Parents, and even teenagers, often grapple with questions about various aspects of life, and one minor concern that frequently arises is whether their child or teenager should have their ears pierced. Body jewelry, particularly earrings, is a unique form of self-expression that carries different perspectives among individuals. It’s a type of body jewelry that’s pretty low-key and not really all that bombastic in appearance. Plenty of people, including teenagers, have their ears pierced, and you could argue that it’s a practice as commonplace as white bread and creamy peanut butter. However, not all parents are alike, and not all kids, including teenagers, grow up with the same ideas about piercings.
Different perspectives on body jewelry
We’ve all seen some edgier parents out there with tattoos and piercings. There is definitely nothing suburban about them, but they’re still great parents who happen to appreciate body art and, in some cases, explore body jewelry. We assume that their kids will have different perspectives on body jewelry as well, but there are plenty of kids from more straight-laced upbringings who want to explore body jewelry in one way or another.
Does this feel a little out of sorts and read a bit chaotic? Good. It should, because when it comes to body jewelry, knowing all about it can be hard to pin down. Even if you’re an avid collector of piercings, you may still only have a vague idea of what certain piercings are called and how they should be done. For the general public, though, piercings other than those on the earlobes can be daunting and a little unnerving. It all just looks like pieces of metal placed somewhere they maybe shouldn’t be.
Fashion and Self-Expression: Many people, including teenagers, view body jewelry as a powerful means of expressing their personal style. Piercings and unique jewelry choices serve as a canvas for showcasing individuality and making a fashion statement.
Cultural and Religious Significance: In various cultures and religions, body jewelry holds deep meaning. Certain piercings or specific types of jewelry may symbolize cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, or mark significant rites of passage.
Rebellion and Non-Conformity: For some, body jewelry represents an act of rebellion or a rejection of societal norms. Tattoos, piercings, and unconventional jewelry are embraced as a way to challenge mainstream ideals and embrace non-conformity.
Professionalism and Social Acceptance: Conversely, there are perspectives associating specific types of body jewelry with unprofessionalism or social non-acceptance, particularly in certain professional settings where visible piercings might be frowned upon.
Personal Empowerment: Many individuals find empowerment in the act of modifying their bodies through piercings and unique jewelry choices. It becomes a personal decision that fosters confidence and control over one’s body.
Art and Aesthetics: For some, body jewelry is appreciated as a form of art. The intricate designs, creative placements, and craftsmanship of certain pieces are valued for their aesthetic appeal.
Curiosity and Exploration: Teenagers and young adults often view body jewelry as a means of curiosity and exploration. It becomes a way to experiment with personal style and identity during a time of self-discovery.
Temporary Trend: Certain individuals see body jewelry as a temporary trend or phase in their lives. They might experiment with different piercings or jewelry styles, viewing them as a part of a particular life stage rather than a permanent identity.
These diverse perspectives highlight the multifaceted nature of body jewelry, showcasing how it serves various purposes for different individuals at different points in their lives. Understanding these viewpoints can contribute to a more informed and respectful discussion about body jewelry choices.
Things you should know about body jewelry and piercings
If you’re new to piercing or have always been a little curious about body jewelry, here are a few things you should know:
- Brush Up on Some Vocabulary: Don’t walk into a piercing consultation as if you have all the answers or know all the lingo if you don’t. Otherwise, you may get in over your head and end up with a piercing or jewelry you didn’t want.
- Variations in Piercings: Piercings can be done in various places on the human body, so the jewelry for those piercings is made to work with the anatomy. That said, you may need to be specific about the piercing you want because saying you want a lip piercing won’t provide enough detail to your piercer.
- Materials: Body jewelry comes in different types of materials to meet the needs of different body compositions.
- Be Aware of Allergies: If you’re allergic to certain types of metals or materials, a piercing can be a very rough experience for you. Know this information ahead of time.
- Be mindful of cleanliness. As you scope out prospective piercing studios, make a note of the sanitary conditions inside and at the piercer’s station. If you see something you don’t like, move on.
- Talking Shop: Piercers like to talk about what they do and why they do it. This is key to finding the right piercer for you. If someone just wants to get you pierced, find someone else.
- Aftercare is king. The one thing any piercer worth their weight in gold will do is give you a rundown of the aftercare for your piercing. Body jewelry is worth nothing if the piercing site is compromised by your shoddy care.
Body jewelry and the art of piercing have a wealth of history behind them. Even if modern piercers don’t necessarily work from that history, they are a part of its legacy, and there is something very cool about that. History and legacy aside, if you’re considering any kind of piercing, it’s important to find an experienced and reputable piercer who will give you a rundown of the entire process, including aftercare, before the piercing takes place. This way, you’re making a decision as an educated consumer.
Body jewelry is a personal adventure
Figuring out body jewelry and piercings can be a bit like exploring a big, diverse playground. Whether you’re a parent thinking about your kid’s first ear piercing or someone curious about trying out different jewelry, it’s important to know a few things. From understanding the words people use when talking about piercings to knowing the different types and materials, it’s like learning the ropes of a cool club.
Finding a good piercer is like finding a trustworthy guide on this journey. They’ll help you through the process and make sure you know how to take care of your new piercing. Looking at the art and history behind body jewelry shows that it’s not just a passing fad; it’s part of a long and interesting story.
No matter if you’re into the cool, tattooed parent style or the more traditional way of doing things, exploring body jewelry is a personal adventure. By going into it with your eyes open, understanding the basics, and being a little curious, you’re setting yourself up for a fun and unique journey into the world of self-expression. Whether it’s a simple ear piercing or something a bit bolder, may your exploration of body jewelry be all about discovering yourself and having a good time.
