The healing time for a belly button piercing can vary from person to person but typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. This extended healing period is due to the location of the piercing, as the navel area experiences constant movement and friction. During the initial stages, it's crucial to follow proper aftercare routines to prevent complications. This includes cleaning the piercing daily, avoiding tight clothing, and refraining from swimming in pools or hot tubs until the piercing is fully healed.
While belly button piercings are generally safe, infections can occur if proper care is not taken. Symptoms of an infected belly button piercing may include redness, swelling, pus discharge, and increased pain. If you suspect an infection, it's essential to seek medical advice promptly. To prevent infections, always wash your hands before touching the piercing, avoid submerging it in unclean water, and use a saline solution to clean the area.
Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, using a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap, clean the area around the piercing gently. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and delay the healing process. Pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper towel or a lint-free cloth. Remember to avoid rotating or twisting the jewelry during the cleaning process, as this can introduce bacteria and cause irritation. Proper cleaning is a vital aspect of belly button piercing aftercare.
The cost of a belly button piercing can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the piercing studio's reputation, and the type of jewelry you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £15 to £35 for the piercing procedure itself. This cost may or may not include the initial jewelry, so be sure to inquire about pricing details with your chosen studio.
When it comes to selecting jewelry for your new belly button piercing, consider options like silver or gold, depending on your style and budget. While silver and gold are popular choices for their elegance, surgical steel is often recommended for its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to corrosion. The choice ultimately boils down to your personal preference and skin sensitivity.
Changing or upgrading your navel jewelry is an exciting part of the piercing journey. However, it's crucial to wait until your piercing is fully healed, typically within 6 to 12 months, before experimenting with new jewelry styles. Opt for jewelry that complements your unique style and personality, be it opal-studded belly rings, dangling charms, or simple and elegant studs.
Addressing common issues like infections or migration is an essential aspect of navel piercing care. If you suspect any problems, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately. Swift action can prevent complications and ensure a safe healing process.
In conclusion, belly button piercings are a popular choice for self-expression. When considering a belly button piercing, take into account the healing time, potential infections, and the importance of proper cleaning. Additionally, research the costs associated with the procedure and jewelry selection, keeping in mind the wide variety of materials available. By following these guidelines, you can embark on your journey into the world of navel jewelry with confidence and style.
Check our Navel Jewelry
4 Gold Septum Rings Trends for a Modern and Trendy Style 2022
The gold septum ring has gained huge popularity over the past few years. Regardless of whether faux or real, it exclusively pops up on the faces of passersby and celebrities. You can find them in different materials, colors, and styles.
Some of the prettiest and the most exclusive gold septum rings make the septum piercings look cool because of their versatility. These rings are no longer the accessories for the grungy and the edgy.
They are grandiose and dainty pieces with the ability to make the wearer stand out from the rest. They have their moment right now and are being tried and tested by everyone dying to look fashionable. Check out these four gold septum rings that are full of flair and originality.
Do not be surprised if they attract you to get under the needle:
Silver Omega
The best alternative to the traditional hoops, these septum rings have their own pizazz. They come as one of the surefire ways of taking your septum piercing to some other level altogether.
Try mixing and matching these pieces to create a more exclusive appearance. Believe it; you will get an appearance that others will find very difficult to copy. Fashionistas love every bit of these beautiful rings, and that's why they have caught up on the modern trend this 2022.
Septum to Chandelier Rings
The simple addition of a beautiful chain that connects to this chandelier-style earring offers this piece an elegant and exclusive appearance. As stunning as this piercing is, it is one style that fits every queen.
The intricate design of this ring makes it one of the most beautiful pieces for septum piercings. You will love how it flares through the nostrils perfectly. And yes, you cannot go wrong with septum jewelry that is as captivating as this simple yet subtle ring.
Golden Goddess
This is one gorgeous piece of septum jewelry you are sure to fall in love with. It will give you and your septum piercing a new lease of life. The ones available in the form of the septum to ear gauge chains are pieces you will not see regularly. This is what makes them completely exclusive.
The diamond stone-filled earrings in this category also look bling. Considering that diamonds are the best friends of a woman, these septum rings are a true winner.
Rings with Lovely Gems and Decorated Hoops
This is an otherwise plain septum ring adorned with colored gems. This septum ring comes as a refreshingly new and modern earring trend this season with all the silver and gold styles that we are so used to seeing regularly.
