While sterling silver and stainless steel may appear similar at first glance, they are fundamentally distinct materials. Regarding jewellery, their production methods, typical applications, durability, and properties vary significantly. Consequently, determining which is superior between sterling silver and stainless steel can only be answered by considering these factors. Whatever you choose, the decision between silver and steel relies on personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific requirements for jewellery. When it comes to body piercings, stainless steel is generally considered a more suitable choice for the majority of individuals. However, to comprehend the reasons behind this and assist you in determining the most suitable material for your needs, we will delve further into the detail.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

 Sterling silver is a precious metal known for its high malleability, making it easy to shape into intricate designs. It is an attractive and lightweight material, which adds to its allure in jewellery. However, one drawback is that sterling silver is prone to tarnishing and dents and scratches. Regular maintenance is required to keep it looking its best. Another consideration is that sterling silver is typically more expensive than other materials used in jewellery making. Both sterling silver and stainless steel are popular compounds used in jewellery making. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This composition is denoted by the “925” stamp, usually found somewhere on the jewellery piece. Sterling silver is a relatively soft metal, and to enhance its durability and hardness, copper is added to it.

However, its malleability remains a characteristic that can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. On the one hand, this malleability allows skilled artisans to shape and create intricate pieces of jewellery and body adornments. On the other hand, it means that sterling silver can be bent by hand with some force. One notable drawback of sterling silver is its tendency to tarnish over time. Factors such as humidity, moisture, and the oils and sweat our skin produces can expedite tarnishing. Additionally, there may be trace amounts of nickel or other metals present in some sterling silver alloys, which can lead to allergic reactions in certain individuals. While such reactions are typically mild when the metal is in contact with the skin’s surface, they can be more severe when the metal is used in pierced body parts.

 Due to the potential allergic reactions and increased risk of complications with pierced body parts, sterling silver is generally considered more suitable for non-pierced jewellery purposes. It is commonly used to create pendants, bracelets, rings, and necklaces where direct contact with the skin is minimal, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions. In conclusion, sterling silver is a stunning and delicate precious metal better suited for external jewellery pieces like necklaces, rings, and charms. Its soft nature makes it an excellent choice for special occasions rather than everyday wear, as it may require extra care and maintenance to prevent tarnishing and damage.

 Stainless Steel Jewellery

 Stainless steel offers remarkable strength and durability, comparable to silver. It resembles silver in its appearance, making it an attractive choice. One of its notable advantages is its affordability, as it is significantly less expensive than silver. However, adjusting and repairing stainless steel jewellery can be challenging due to its toughness. It is important to note that stainless steel is not considered a precious metal and does not appreciate over time. It is available in a wide range of compositions, with approximately 150 grades of stainless steel, but only around 15 are commonly used. These grades typically contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium and iron in their composition.

Despite not being classified as a precious metal, stainless steel shares several properties with silver and offers additional advantages. Like sterling silver, stainless steel can be shaped into various forms, making it suitable for jewellery. It boasts an attractive and reflective surface that effectively captures and reflects light. Furthermore, by incorporating different metals and unique treatments, stainless steel can emulate the appearance of metals like rose gold. One significant advantage of stainless steel over sterling silver is its considerably lower manufacturing cost. Being an iron alloy and not reliant on a scarce resource, stainless steel jewellery typically comes at a fraction of the cost of silver pieces while maintaining a similar visual appeal.

Although stainless steel jewellery may not appreciate over time, it provides an affordable option for individuals to enjoy the appearance and tactile experience of silver without needing a substantial financial investment. It’s worth noting that stainless steel jewellery offers superior durability compared to silver. It does not tarnish and is resistant to corrosion, making it highly versatile in various industries beyond jewellery. Its strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and tear make it well-suited for jewellery-making and construction and manufacturing applications. As a result, stainless steel is particularly well-suited for body-piercing jewellery, offering long-lasting and robust pieces.

