Most people know what ear gauges are. If you don’t, think of people you’ve seen with large, round plug-like earrings in the holes of their pierced ears. Now you’re getting the picture. Most of us have seen those earrings and assumed they’re likely all the same. There can’t be much choice when you’ve got your ears all stretched out, can there?
That’s where you’d be wrong! Today’s body jewelers deal with in a wide variety of styles, colors, designs, and materials. Can’t imagine the choices? Let’s look at just a few of the options people shopping for ear plugs or gauges have – and try to resist the temptation to buy some if your ears aren’t already stretched!
Magical Materials
Ear gauges and plugs are made from an impressive range of mate4rials. Some of these include but are far from limited to the following:
* Acrylic (though this has fallen out of favor, recently.)
* Silicone
* Wood of every imaginable color and texture
* Stainless Steel
* Silver
* Mixed precious metals
* Bone, horn and other natural materials
Stone gets a bit more specific, as there are many types of stone that are used in making jewelry for gauged ears. Depending on your budget, you could almost have any stone – semi-precious or precious – crafted into a handsome pair of plugs. Popular choices include agate, tiger’s eye, jade, obsidian, Jasper and snow stone. Some even believe stone jewelry has holistic healing powers. You can judge that much for yourself!
Dazzling Designs
Just as there are many materials used in creating these pieces, so are their endless designs. You may find earrings fitted with adapters for delicate, dangling pieces. You may also find hollow pieces called “tunnels,” popular for their shock factor with some viewers. Some crafters even make hollow gauges in larger sizes that can be filled with small gems or trinkets. The sky is the limit with creative crafting!
First-Time Shoppers: Proceed with Caution!
Wearing ear plugs or gauges is a choice and a statement for many, while for others it is deeply significant to their culture. Whatever your reason for interest in ear gauging, be sure to take the stretching process slowly. This is a permanent change, and it’s not a race. You’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the amazing designs available at every size and stage!