Decorated hoops are decorated with sufficient beads to stand out from the other septum ring varieties. These are intricate rings drawing attention to the lips.
Conclusion
If you are craving to add the septum piercing to your collecting right now, try decorating the piercing with the rare pieces of rings detailed above. With these statement pieces above, you can remain assured of getting heads turning towards you.
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It originated in Egypt but was then used in Greece and can be found in old Viking , Aztec, Hindu and Chinese tales.
It’s that time again - when we make promises we mostly fail to keep, even before we have chucked out the Xmas tree. Promises about what a super queen/king we will turn into this new year, as if we would get instant Cinderella powers to transform us. But the likelihood of actual winning the 153 million at Lotto is prob higher then us achieving those far fetched goals we have set ourselves. So maybe , just maybe this should be the year we change something . The year we are being a bit kinder to ourselves . The year we set small but reachable goals, instead of 5 am workouts 7 days a week. Because to be honest - both me and you know it’s a fail. Maybe it doesn’t need to be an eight pack we reach for, maybe a healthy workout routine which doesn’t involve flipping over tyres or jump onto boxes that’ are taller then us . Something we can actually follow, keep and that makes us feel good.
Maybe it’s to be more present, stress less, spend more time with our friends, enjoy more. Whatever your intention for the new year is-make it happen! Make your promise to stick to the new you, and we don’t mean just until Sunday night. Start to spread and share the message of a new kinder YOU . Be the inspiration.
Get yourself a necklaces to remind you of that intention. Or get one for someone you think needs it.
I know which one I will get both for myself and give. Our Be here now charm. The best intention and gift for myself and the ones around me. It’s a promise and by actually wearing it and seeing it, i will get my daily reminder. Last year I also got myself a charm as well as gave one to my best friend . It had “she believed she could so she did“ written on it . Created many smiles around but most of all it gave me super powers whenever I felt I couldn’t anymore.
Or as Cortney Love said :
“I’m not a woman. I’m a force of nature.”
Be unstoppable, be strong , be kind, be present!
Maybe we wont make it on to Forbes 100 richest list , claim the world title from Anthony Joshua or do a duet with Ed Sheran but achieving something that is more sustainable, that changes our every day that bigger things can manifest.
An Obourus / snake ring or necklace is the perfect symbol for rebirth and change. Or the lotus flower, which is born out of murky, dark waters and then transforming into this beautiful, inspiring flower.
A question we are frequently asked in our shops is how to stretch ear piercings safely and which materials are best to use. The truth is that this answer will vary person to person; some people find stretching easier than others and different materials more comfortable. Taking that into account we do have recommendations and guidelines based on both personal and professional experience.
HOW TO STRETCH:
The safest and easiest ways to start stretching are either tapering or dead stretching. Tapers can be conical expanders, a hook or a spiral shape. They usually enable stretches of 1-2mm by having a gradual change in gauge the further you push the taper into your ear. These can be decorative pieces worn as jewellery or just used as expanders to put a plug straight in afterwards. Dead stretching is the process of putting a larger piece of jewellery into the piercing; this is only advisable if it fits in without pressure otherwise you risk a blowout. This method works better when you have been at the previous size for a while and the piercing has loosened up. When doing any of these methods it is best to stretch after a hot shower or bath as your skin loosens up and has more elasticity, you should also use a natural oil or balm (such as coconut oil) as a lubricant to help the thicker jewellery be put in with ease. When done correctly there should be no discomfort when stretching, it is important to listen to your body and not rush it otherwise you may risk permanent damage and scarring.
Ear weights are not recommended for stretching as they can disfigure the piercing if worn for long periods of time.
RISKS:
If done too hastily or using the wrong materials, stretching can lead to blowouts, tears and infections. A blowout is when the skin is forced out of the back of the piercing, resulting in a significant amount of scar tissue and disfigurement in the piercing which is usually only reversed through a small surgical procedure. If the lobe is torn during stretching and you are wearing a porous material such as wood or acrylics, you risk your ear healing into the material and becoming stuck. There is also a danger of infection (as with any open wound) and this can become trapped in the ear and spread internally if the jewellery doesn’t allow the ear to breathe, something that happens with unnatural and sticky materials such as silicone.
Stretching your ears should only feel like a warm tight sensation, please do not force jewellery through and if you feel pain, stop and wait. Everyone takes different amounts of time to heal.