Stainless steel jewellery offers enhanced durability compared to silver and does not tarnish over time. Its corrosion-resistant properties have led to widespread use across various industries, including jewellery. The strength, toughness, and long-lasting nature of stainless steel makes it an excellent choice for jewellery and applications in construction and manufacturing. It is particularly well-suited for body-piercing jewellery due to its robustness. However, the toughness of stainless steel can present challenges when it comes to adjusting the size of pieces. The process often requires specialized industrial tools, making it impractical for most individuals to rework the jewellery. In conclusion, stainless steel provides a cost-effective and durable alternative to sterling silver. It is well-suited for various purposes, including body-piercing jewellery, rings, pendants, charms, and necklaces. Moreover, stainless steel is more suitable for everyday use compared to silver.

 Which One Is Better?

 When deciding between sterling silver and stainless steel for jewellery, it’s important to consider your intended usage and the likelihood of damage. If you plan to wear the jewellery daily and prioritize durability, stainless steel is an excellent choice. It can withstand the demands of everyday life and maintain its aesthetic appeal. However, if you want to invest in jewellery that you may appreciate, suitable for passing down as an heirloom or gift, then sterling silver is the ideal option. It offers a timeless and elegant appeal that can hold sentimental and monetary value over time. Choosing between the two materials depends on whether you prioritize functionality or potential investment value.

Today is the era of body piercing, where you get a plethora of exclusive and captivating options to express yourself. Ashley piercing is one of those piercings that have gained popularity in recent years, and it is most commonly called an inverted vertical labret. This piercing gives you a gorgeous look by making your lips pop. This blog will explore everything you should know about this piercing, from its origin to its procedure, aftercare and styling option.

Ashley Piercing

It is a single piercing placed on the bottom of the lip and exits through the back of the lip. It has one visible point fixed to the inner mouth, whereas a traditional vertical labret has two visible points. It was also known as inverted vertical labret before this name was given. The exit hole is inside the mouth rather than below the lip, showing a single piercing. According to some sources, the name Ashley was given because she was the one to get this piercing.

Origin

Ashley Piercing or Vertical Labret Piercing is the type of lip piercing that involves the perforation of lips. It first originated in the cultures of Africa and America. It became the common practice among the people of Papua New Guinea, the Dogon people of Mali, the Nuba of Sudan and Ethiopia.

It was then started in South America, where tribes of Malawi people stretched their lips by piercing, and plates or plugs were inserted into them. That plate or disc is also called “pelele” by the Malawi people. Their husbands inserted these plates six months before their marriage, which shows the promise between the two that the bigger the plate, the more will be the dowry.

In Mali, the people from Dogon pierce their lips signifies that their ancestor spirit created the world. The myth associated with this is that a goddess named Noomi laced a thread through her teeth that transformed into speech when it came out, it then started spreading in ancient Aztecs and Mayans where Males who wanted to join the military had to pierce their lips, which then stretched and more ornaments are placed as they bring more prisoners.

Besides its spiritual, cultural, or mythological significance, modern society is now adapting this trend to stay more unique and beautiful.

Procedure:

As Ashley said, piercing is always done according to the anatomy of your lips to look the best. Following is the procedure for doing this piercing

• Find the Professional Piercer:

When you finally decide to get this piercing done, it is essential to find a piercer who is not only reputed but also has professional experience and knowledge about the piercing. Visit different piercing studios to check if they follow the proper sterilization processes and maintain a hygienic environment. See the reviews and ask for recommendations.

• Consultation

Consulting a piercer before getting your piercing is essential. You schedule an appointment and ask questions about this piercing to understand it clearly. Your piercer will advise you according to your anatomy and the suitability of this piercing.

• Preparation and Sterilization:

Your piercer will wash their hands before starting the procedure and use sterilized equipment. Make sure your piercer uses gloves to avoid contamination of germs. Before making a perforation, your piercer will clean the area with an antiseptic solution to make it bacteria-free.

• Marking the Piercing Placement:

Ashley’s piercing requires precision and symmetry. To ensure this, your piercer will mark the entry and exit points on the lower lip to get the best results.

• Making a Perforation:

Your piercer will then use a sterilized needle specially designed for lip piercings and precisely makes a perforation through your lower lip, making a vertical placement on the lower lip. Some piercers may use forceps to hold the lip in place, while others may freehand it. Either way, once the mark is approved, the needle is pushed through the lip, and the chosen jewellery is installed.

