it done at Claires. You need to be 18 with valid proof of age via state id or with a parent or legal guardian which a parlor could do it for you then as well. Guns hold bacteria from use to use you sign a form stating that if you get an infection or worse from the piercing you can no sue. Im just saying if you are able to get it done at Claires you are able to get it professionally done at a parlor and not by some kid with a part time job and a 30 min training on piercing.

To finally answer your question,

Professionals will use surgical steel to pierce and stainless steel as the jewelry.