Body Jewelry

There is a piece of jewelry out there for almost any body part you can think of. Many of these come in non-piercing versions for those unwilling to punch an extra hole in their skin. But for a lot of people, the authenticity of a piercing is the only way to go for a body decoration. Many body adornments have their roots in tribal rituals, where people always got pierced to wear jewelry. (It’s also hard to imagine how some pieces of body jewelry would stay put if they weren’t nailed in!) Popular body parts used for jewelry include:

• Navel (belly button)
• Tongue
• Lip
• Eyebrow
• Nose
• Genitals—labia, scrotum, penis, clitoris
• Earlobe (Don’t forget, earrings are body jewelry too!)

It’s unwise to try to do a piercing yourself, or even with the help of a friend—unless that friend owns a tattoo parlor. If you’re interested in getting a body piercing, go to a professional. Most jewelry stores that offer ear piercing will also do nose and belly button piercing—these can usually be found at the mall or shopping center. For the more out-there stuff, you will probably have to find a tattooing shop or a place that specializes in body jewelry. Many specialize in both. Before you get it done, take a look around the store to make sure the equipment is clean and the staff knowledgeable and friendly.
Pros and Cons of Body Jewelry

A piece of jewelry in an unusual place can be a beautiful thing. It’s a good ice-breaker for conversations, and it can allow you to express your style in a unique way. And don’t forget that many people find body jewelry quite sexy. But think hard before you get that piercing! It’s forever, so once you have it, it’s too late to change your mind about how cool it looks. Taking poor care of it can result in infections and a lot of pain. If it’s on (or in) your face, your boss may forbid you to wear it while on the job. If you do not have a job, it could keep you from getting hired.