History

• Earrings, probably the most popular body jewelry, are thought to have come from western Asia around 3000 BC. Everyday use of earrings has been recorded on coins, vase illustrations and terra-cotta figurines.
  
  In the 1930s, earrings were transformed with the clip-on invention. This fastened earrings tighter than screw-ons. As a result, clip-ons became trendier for several decades.
  
  Becoming light and slick, earring design developed more in the 1950s, when they began to move. And in the 1960s, earrings were starting to be worn for fun or as symbols of freedom to express ones self.
  
  Another popular body jewelry piece, the navel ring, has been around since the time of the Aztecs. They were also common among the Incas, Egyptians and other ancient tribes. Navel piercings indicated one's status, courage in battle or a spiritual connection with gods.
  
  

Significance

• Mursi tribe woman with lip plate
  
  Body piercing was used as rites of passage in some earlier societies and a symbol of status in society. Piercing on different body parts had different meanings. For example, nose piercings in the 16th century was adopted by Indian noble castes; the type of jewelry work characterized the individual caste and social status.
  
  In Mayan and Aztec cultures, shamans and high priests pierced their tongues as a ritual to communicate with their gods. Nipple piercings were believed to be a sign of strength and endurance; those in Central America would pierce their nipples to indicate the transition to manhood.
  
  In ancient Egyptian civilization, only Pharohs and their families were allowed to pierce their navels. However, if a lower-class girl had the "perfect belly button," she was sometimes permitted to have it pierced, thus raising her social status.
  
  

Types

• Example of curved barbell
  
  Body jewelry used for body piercing is based on a straight line, a type of barbell or a circle. Several people choose what is aesthetically appealing. The most common kind of ring jewelry worn is a captured bead ring, where the jewelry wire is bent nearly into a circle, and the two ends squeezed into an aptly-sized bead, holding it into place.
  
  The curved barbell is capped with two beaded ends. It's less of a circle than the captured bead ring and has free ends, one with a fixed close and one threaded for jewelry removal. Differences of curved barbells have been in use long enough to have their own names, including banana bar or an L-bar.
  
  

Function

• Reasons for getting body jewelry vary as much as the individuals who get them. Some think body jewelry is attractive in its own way. Other people use it to make a statement or to express themselves; others use it to show their attitude toward a conservative society. Still others use it to designate membership in certain groups or to commemorate a special moment in life.
  
  

Warning

• Common issues that could occur include infection where the piercing is; this risk is increased more with other health risks. Infections can possibly be critical, life-threatening and include your entire body.
  
  Another risk is tearing the skin, which can create scar tissue. Other problems can come from the kind of body jewelry used, including allergies to metals. Therefore, you should only use hypoallergenic jewelry, and for new piercings, use stainless steel, gold, platinum, niobium and titanium. Also, be sure to use a sterile method; if you don't there is a likelihood of spreading potentially life-threatening diseases.