Types of Navel Rings
Belly piercings are one of the most popular body adornments. They're safer than many other piercings, and are easily hidden under clothing during work hours. This very feminine piercing signifies strength, with an emphasis on power and energy during motherhood. In fact, the body jewelry industry has kept up with the changing female body, now producing jewelry specially made for the pregnant belly. Does this Spark an idea?
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About Navel Piercings
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Navel, or belly button, piercings have both ritual and cosmetic significance. In Middle Eastern culture, the navel is believed to be an energy center, or chakra. This belly chakra helps support childbirth and lends power to the body. Today, many people get the jewelry in a celebration of this very feminine area.
A piercer will use one of three types of jewelry in a navel piercing. They include the popular captive ball ring, the curved barbell (also called a "banana bell") and the spiral. Navel jewelry is often adorned with dangling charms, and can also be attached to a belly chain.
Navel Ring Materials
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Most common navel rings are crafted from stainless steel. However, this eye-catching piece of body adornment comes in a range of metals, including titanium, white and yellow gold and acrylic. The ball bearings on the ends carry a large visual impact, and come in all sorts of colors and designs. Balls are available with Swarovski crystals, semi-precious and precious gems, or in clay; there are also glass and acrylic plastic beads. Silver jewelry should be avoided, since it's very porous, soft and infection-friendly.
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Belly Ring Shapes
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As stated before, navel rings come in three basic forms. The curved belly bar is the most common variety. The non-protruding shape and easy bar shape makes insertion and wear simple for most piercing fans. Captive ball rings are very attractive and simple, with a small shape that is also quite discreet. The spiral is an advanced shape that takes some skill to insert, so it's more rare.
The biggest problem with navel rings is accidental pulling and tugging. The barbell is less likely to get caught than the other shapes, but can still become snagged on clothing or bath towels. Wearers must be careful to avoid surprise yanking, since too much can lead to rejection of the piercing altogether.
Pregnancy Belly Piercings
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Surgical plastic belly bars were created for belly button piercing fans who became pregnant and lost their bodywork. Unlike metal barbells, the plastic stem is cut to fit the particular stretch of the expectant mother's stomach. The ball bearings simply pop onto the ends of the bar, and can detach in case of sudden movement or expansion of the skin. With this jewelry, the integrity of the piercing is preserved, and the mother can resume wearing normal metal jewelry after birth.
Charms and Add-Ons
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Navel rings look nice when left plain, but are set off with the addition of a dangling charm. Jewelry companies make charms in all sorts of shapes, including stars, hearts and dice. There are also trademarked charms for sports teams, Playboy and other familiar brands. More adventurous navel piercing owners can combine their jewelry with a waist chain. Although this style is popular with belly dancers and beach denizens, wearing one increases the risk of accidental pulling quite a bit. It may be best to leave the chains for special occasions.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit 2006 mmmarilyn / Creative Commons
