About Belly Rings

Overview

Belly rings are a relatively modern invention popularized by super models and singers such as Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Madonna. Following this trend, many teenage girls and young women opt to have a belly ring. It is very important to select a professional piercer, the right kind and grade of jewelry for a belly ring, and to know how to care for the ring to ensure good health.

History and Culture

Contrary to popular belief, belly rings were not common in ancient civilizations. Women acquired sexual liberation in many Western countries in the latter part of the twentieth century through the birth of the bikini, the birth control pill and the acceptability of showing off their bodies in public. In the early 1990s, belly rings began to emerge among female celebrities, and many young women followed suit.

Procedure

A belly ring is usually worn through a piercing in the upper part of the belly button. The procedure for the piercing is simple and should only take a few minutes if done professionally. The upper part of the belly button is sterilized, marked and then pierced with a needle. The belly ring is fitted and pushed through after the needle.

Where to Go

The Association of Professional Piercers maintains standards for hygiene and safety. Check the experience, qualifications and safety standards of a piercer before getting a belly ring. Anyone under 18 usually needs parental consent for any type of piercing, including belly rings. Check with individual piercers in each state about local requirements.

Grades of Jewelry

Belly rings are made from various grades of stainless steel, silver, gold and titanium. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) independently grades many materials.

Implant grade stainless steel, approved by the ASTM, is acceptable for belly ring jewelry. It is reasonably priced and safe for belly rings. Silver is recommended only for healed piercings. Gold should be a minimum of 18 karats for new piercings and a minimum of 14 karat for healed piercings. Titanium should be of the highest quality to avoid infection.

Healing and Irritation

Belly ring piercings take longer to heal than almost any other type of piercing. Average healing time is four months to a year. A belly ring piercing needs daily cleaning with a mild antibacterial soap solution. To avoid skin irritation, wear loose-fitting clothing in the belly ring area until it is completely healed.