MATERIALS:
It is advisable not to use silicones or acrylics unless the piercing is fully healed, as they can be responsible for infections, bad odours and discomfort. Like synthetic materials, you are more likely to develop a smell from wearing metal plugs for extended periods of time. This can be avoided by taking out your jewellery in the shower and washing it - as well your lobes. Metals have a much less porous surface than organics and are advisable for healing stretched lobes.
Organic materials such as bone, horn, woods and stones are often the most comfortable as they allow your ears to breathe due to their porous surfaces, this also usually eliminates any smells. Organics tend to be a preference for most people for long term wear.
FLARES:
Plugs and tunnels have different options for flares. There is single or double flare. Single flared plugs have one end that is a larger gauge and the rest of the piece stays at a constant (a mushroom shape!), this is recommended for newly stretched ears that don’t have the flexibility to put in a double flared piece of jewellery. Double flare usually is one to two millimetres larger at both ends so that the plug is held in place and doesn’t fall out, the smallest diameter will be the size of your ear. When putting in a piece of double flared jewellery it is easiest to do so after a hot shower, it shouldn’t require force and is only appropriate if your piercing has been at that size for long enough to feel fully healed and no longer tight.
If you are a yogi or a yogini, you have probably heard the instructor telling you a certain asana is assisting in opening the heart chakra or in meditation that you visualise a certain chakra and maybe even colour. So what are the chakras, you might ask?
They are believed to be hundreds of chakras in the body but we have 7 chakras or energy centres that are the main ones. Each one is connected to a major organ or gland and also has its own colour which is connected to the vibrational frequency of that chakra. When the chakras are in balance we feel more confident, happier and creative.
Chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit. If you imagine each of the chakra points as a wheel that's spinning and pulls the energy inwards to its centre.
Every chakra is believed to have an energy vibration. The same way you can imagine if a chakra is “blocked” that it not only obstructs the energy to flow through that particular body part and point but also the flow through the other chakras. Each chakra is also connected to certain emotions it can certainly effect us on many levels, not only our physical well-being but by insecurities, fears etc which we then might pass on to our surroundings, friends and family. A blocked chakra might also make you feel anxious, tired, angry or suffer from poor digestion.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13433/warning-signs-your-chakras-are-out-of-balance.html
To restore the balance, you must first be aware of your feelings and then you can figure out which chakra needs balancing and stimulation.
There are various healing techniques, meditations, breathing work and asanas to try to improve the condition of your chakras.
http://consciouslifenews.com/best-healing-method-chakra/1133074/
Or why not try these yoga asanas to improve the balance between your chakras?
http://www.yogajournal.com/category/poses/anatomy/chakra-opening/
The first 5 chakras are connected to the earth elements. The other 2 chakras are thought to connect us beyond the earth and are instead connecting us to cosmic energy.
1. Root chakra (colour RED) - This is the Earth chakra positioned at the base of the spine, in the area of the tailbone. It is what is grounding us.
2. Sacral or pelvic chakra (colour Orange) - The Water element. At the lower abdomen, around 2 inches below the navel. This is the chakra of acceptance that gives us the ability to welcome others in our life and new situations. It is connected to our sexual organs and our creativity.
3. Solar Plexus chakra (colour Yellow) - Represents the Element Fire located in the upper abdomen. If in tune helps us to feel confident and in control of our situation.
4. Heart chakra (colour GREEN) - Represents the element AIR. Just above the heart but in the centre. Assists us in being able to Love , feeling compassion and acceptance.
7. Crown chakra (colour VIOLET or WHITE) - located just above the very top of the head. Helps us to connect to the cosmic energy. Gives us the ability to connect spiritually and to pure consciousness.
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The septum piercing today seems as popular as the belly piercing used to be back in the late 90's. Suddenly you see it everywhere, fake and real. Lady gaga is wearing one, as is Rihanna. Each celebrity responsible to make extreme the new mainstream. Now it is a world wide fashion but lets not forget the roots of it. And I am not referring to the punk scene.
The septum piercing is actually the second most common piercing among primitive tribes after the ear piercing. You can trace its history to Native American Indians, Indians, Bengalis as well as African tribes but probably most known for their septum piercings are the Kangi tribes of New Guinea. There to have the septum pierced by a pig's tusk is part of a boys journey towards adulthood, their initiation. In Bangladesh on the other hand its mainly women wearing the septum as a sign of being married and its made out of gold.
Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, it is not a tree since there is no bark, no branches, or secondary growth. A coconut takes around 11 to 12 months to reach maturity. Tribu's products come from Patchi and Licuri palms. Licuri palm is also called solitary palm of the Brazilian caatinga, being a characteristic of the north-east of the country. Licuri palms were described by an explorer of the new world, and its coconuts provides 90% of the diet to the Lear's Macaw, as well as it is traditional food for people from this region in Brazil. Coconuts are rich in iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, mineral salts, and beta-carotene. The colour of the coconut varies from a yellow-beige through mid and dark browns to almost black, depending on the stage of its development. Tribu use many different types of coconuts, carefully selected from all over the world for our different products. Rings and earrings are made from the puttee, a smaller relative of the coconut (each ring from a different nut) and belts from the larger coconut. However, we also have plugs, bracelets, hooks, and pendants made out of coconut shell.
Browse through the according categories and find the perfect item for you.
We have a vast range of products made up of water buffalo horn, including plugs, split plugs, hooks, split hooks, earrings, cuffs, rings, and pendants. Horn is an organic and biodegradable material that needs special care, such as being stored in a cool, dry place. Usually black but can also be translucent grey with an orange- or greenish tint. It polishes to a very shiny finish and is both strong and durable due to the fibrous structure of the material. Horn is made primarily from keratin fibrous material similar to that found in fingernails, hair and feathers. Our horn is sourced from the domestic water buffaloes, found in Africa and Asia. NOT to be confused with the great American buffalo, which is an endangered species. Water buffaloes are used as ploughs animals, as well as raised for milk and meat in some areas. The horn used to produce ornamental jewellery at Tribu is a by-product of these animals, they are not harmed or killed for the horn. In fact, these animals are treated with all the respect. By using the horn after they are dead is a way of giving importance and meaning to all their remains, rather than leave them to waste.
Horn has been used for centuries across a vast number of cultures as body adornments, as well as was one of the first materials being used for this purpose. As this is a natural product it needs special care and attention, in order to keep a charmed look throughout the times. However, it is good to have in mind that after prolonged wear, horn might lighten its colour. Some of the caring instructions include, cleaning before wearing, with a mild soap and water quickly, drying it immediately after washing, not soaking it. It is also recommended not to shower or swim with horn jewellery. At least twice a month oil it with coconut or jojoba oil, this will help preventing it from cracking. Also, avoid storing it in direct sunlight.
Browse through our horn categories and find item that suits you the most.
Bone is a semi-hard, porous organic material made of calcium phosphate and collagen fibre, it is quite light weighted, and can be carved into a variety of shapes. Bone products come in shades of outstanding light of white such as in ivory, to cream colour, with a similar finish to horn. It can be slightly brittle than horn, yet still a strong material. Equally to horn, bone is a by-product of domesticated animals. The bone used to produce Tribu's ornamental jewellery comes from cows, which are raised by the meat, milk, and leather industries. The animals are not harmed at any stage to obtain their bones. We are following a tribal tradition of not wasting any part of the animal, therefore after the death of the animal their bones are reused to produce delicate and unique pieces of body adornments.
To maintain the natural beauty and smoothness of your bone jewellery, there are simple periodic maintenance tips for you to follow. As this is an organic product you should only wash it with mild antibacterial soap, and a small amount of water. In the case of accidentally been soaked, dry it and oily it immediately. It is also advised to leave it away from direct sunlight storage, and extreme temperatures. In order to revive and sustain its flexibility, you can oil it with coconut, jojoba, or virgin olive oil at last every two weeks.
Browse through our bone categories, and find beautiful tribal body adornments that will suit you!
At Tribu we only use natural material to produce our carefully designed pieces of body adornment, therefore we could not leave wood out of the picture. There are eight different types of wood which are used for this purpose, Palm wood, Black Wood, Indian Rosewood, Sandalwood, Sono wood, Ghana Wood, Pacific Oak wood, and Olive Wood. Body adornments made of wood are light weighted, and of a vast versatility. The hardness of the wood will depend of the type of wood being used. Body adornments made of wood require specific care, such as being periodically lightly oiled with coconut or jojoba oil, to help it maintain their moister content. This will also prevent the product from becoming too dark throughout the times. Avoid soaking it, as wood absorbs water too quickly. A good advice to keep your wood jewellery with a beautiful appearance for a long time, is from time to time polish it with vegan palm wax. As we like to make the best out of every piece of body adornment, we have items that are inlaid with silver, brass, and also with some gemstones like malachite among other ones.
