• Earrings: Earrings are the most common and social acceptable forms of wearing body jewelry.  The oldest and original ear piercing is at the bottom of the lobe but individuals have become more creative and daring and now pierce up the sides of their ears and even on the inside.
• Navel: Navel piercings, also known as belly button rings have become nearly as popular and acceptable as earrings. As girls (and guys) wish to draw attention to their midsections, wearing an eye-catching piece of body jewelry around the naval has become extremely popular
• Nose: Nose piercings were once thought of to be only for the rebellious teens of the 1980’s, they are however, becoming more acceptable depending on the type and the placement. Wearing a small ring in the side of one’s nostril is less daring than it once was and it’s now becoming socially acceptable, even in the corporate world.
• Eyebrow: Another common way to wear body jewelry, the eyebrow piercing is popular among those in their late teens and early twenties. Barbells and hoops are common pieces to wear in this piercing.
• Tongue: Tongue piercings are another way to wear body jewelry that has gain popularity due to the ease in which you can hide the piercing.

Body jewelry is a popular way to express one’s self in a non-permanent matter. Many piercings are easily coverable, allowing a person to express themselves outside of the workplace while remaining professional during business hours.

Wherever the tradition began, navel rings are very popular today, especially among young women.  The ability to easily hide or conceal the belly button ring, especially during the healing process, has really led to the piercing’s popularity.

The name “navel piercing” is not exactly accurate, however.  Actually, the rim above the navel is where the piercing is located.  Of course, a person can pierce the skin on the bottom and sides of the navel as well.

A belly button or navel is usually pierced with a barbell because they allow for the easiest healing process.  Navel piercings have their own special kind of barbells, though.  Because of their slightly curved design, they are often called “bananabells” or “bananabars.”

Body jewelry is measured by “gauges.” Navel piercings are usually done with a 14 Gauge barbell which is the same as 1/16’.  The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) states that no greater than 14 GA body jewelry may be used in piercings below the neck.  This is to prevent the risk of a negative reaction or skin tearing.

A standard belly button ring is 3/8” long, but people sometimes use a longer barbell at the time of piercing to allow room for the area to swell slightly. The balls on a standard navel ring are usually two different sizes; the top ball is 5 mm in diameter while the bottom ball is 8 mm in diameter.

There are, of course, risks involved in having one’s belly button pierced.  The most common risks include pain at the piercing site, swelling, scarring and infection.  To minimize your risk, make certain that the piercer uses sterilized tools in a sterilized environment.

Healing can take anywhere from four months to one year.  There are many things that affect the healing process of a navel ring:  sweat, shirt fabric, overall health, care and quality of jewelry.  Only 316L and 316LVM surgical steel are approved as “implant grade” materials by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Belly button rings are becoming more and more popular and it’s important to people take great care of these piercings.  They are considered beautiful and a great way to add to one’s personal style. If you’re interested in getting this type of piercing, make sure you know all the risks and benefits before doing so.