Body Piercing Jewelry

When choosing which piercing to get for your next body modification, there is an entire world of body piercing jewelry available to choose from.

Body Piercing Jewelry Types

There are many different types of body piercing jewelry out there, ranging from heavily decorative 14kt. gold rings to simple stainless steel studs. Depending on the part of your body that is being pierced, you can choose from a range of metals, colors and styles in order to suit your own budget and taste. Body jewelry can be grouped into one of three categories:

Barbells

This type of body jewelry is seen most frequently in tongue, eyebrow, navel and some nose piercings. The barbell type of jewelry can be straight with balls at each end (to keep the jewelry in place) or curved. If the barbell is slightly curved, such as is seen in an eyebrow piercing, it can also be called a banana barbell. If it is fully curved into a circular shape, it is known as a circular or horseshoe barbell. You can find barbell jewelry in gauges from small (20 ga) to large (0 ga).

Captive Bead Rings

Captive bead rings, or CBRs, are the most common type of body piercing jewelry. These rings are made so that they are not fully continuous, and are secured at the base with a bead that either snaps or screws in. They are used for most types of piercings, from ears, nipples, eyebrows, nostrils, and any other place you can think of. Also available from very small gauges to large sizes (used for earlobe stretching), CBRs are also found in many different diameters.

Studs

Studs comprise the rest of the types of body jewelry, and they include labret studs (a type of lip piercing) as well as nose studs and other small piercing jewelry. This type of jewelry is often used when a small piece is required, where a ring would not fit or look attractive. Studs can be found that have spikes, colorful stones and figural designs, such as flowers, on their heads.

Body Jewelry Materials

Body piercing jewelry can be made in a variety of materials:

• Surgical Stainless Steel - best for fresh piercings, this material causes the least allergic reactions and allows new piercings to heal.
• 14kt. Gold - good for healed piercings, this material adds a touch of class to belly rings and other piercings.
• Nobium - this metal can come in a variety of colors, and is often used to make a piercing more noticeable.
• Titanium - this metal can also be colored, and is strong and light, but more expensive than other metals.
• Sterling Silver - this metal is sometimes used for earrings and nose studs, but is not recommended for fresh piercings or for people who have metal sensitivities.

Where to Get Body Jewelry

Online, places like Steel Navel offer large selections of body jewelry in many different metals and styles. You can also search stores like Hot Topic and Piercing Pagoda in the mall, but their selections may be limited. Finally, perhaps the best place to get jewelry for your body piercing is from your piercing shop itself - your piercer will know the best jewelry for your modification.

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