Browse through our Wood categories and find items in the best wood type for you!
Brass is an alloy (mix) of copper and zinc, it is nickel-free. Most horn instruments like tuba and saxophone are made of it. It can be produced in a range of colours, from deep red to golden yellow depends on the metal's polish process. It can be formed into any desire shapes and forms while retaining high strength, that makes it into one of the most popular metals used for jewellery. Brass retains water spots so always dry it immediately and thoroughly. If need of a polish, it can easily be cleaned with a cloth and some fresh lemon juice. Some people have a reaction to brass jewellery as brass oxidizes & develops a patina (changes colour) quite nicely, but because of this, it can turn your skin green if worn for long periods of time, or when wet.
Hill Tribe Silver is made by the Karen tribe in Northern Thailand. These handcrafted pieces are 95% to 99% pure silver. The higher silver content (compared to sterling silver, which is 92.5%) makes the pieces softer and easier to shape.
Oxidation, hammer marks, and slight design variances are part of the allure of these distinctive pieces.
Usually, Karen Hill Tribe Silver goes through an oxidation process. This causes the silver items to turn black. The silver is then polished leaving the black colouring only in the grooves of the item, this allows tiny details and patterns to stand out. Please note that many of the pieces will not be stamped as the stamping process is a very costly procedure and many manufacturers cannot afford this.
Gold filled (also known as "rolled gold") is an actual layer of gold-pressure bonded to another metal (such as brass) and it's the perfect economical alternative to all of you gold lovers. Anyone who can wear gold can wear gold filled jewellery without any worries of any allergies. Not to be confused with gold plating as gold filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating and offers all the same characteristics as solid gold. It's strength, durability and colour resembles 14 Carat gold. Even with daily wear gold filled items lasts five to thirty years, it does not flake off, rub off or turn colours. The best way you can take care of your gold filled items, is to simply keep away from any chemicals, clean regularly with mildly sudsy water, rinse well and pat dry carefully with a non-scratching cloth. Polish with a jewellery polish cloth.
Tribu
]]>Not until a stranger approached me - then fifteen - poolside, enamored and gushing over my heavily torn arms did I first hear the term ‘scarification.’
For a young Anthropology nut in the making this was a revelation; body modification as historic rite. I’d been unwittingly partaking in ancient Initiation and advancement rituals.
Body modification is one of the most ancient forms of Art. In the last fifty years it has become ever more common; dyed hair, tattoo’s, piercings, stretched lobes, gauged noses, plastic surgery - The modern age is obsessed with individuality and anything we can employ to assert our own.
Though like the Kayan Women of Myanmar and Thailand - often called Giraffe women for their necks bound in incremental brass coils from childhood - when asked why they do it; where the tradition comes from - they have no answer. What they can say is it continues today because it’s what their culture considers beautiful.
Few people today understand where their expressions of individuality trace back to and here I hope to provide some insight on that, specifically regarding gauged piercings.
The first needle discovered has been dated back 50,000 years to the mountain ranges between Mongolia and China. When you consider that our written history only goes back a little over 5,000 years, one has to dispel the idea that we know where tattoos and piercings originate but anthropologists, archaeologists and historians have been compiling clues for as long as curiosity has reigned.
The oldest cemetery in the world lies in a cave in Northern Oujda, Morocco. The first body adornment of any kind - small perforated shell beads - have been dated back to the bodies resting in it at a mind blowing 82,000 years ago.
It wasn’t until 35,000 years ago the first piece of art depicting a realistic human figure showed up - also an ancient piece of jewelry - a carved ivory amulet emulating Venus in all her glory (mostly breasts with very short legs) was located in Modern day Germany.
So when 5000 years later - still a whopping 30,000 years ago - rock art shows up in mass from India through out Australia and Africa depicting warriors and tribes people, heavily laden with jewelry - we begin to understand;
Humans enjoyed and utilized the art of our bodies, long before it occurred to us to create even on a rockface, let alone in frame or sculpture.
The oldest European human mummy on record was just your regular rebel of today. Discovered in the Ötztal alps between Austria and Italy in the early 90’s, the body was cheerfully nicknamed Ötzi and his remains are dated to about 5400 years ago, a hundred or so years before even writing had been invented.
