This particular body jewelry is one of the most popular piercings in today’s society. Young girls love to spice up their outfits with these sparkly pieces of jewelry. The rings come in a big variety of colors, styles and types and with enough selection to wear a new one with every outfit.

Do you know where these little navel jewels got their start? Most believe that belly button rings are a relatively new trend. In fact, there is no evidence of such body jewelry prior to the invention and popularity of the bikini. It got it’s start in the early 1950s and bikini’s started out as something that was viewed as a negative showmanship of a woman’s body.  But today, almost every woman on the beach is wearing a bikini.

Although no one knows for sure when belly button rings were actually invented, they broke out into the media when a famous supermodel came onto the runway of a London Fashion show wearing a ring in her belly button. Not long after, Supermodel Naomi Campbell displayed her new fashion sense as well! She donned a golden stud navel ring and the belly button ring trend was born.

Now thousands of teenagers are getting their navels decked out with the piercings every day. The jewelry is popular in foreign countries as well as in the United States. India, especially, is known for its dangling jewels and sparkly studs. The culture dictates this as an acceptable and even promoted style so many girls wear belly button rings. In the United States girls get their navels pierced to add spark to their belly and give it a little spice. Try out this new accessory today and your belly could thank you for blinging it up!

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.