Fourteen percent of Americans have body piercings — that’s nearly 50 million people. 

So, it’s commonplace to see people with piercings, but these little baubles may lead you to wonder how and why people started giving themselves such body modifications in the first place. 

The history of body piercings is just as interesting as these jewels that sparkle on people’s ears, faces and across their bodies. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Body Piercings Have Ancient Roots

Nowadays, you can find beautiful body piercings online at sites like bodypiercejewelry.com. That certainly wasn’t the case when the first-ever body piercings appeared. 

Historians say that the earliest evidence of piercing came from a 5,000-year-old mummy. When experts exhumed the ancient body, they found that it had a pierced ear. 

That’s not the only ancient evidence from the 9th century BC — that’s nearly 3,000 years ago. The evidence in question is an etching in stone that shows a man with a pierced ear. 

Around the same time, ancient Egyptians loved their piercings, too. When archaeologists discovered the mummified body of King Tut, they were able to determine that he had pierced ears. In fact, men living during this time often had their ears pierced.

But it wasn’t just earrings that the Ancient Egyptians loved. They are one of the earliest — and, until modern times — only known civilizations to pierce their bellybuttons. AT that time, having a bit of gold jewelry dangling from your belly was a sign of your class. So, the blingy bits showed people that you were a high-class member of society. 

Earrings Had Their Place in Ancient Rome, Too

More than 1,000 years after King Tut’s reign, men were still rocking piercings, but they were not in Egypt — they were in the bustling metropolis of Rome. Julius Caesar himself, who ruled the Roman Empire from 49 to 44 BC, wore earrings and played a large part in bringing them back into fashion. 

After the Italians, the next major body piercing moment came in the 15th century. So, nearly 2,000 years after Julius Caesar wore his earrings, men in England wore a single bauble themselves. This was during the Elizabethan era, the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

At this time, men worse earrings as the Ancient Egyptians did. Their single danglers were a way to show off how wealthy they were without having to whip out, say, a bag of gold coins. 

Beyond that, people wore ear piercings here and there, although they weren’t as much of a cultural centerpiece as they were for the ancient Egyptians, Romans or Elizabethans. For example, sailors often had their ears pierced throughout history. 

What About Other Types of Body Piercings? 

It took a bit longer for other types of body piercings to catch on like earrings did. Although there’s mention of a nose piercing in the Bible, they weren’t a popular accessory until the 16th century. 

Nose Piercings 

Many women started getting studs and rings through their left nostrils in 16th-century India. The left side of the body was closely linked with fertility and femininity. So, people thought that having a piercing on the left would lessen the pain of menstruation, childbirth and other women’s-centric health concerns. 

After that, it took until the 20th century for people in the west to start rocking nose rings, too. Specifically, during the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s, people started getting their noses pierced.  

Septum Piercings

Don’t confuse nose piercings with septum piercings, though. These middle-of-the-nose rings were popular much earlier than nostril-based nose rings. 

South American tribes — the Aztecs, Mayans and Incans — wore septum piercings as an ode to their sun and water gods. And aboriginal Australians wore them, too, although they did so as a way to create their ideal beauty standard. The septum piercing gives the nose a flatter appearance, which they believe to be more beautiful, so they have long worn the accessory, too.

Tongue Piercings

Speaking of the Mayans and Aztecs, they pierced their tongues, too. They did this most often between the 1300s and 1500s. 

Again, tongue piercings were a way to make a blood sacrifice to the gods. If you’re squeamish, don’t read the next bit of the sentence: they would put thread through the piercing first to cause it to bleed more before sealing it with a piercing.

Between then and modern times, tongue piercings fell out of fashion. But in the 1980s, people rediscovered them, and not for ritualistic purposes. Instead, tongue piercings are just a style statement — would you ever get one?

Nipple Piercings

Interestingly, nipple piercings have a long history, too. Ancient Roman men opted to have their nipples pierced as outward proof of their virility. They also used them as a way to show they valued camaraderie with other men, interestingly enough. 

It took a while for women to start piercing their nipples like men did. Specifically, 14th-century French dresses were made to be low-cut enough to show off their wearer’s nipple rings. 