Ötzi bares gauged earlobes that would fit a plug of about 11mm and his skin was marked with 61 mostly linear tattoos inked into his skin with neolithic soot.
Head East and forward in time about 2000 years to the Egyptian reign of the boy King Tutankhamen, his golden death mask shows he too had stretched lobes and his gauge jewelry - 10mm elaborate plugs with protruding bars - were discovered in his tomb with him in the 1920’s.
Buddhism originated about 2500 years ago. After the birth and later enlightenment of Siddhartha Guatam in Lubini, Nepal. He was born to a royal family and as was traditional he was fitted with expanders / plugs in early childhood.
Click here to browse our Start Stretching products
To safely increase your gauged piercing, check out our expanders
He abandoned his plugs and tunnels when he became an ascetic but his elongated lobes were forever a sign of the lavish life he left behind. In most Asian cultures large ears were and are considered auspicious, looked on as a symbol of wisdom and compassion.
Empowering symbolism and love for lobes doesn’t stop there. The Mayan and Aztec tribes of Central America revered ears, believing them to be conduits of spiritual energy.
While stretching goes back as far as human remains do, the style of plugs and flesh tunnels as we know them today can be traced straight back to them.
Some simpler Mayan designs formed of Jadeite, shell, obsidian or ceramic greatly resemble the gauges of today.
Click here to check out our beautiful variety of stone Gauge jewelry
Across the two cultures, style varies largely - Mayans favoring forms of Jade and other native stones while the Aztecs preferred them hammered from precious metals; gold, silver and copper -
Run with the Aztecs and take a look at our gold plated tunnels
One thing between the tribes is clear, their gauge jewelry was originally intended to resemble flowers - sporting a huge front flare unparalleled by any pieces of today, some of the oldest gauge jewelry of nobles discovered in these lands have their trumpet shaped inners clearly etched with petals.
It’s incredible to understand that what we adorn our gauged ears with today - a bright and bold symbol of our individuality is not only more ancient than the written word but has its roots in tribal peoples attracting spiritual energy to their stretched ears like bees to pollen.
The huge Maoi statues of Easter Island are yet another curious example of gauged piercings in more recent history. The infamous volcanic rock heads also sport stretched lobes and a little known legend says that the island was split by two castes - those with stretched ears ruling those without and enslaving them to a life of carving giant volcanic stone heads in the upper class’s image.
While there are still mixed responses to piercings and tattoos in the west, especially during job interviews, the taboo and separation slowly wanes. It is more and more accepted as a modern tribute to human history, art and consciousness.
So true enough, stretched ears are a visual marker setting you apart from the crowd, but let’s appreciate the idea that it too marks you as a part of a global, timeless tribe.
I'm the new resident writer at tribu, it's been a joy delving into the relevant topics. Drop me a comment below if you enjoyed the info and are hungry for more! and remember we ship all over Europe. Don't let distance delay you!
Finally, we started integrating the two. And what would make more sense. I love to see our clients wearing a "Be here now" pendant or a Lotus bracelet. I have friends I have made earrings or a necklace for and to see them wearing it year after year, gives me a very special satisfaction. I think special jewelry is almost always connected to a memory or a feeling. Life takes us in all directions, sometimes beyond our control, and if you have a special piece of jewelry, it can help you staying centred, remember a beautiful memory or work as a reminder of someone who is special to you.
To me, my jewelry is like a photo album. They make me remember places, people, smells and different stages of my life. They are part of me, my memories, my journey, my passion. And what feels nicer than being able to share your passion. That is why I love being able to do what I do and feel grateful to all of you throughout these 18 years that have bought yourself or someone you love a piece of our Tribu passion.
It is strongly advisable to research a reputable and safe piercer who is fully licensed as the chances of a piercing going wrong or being rejected are hugely reduced. Some of the most common issues with new piercings are allergic reactions to the jewellery and infection.
When a piercing is fresh, it is important that the jewellery is fully sterile and hypoallergenic. It is standard procedure to be pierced with implant grade titanium although some piercers may use surgical stainless steel or gold.
Once the piercing is healed there is a lot more freedom in terms of the metals and materials that can be worn. For example, the lobe can take a huge variation in materials, such as brass.
