Interested in jewelry for the body that goes beyond the usual? Why not consider some alternative styles?
About Jewelry for the Body
The term "body jewelry" or jewelry for the body is usually used to describe types of jewelry that are an alternative to standard earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Once thought of as strictly counter-culture, body jewelry is more mainstream than ever before. Let's look at some fabulous styles.
Belly Jewelry
Belly Chains
Belly chains are definitely not just for belly dancers. This jewelry for the body is one of the hottest fashion accessories to wear with swimsuits and crop tops. If you want to really show off your waistline, this is a fun and sexy way to do it.Most belly chains are adjustable with a decorative dangle, but some do come in definite sizes. To find your size, measure around your waist just slightly below your navel, leaving just enough room to comfortably insert your finger between the tape measure and your skin. Ideally, your chain should drape slightly from your hips to just under your navel.
Navel Rings
Navel rings are another hot type of jewelry for the body. Piercing has become immensely popular in recent years, and people are always looking for a new place to bejewel and bedazzle.Belly button piercings are usually done in the area just above the navel, and it always looks better if you have a really good "innie". "Outies" tend to push the jewelry forward, and that makes it more likely to catch on your clothing.
Foot Jewelry
Toe Rings
As the old nursery rhyme goes, "Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes". Toe rings are just plain fun and anyone can wear them from children to seniors.Toe rings are open, rather than closed like most finger rings. You simply slip one around your toe instead of over it, and give it a gentle squeeze for a more snug fit.
Toe rings are really meant to wear when you're barefoot or wearing sandals, otherwise no one gets to see how cool your feet look.
Ankle Bracelets
Ankle bracelets drape just above the ankle bones, and are an often overlooked piece of jewelry for the body. Styles vary from delicate chains, to chunky beadwork and even corded macrame.
Barefoot Sandals
This body jewelry is a hybrid of the toe ring and the ankle bracelet. Beaded strands stretch from a toe anchor and secure around your ankle. It almost looks like the top of a thong sandal, except there are no bottoms.
Facial Jewelry
Nose Rings
Nose rings are worn through the outer portion of the nostrils.Although hoops and barbells can be used, many people prefer the nose screw for easy insertion/removal and cleaning. Nose screws look a little like post earrings, but instead of a clasp, the end of the post has a small screw section that winds into the piercing and holds the jewelry in place.
Lip Rings
Lip rings are another type of body piercing jewelry.
Styles include:
- Labrets- These are very similar to post-style pierced earrings, but the clasp on the back is rounded to keep it from damaging your teeth and gums. When it comes to the visible portion of the labret, anything goes and you can choose any design that appeals to your personal sense of style.
- Lip rings- These are very similar to standard hoop earrings.
- Barbells- These look just like tiny versions of the body building equipment they're named for. One end of the barbell unscrews, and the bar portion passes through the piercing hole. Screw the end back on and you're ready to go.
Tongue Rings
The name of this body jewelry is a bit of a misnomer since tongue rings are usually barbells or labrets.
Tongue rings are not for the timid. This is one of the most painful piercings to endure, and takes months to properly heal.
Conclusion
As you can see, there's a whole other world of jewelry for the body to explore beyong standard necklaces and earrings. If you've limited yourself to traditional selections in the past, maybe it's time to try something new.
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