• Insertion of Jewellery:

As soon as the perforation is created, your piercer will insert the chosen jewellery, probably a stud with a flat back end, into the area. The end of the jewellery pops out inside the mouth. 

Aftercare

Ashley Piercing is an oral piercing located in the mouth, so it is more prone to bacteria. Moreover, due to the extreme movement of the area, you need to be very careful after getting this piercing.

• Don’t touch the jewellery. 

It is challenging to follow. Don’t bite the freshly pierced area, and make sure nothing can touch it, as it can lead to complications that include stretched puncture holes and hypertrophic scarring.

• Rinse your mouth regularly:

Maintaining oral hygiene is essential if any piercing has an exit hole inside the mouth. In the case of Ashley Piercing, you need to be careful about the front and back of the mouth when you eat. Clean your mouth between meals and use a brush carefully to not hurt the piercing. 

• Avoid Tight Jewellery:

Ashley Piercing tends to swell more than other piercings, so ensure that the jewellery use chosen is not tight. If you feel your jewellery is tight, contact your piercer to change it immediately.

• Look after your teeth. 

As the exit point is present inside the mouth, it is likely that the back of your jewellery rubs against your teeth and damages your teeth. Keep an eye on any damage to your teeth; however, the smaller stud lessens the chances of damage, but if you find any receding gum lines or chipping, do not ignore it and talk to your piercer about it.

• Avoid Lipstick:

Lipstick ingredients contain chemicals that can irritate the piercing area. So, it is important to avoid lipstick until it has fully healed.

• Use Saline Solution for rinsing:

Always use saline solution to rinse the piercing and avoid mouthwash for rinsing. Mouthwash can worsen your piercing and can lead to infections.

• Stick to soft foods:

After a few days of your initial piercing, it is recommended to stick to soft foods until you get used to the new jewellery. It will make it heal faster and reduce the chances of accidentally biting the jewellery while eating. Furthermore, avoid spicy or acidic food as it will give your piercing incredible pain.

Healing Time & Pain Level:

Lips are the thick area where you get this piercing done, so the healing time may take longer to get healed completely. Generally, this piercing takes 3 to 4 months to heal but can take longer if you don’t properly follow the aftercare practices. 

Because of the thicker area, this piercing might hurt more than other lip piercings, as there are also so many nerve endings that make it more painful. However, it also depends on your tolerance level. It is important to note that a piercer will insert longer starter jewellery to accommodate the swelling and switch to smaller jewellery after a few days when all the swelling disappears.

Recommended Jewellery for Ashley Piercing.

Many piercers recommend jewellery with a flat back so that it does not rub against your gums or teeth. Although there are limited options for jewellery, you can opt for labret studs with gold balls, gemstones, pearls, opals or diamond to make you stand out and for simple luxurious and extravagant style. 

As far as the jewellery material is concerned, it is essential to choose hypoallergenic material that cannot cause an allergic reaction. These include Stainless Steel, Titanium, Gold or Niobium. Avoid jewellery with nickel in it as it is the component that can cause allergy. 

Ashley Piercing is one of the rare piercings that will give you a captivating look and can turn into a nightmare if you don’t follow a proper aftercare routine. It will not only lead to complications but will also increase the healing time, and the worst outcome is that it will be unable to heal, and you will have to take your jewellery out, resulting in Ashley piercing scar, which is not what you want. So, follow your piercer instructions to have a better experience.

Choosing the right style of belly button ring depends on personal taste, comfort level, and the size and shape of your navel. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a belly ring style:

Your personal style: Consider your personal style and the type of jewellery you typically wear. If you prefer simple and subtle jewellery, a small barbell or hoop may be a good choice. If you like a more intricate and eye-catching designs, a dangle or shield belly ring may be a better fit.