Long-term wear is slightly different and therefore for piercings that are less likely to be frequently changed such as helix or tragus, bioplast or durable metals that don’t tarnish are better.
If a lobe piercing is stretched, organic materials such as bone, horn, coconut, stones and other woods are comfortable for long term wear, as they are breathable.
The jewellery used to heal a piercing is very important, if a ring is used in the wrong place it can move around too much and create scar tissue growth in the form of a keloid, a lump. If a bar is too short and doesn’t allow sufficient swelling after a piercing it will also create issues and may trap excess fluid and infection that cannot drain. This is why it is so important to find a certified piercer in order to avoid these issues from happening.
The gauge a piercing is done with tends to be down to the piercers preference, it is said a thicker gauge is less likely to reject, but obviously it also leaves a larger scar. The area and thickness of the area being pierced also dictates the gauge, a body piercing such as navel will always be a thicker gauge than a facial piercing such as nostril.
Regardless of what piercing you get, aftercare should always be the same and taken very seriously. Good aftercare is just as important as a good piercer in order to avoid issues such as keloids and infection.
Minimal touching of the healing piercing prevents infection and it is super important not to twist the jewellery (no matter how satisfying it feels!) as this keep reopening the wound and therefore greatly slows down healing times.
The recommended aftercare from any good piercer would be to mix a quarter of teaspoon of sea salt (very important not to use table salt as it is mixed with iodine) with boiled water. Once the solution has cooled enough to be bearable, put it into a cup or shot glass and fully submerge the new piercing for at least five minutes. This is vital as the solution forces any liquid and crust inside your piercing out and into the solution; this is great for the reduction of swelling or infection.
Lobe piercings can include any part of the soft lobe tissue. They tend to be pierced with 1.2mm (16g) barbells or labrets.
Healing time is 4-6 weeks.
This piercing goes through the piece of cartilage that juts out of the front of the ear; it is usually pierced with a labret or barbell at 1.2mm (16g) gauge.
It usually takes 8-16 weeks to heal.
This is the part of the ear opposite to the tragus, a piece of cartilage that is usually pierced with a barbell at 1.2mm (16g) gauge.
Healing time is 8-16weeks.
This is the cartilage above the lobe and on the inside of the ear. It is usually pierced at 1.6mm (14g) with a barbell.
Healing time is 8-16weeks.
A piercing of the inner cartilage halfway down the outer rim of the ear. It is usually pierced at 1.2mm (16g) gauge with a barbell.
Healing time is 8-16 weeks.
This piercing is two separate holes connected by a single piece of jewelry. It is usually pierced at 1.2mm (16g).
Healing time is 3-12months.
A piercing between the rook and the ear canal, this is usually pierced with a captive bead hoop at 1.6mm (14g).
Healing time is 8-16 weeks.
This is any piercing on the outer rim of cartilage on the ear. Helix tends to be pierced with a captive bead hoop at 1.2mm (16g) and forward helix is usually pierced with a barbell or labret.
Healing time is 2-12 months.
This piercing is on the thick fold of cartilage on the inside of the upper ear. It is usually pierced using a barbell or labret at 1.2mm (16g).
Healing time is 2-12 months.
Alloys such as brass and bronze contain copper, which can oxidise with the acid and moisture on your skin to create copper chloride - the green tinge! If you wear a piece containing copper for a longer period of time your body will adapt and the green will stop.
Around 3% of the population also react to silver as a result of our bodies becoming ever more acidic due to diet and environment. Our PH levels are incredibly sensitive and can be impacted by medications or even something as small as excitement. High-grade silver is extremely soft and malleable so is commonly mixed with copper to strengthen it, creating 92.5 silver. Purer silvers will tarnish when exposed to air containing small amounts of sulphur, making silver sulphide, so either this oxidisation process or the copper content of 92.5 silver can create a discoloured finger!
There are ways to minimise and eliminate the possibilities of a chemical reaction. If you are not willing to constantly wear the jewellery until the body adapts, then the most obvious option would be to keep your jewellery in a constantly clean state and ensure your skin is always dry by removing the items before showering, sleeping and exercising. You can also get the jewellery plated at your local silversmith with something like rhodium.
Hopefully this has cleared up any misconceptions about why certain metals can discolour!
The Fatima Hand
You will find many designs in our shop featuring the Fatima Hand.
