The Ultimate Guide to Body Jewelry: Types by Piercing Location

This guide provides an overview of the most common and suitable jewelry types for various body piercings, tailored to the anatomy of each location.

1. Nose Piercings

Nose piercings, including nostril and septum piercings, are popular for their versatility and visibility.

Circular Barbell:
Often called a horseshoe barbell. It features a curved bar with threaded ends for balls or decorative tops. Ideal for septum piercings and easy to flip up.
Captive Bead Ring (CBR):A classic ring with a small bead held in place by tension. Works well in both nostrils and septums.
Seamless Ring:
A continuous ring with no visible opening or clasp. Offers a sleek, minimalist look.
Clicker Ring:
Features a hinged mechanism that “clicks” shut. Very popular for septum piercings due to easy insertion and decorative designs.
Segment Ring:
Similar in appearance to a seamless ring but uses a removable segment for opening and closing. Secure and stylish.

Circular Barbell	Captive Bead Ring (CBR)	Seamless Ring	Clicker Ring	Segment Ring

Retainer:
Made from clear or flesh-toned bioflex or acrylic. Used to hide a piercing discreetly.
Spike/Tusk Jewelry:
Straight or curved spike-shaped designs, often with decorative ends. Makes a bold statement in septum piercings.
Pincher:
A U-shaped piece usually made from bone, stone, or glass. Gently pinches the septum.
Dangling Septum Ring:
Features charms, chains, or gems hanging from the ring. Adds movement and elegance.
Spiked Ring:
A ring or circular barbell with spike-shaped accents for an edgy look.
V-Shaped/Triangle Ring:
A clicker or segment ring shaped like a V or triangle for a unique geometric aesthetic.

Retainer	Spike/Tusk Jewelry	Pincher	Dangling Septum Ring	Spiked Ring	V-Shaped/Triangle Ring

2. Ear Piercings

Ear piercings vary greatly by location, and jewelry style should match the placement.

Lobe Piercings:

Studs: Straight-post jewelry with a decorative front and secure back. Ideal for new piercings.
Hoops & Rings: Including seamless rings, captive bead rings, and hinged hoops.
Dangle Earrings: Decorative pieces that hang down, available in countless designs.

Studs	Hoops & Rings	Dangle Earrings

Cartilage Piercings (Helix, Auricle, etc.):

Straight Barbell: A straight bar with threaded ends. Suitable for many cartilage placements.
Curved Barbell: A bent bar ideal for piercings that follow the ear’s contour.
Circular Barbell: Horseshoe-shaped; common in snug and anti-helix piercings.
Rings: Captive bead rings and segment rings are cartilage classics.
Bone Stud: A short, straight post designed specifically for cartilage.

Straight Barbell	Curved Barbell	Circular Barbell	Rings	Bone Stud

Specialized Ear Piercings:

Industrial Barbell: A single long barbell connecting two piercings (e.g., helix to helix).
Plugs & Tunnels: Worn in stretched lobes. Available in flared, double-flared, and screw-back styles.
Daith Piercing: Best suited for captive bead rings or decorative segment rings.
Tragus Piercing: Usually pierced with a small straight barbell or flat-back labret stud.

Conch Piercing:
- Inner Conch: Straight barbell or labret stud.
- Outer Conch: Can be decorated with hoops or rings.
Helix/Rook: Can be worn with straight or curved barbells, or small hoops.

Industrial Barbell	Plugs & Tunnels	Daith Piercing	Tragus Piercing	Conch Piercing	Helix/ Rook

3. Lip Piercings

Lip jewelry is designed to minimize damage to teeth and gums.

Labret Stud: The standard. A straight post with a decorative end and a flat disc that sits inside the mouth.
Lip Ring/Hoop: A captive bead ring or seamless ring that circles the lip.
Vertical Labret: Pierced vertically through the lip. Uses a curved barbell.
Spider Bites/Double Piercings: Two piercings placed close together, usually worn with short labret studs.
Monroe/Madonna: Off-center above the lip. Typically pierced with a labret stud.

Labret Stud	Lip Ring/Hoop	Vertical Labret	Spider Bites/Double Piercings	Monroe/Madonna

4. Eyebrow Piercings

Surface piercings that require specific jewelry to reduce rejection.

Curved Barbell: The standard and safest choice. Follows the natural curve of the brow.
Straight Barbell: Not recommended—can cause pressure and migration.
Surface Barbell: Specifically designed for surface piercings. Has 90-degree angled ends (e.g., U-shaped or L-shaped) that sit under the skin for stability.

Curved Barbell	Straight Barbell	Surface Barbell

5. Navel Piercings

Jewelry must accommodate body movement and curvature.

Curved Barbell: The most common style. A gently curved bar with a top ball and a larger decorative bottom ball.
Dangling Curved Barbell: A curved barbell with a charm or gem drop attached.
Captive Bead Ring: Can be worn but may move more and cause irritation.

Curved Barbell	Dangling Curved Barbell	Captive Bead Ring

6. Specialized Piercings

These require high-quality materials and specific styles.

Nipple Piercings:

Straight Barbell: A common choice, especially for men.
Captive Bead Ring / Segment Ring: Classic ring styles that offer a comfortable fit.
Curved Barbell: Less common but sometimes used.
Important: Implant-grade titanium or surgical steel is essential for safety and comfort.

Straight Barbell	Captive Bead Ring / Segment Ring	Curved Barbell

Surface Piercings (e.g., Collarbone, Nape, Wrist):

Surface Barbell: The only recommended jewelry. Uses subdermal anchors with 90-degree bends for reduced rejection.
Avoid: Curved barbells—they increase pressure and risk of migration.
Dermal Anchor / Microdermal: A single-point piercing with an anchor implanted under the skin and a removable top jewel.

Professional Tip:
Always choose high-quality, implant-grade materials like titanium or surgical steel for new piercings. Consult a professional piercer for appropriate jewelry size, style, and aftercare. Healed piercings can accommodate more decorative options, but safety should always come first.