• Your body type: Consider the size and shape of your navel when choosing a belly ring style. If you have a deep or vertical navel, a dangle belly ring may be more comfortable than a hoop or barbell. If you have a wider navel, a shield belly ring may be a good option to cover more surface area.
• Comfort: Choose a belly ring style that is comfortable for you. If you are active or wear tight clothing, a smaller and more discreet belly ring may be more practical. If you prefer larger and more statement pieces, make sure to choose a belly ring that is not too heavy or uncomfortable to wear.
• Healing process: Consider the healing process when choosing a belly ring style. Some styles, such as dangle or shield belly rings, may require more care and attention during the healing process. If you prefer a simpler style, a barbell or hoop may be a better option.
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The choice of belly ring style is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong choice. Choose a style that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and be sure to select high-quality jewellery made from safe materials to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Here are some popular belly ring styles:

Belly button piercings, also known as navel piercings, can be adorned with various types of jewellery to fit different styles and preferences. Here are some popular belly ring styles:

Barbell: A barbell is a straight or slightly curved piece of jewellery with a ball on each end. It is a common choice for belly button piercings and comes in various lengths, colors, and materials. Barbell belly button piercings are a popular choice for those who want a stylish and unique piercing. This type of piercing involves with decorative ends that can be customized to suit your style.

Dangle: A dangle belly ring is a longer piece of jewellery with a decorative element that hangs from the bottom of the piercing. The decorative element can be anything from a simple gemstone to a complex design, and it can add some sparkle and movement to the piercing. Dangle belly rings can be a great choice for those who want a more decorative piercing:

Dangle belly rings can be a great way to add some flair and personality to your belly piercing. With so many different designs available, you’re sure to find one that suits your style. Dangle belly rings tend to look best on those with a flat or toned stomach. If you’re not confident about your midriff, you may prefer a more subtle piercing.

Hoop: A hoop belly ring is a circular piece of jewellery that goes through the piercing. It comes in various sizes, from small and subtle to large and bold, and can be made from different materials like stainless steel, gold, or titanium.

Hoop belly rings can be a great choice for those who:

Hoop belly rings considered a classic style of belly ring. They can be a great choice for those who want a timeless look that will never go out of style.Hoop belly rings can be a good option for those with a larger navel, as they can accommodate a wider range of sizes and shapes than some other types of belly rings.Hoop belly rings can be a comfortable option for those who prefer a looser fit than a barbell belly ring. However, it’s important to choose a hoop that fits properly to avoid any discomfort or irritation.

Reverse: A reverse belly ring is a type of piercing that goes through the top of the belly button rather than the traditional bottom. It is usually done with a curved barbell, and the jewellery can be simple or adorned with gemstones or other decorations.

Reverse belly rings can be a great choice for those who:

Reverse belly rings are still relatively uncommon, so they can be a great way to stand out from the crowd and express your individuality. Traditional belly rings can be difficult or uncomfortable to wear for those with shallow or small navels, but reverse belly rings can be a good option as they don’t require as much room to accommodate the jewellery. Because the barbell of a reverse belly ring enters the navel from the top and exits through the bottom, some people feel that this type of piercing is more secure than a traditional belly ring.

Shield: A shield belly ring is a larger piece of jewellery that covers the entire belly button area. It can be made from various materials and designs, and it can create a unique and eye-catching look.

Ultimately, the choice of belly ring style depends on personal taste, comfort, and the size and shape of the piercing. It’s important to choose high-quality jewellery that is made from safe materials to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Navel Piercing Process:

A standard navel piercing is a piercing that goes through the upper rim of the belly button. The piercing is typically done with a sterilized, single-use needle by a professional piercer in a sterile environment.

The process typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The professional piercer will clean the area around the  belly with an antiseptic solution and mark the spot where the piercing will be placed.
• Piercing: The piercer will use a sterilized needle to create a small hole through the upper rim of the navel. They will then insert a piece of jewellery, typically a curved barbell or a captive bead ring, into the hole.
• Aftercare: The piercer will provide instructions on how to care for the piercing during the healing process. Include cleaning the area with saline solution, Try to avoiding tight clothing that may irritate the piercing, and avoiding swimming or submerging the piercing in water.

Healing time for a navel piercing can vary, but it typically takes several months to a year for the piercing to fully heal. It’s important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for a navel piercing. The piercing requires a certain amount of skin and tissue in the navel area, and some individuals may not have the proper anatomy for the piercing. It’s always best to consult a professional piercer to determine if a navel piercing is right for you.