The symbol of "Fatima Hand" is known all over the Middle East and North Africa. The "hamsa" has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic followers and as a pagan fertility symbol. The symbol dates back to cave paintings.
The name comes from Mohammed's daughter Fatima. The five fingers represents the 5 pillars of Islam but is mainly a symbol used for protection and used as defence to ward of the Evil eye .The "evil eye" is a curse believed to be cast by a evil glare, which is usually directed towards a person who is unaware. Many are the cultures who believe that receiving the "evil eye" will cause one misfortune, bad luck, ill health, injury or even death. And the saying goes that if your Fatima Hand amulet bears a crack, it means it has been protecting the wearer from very bad luck.
Often the "Fatima Hand" is decorated with an eye. It represents the eye that sees everything. The eye watches out for the person in possession of the "Fatima Hand" and warns about and protects against evil encounters.
The "Fatima Hand" also represents femininity, as it is shown as the woman's holyhand. In Jewish tradition it refers to the "Hand of Miriam", in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron.
Another name for it is "Hamsa" because of it's five fingers. Hamesh means 5 in Hebrew or Kamsah has the same meaning in Arabic.
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The ear-lobe was probably man's first attempt at piercing, due to the ease at which it is pierced. The oldest mummified body to be found with pierced ears and expanded earlobes (7-11mm in diameter) was found frozen in an Austrian Glacier, and tests show it to be over 5,000 years old!
The first ear piercings arose amongst primitive tribes for magical purposes. Believing that demons and spirits were repelled by metal, the tribe's wore metallic ear piercings to prevent the penetration of bad spirits. Sailors would have their ears pierced to improve their eyesight and if sailor's bodies would wash up against some shore, the ear jewellery would pay for a Christian burial. In many societies, ear piercing is done as a ritual indicating puberty, of which each of the parents would pierce an ear, symbolising the child's dependence upon them.
The Ancient Egyptians are of the oldest bodies found with stretched ear lobes. They also loved to adorn themselves elaborately and even restricted certain types of body piercings to the royal family. An interesting fact is that only the pharaoh was allowed to have his navel pierced and anyone else who did so would be executed. Egyptians wore earrings to display their wealth and portray their beauty.
The Ancient Romans were very practical and piercings for them always served a purpose. They would pierce their nipples to signify strength and virility. It was in fact a badge of honour that demonstrated their dedication to the Roman Empire. It symbolised unity and bond amongst the Roman army. Julius Caesar himself pierced his nipples to show his strength and signify his unity with his men.
At around the same time, the Aztecs, Mayans and various American Indians pierced their tongues as part of their religious rituals. They believed it brought them closer to their Gods as a type of ritual blood-letting. These were warrior tribes, thus practised septum piercing to appear fiercer to their enemies. Similarly, some tribes in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands would pierce their tongue. Common materials used were bone, tusks and feathers.
In Central and South America, women with lip labrets were considered more beautiful. Holes were often stretched to incredible sizes as progressively large wooden plates were inserted to emphasize the lips. Aztecs and Mayans would also wear lip labrets made out of Jade and Gold, elaborately carved into mythical or religious figures which was viewed as highly attractive and was believed to enhance sexuality.
During the Renaissance and Elizabethan eras, almost every male member of the nobility would have at least one earring, if not more. Large pearl drops and enormous diamond studs were a great way to advertise one's wealth. Then in the last hundred years or so, nose piercing became very popular when young hippies from the U.S began travelling to India extensively looking for enlightenment. They started to imitate the Indian's traditional nose ring, often linked to an earring by a chain. After bringing back nose rings to the U.S, an interest in body piercing arose! Nose piercing has been practised by the Bedouin tribes of the Middle East, the Beja people of Africa and the Australian Aborigines for a very long time.
Why do we pierce? Well, the reasons for piercing vary greatly. Some people do so for religious or spiritual reasons, while others do so for self-expression. Others for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform one's culture or even to rebel against it. The practice has developed many variations of style and techniques across the world. A piece of jewellery, string or a stick is inserted into the earlobe or in form of an opal piercing. In some places, the combination of weights is gradually added so that the earlobes stretch many times the original length. In some traditions it is the long earlobes and not the jewellery that are considered attractive. Many times the ear piercing and stretching forms part of rites to step into adulthood. In some parts of Africa women start to stretch their lips six months before marriage. The size of the lip plate indicates the number of cattle the husband will have to pay for her dowry.
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