Nipple piercings came back into fashion at the turn of the 20th century. Victorian-era women wore them and used them as a way to enhance their sexual pleasure. Some doctors even used to recommend them to help women who were breastfeeding to get more milk to flow.

Bellybutton Rings

We already mentioned that the Ancient Egyptians loved their bellybutton rings. After them, though, no one really wore them — that is, until the 1990s rolled around. 

The supermodels of this era made bellybuttons a must-have accessory of the time. You may think they’ve fallen out of fashion since, but style forecasters beg to differ. Instead, they say that these belly baubles are very much on their way back in. 

What Will Your History With Body Piercings Be? 

Today, body piercings are so popular — it’s not surprising to see someone with an eyebrow, ear or body piercing, is it? It’s hard to believe that these trendy little accessories have been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Every piercing you have is a piece of history, so wear it with pride. 

Don’t forget to check back with us for the latest fashion news and knowledge.

Diamonds are forever. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Diamonds are nothing if not iconic!

These spectacular gems are regarded as some of the most valuable and important in the world and there is not a single other gift that compares quite like they do.

It is why they are an integral part of engagement rings, marking momentous occasions in life and being bound forever to our most cherished memories.

But if we are talking dollars and cents, how exactly do you determine diamond value?

If you aren’t sure, don’t worry, we have five great tips to help you figure it out.

Diamond Value at a Glance

Obviously getting the exact figure will require a certain level of expertise and some professional equipment, but there is no reason you can’t determine the quality and value with a few simple details.

To find a diamond’s value, you should first take a look at the 4Cs listed below;

• Carat Weight or Size
• Color
• Clarity
• Cut

1. Carat Weight

The most obvious factor in valuing a diamond is the size.

A larger stone will be more valuable. And as diamond’s become a more rare and precious resource, that value is likely to increase.

2. Color Quality

By color, we mean whether or not there is a hue of any yellow or brown within the gemstone.

The most valuable stones are colorless so any tinge of color will make a massive impact on the value.

3. Clarity Rating

Color and clarity go hand in hand when it comes to determining a diamond’s value.

Color refers to a variation in the hue of a diamond, while clarity refers to how transparent it is. A diamond that is cloudy or has any imperfections and blemishes is less valuable than one which might be considered flawless.

4. Cut Quality

While the color and clarity are not typically down to individual interference or fault, the cut quality is a result of the gem cutter who shaped it.

A well-finished diamond should have a distinct shape with finely finished edges. No bumps or uneven surfaces anywhere.

If a diamond has been cut well, its value is likely to be much more than a rough uncut diamond of equal weight.

5. Diamond Certification

The final element assessed here as part of a diamond’s value is its certification.

Many of the most valuable diamonds are registered by marking them with a certification number by a relevant authority such as the Diamond High Council or the Gemological Institute of America.

An officially registered individual will mark them which in turn results in adding more value to the precious stone.

Diamond Value and You

Diamond value is a complex and skilled matter with frequently shifting factors, but the above guide will help you to understand what you can expect.

For more fashion and lifestyle guides, check out the homepage where you can find all of the best articles to keep you in the know.

Do you own some jewelry that you’ve been keeping for decades?

You might be planning to sell them soon. If so, cleaning them is one of the first things to do before offering them.

The current health crisis affected people’s spending on jewelry, watches, and other luxury items. Regardless, the market remains. Someone out there is always looking to invest in old jewelry.

Knowing how to clean jewelry should be your priority. Continue reading below for a must-read guide on cleaning jewelry the right way.

Cleaning Jewelry Begins with Determining the Type

The first step to cleaning jewelry properly is to identify its proper type. Some people believe there’s a single way to clean jewelry, regardless of the type of materials. It couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Cleaning gold jewelry requires different steps compared to cleaning silver jewelry. The same thing goes for jewelry with gemstones or metal.

Also, they use different cleaning materials. Some jewelry only needs soapy water. Other jewelry owners use ultrasonic cleaners and UV light sanitizers.

Regardless of the cleaning solutions, identify the type of jewelry before proceeding with the actual cleaning.

Tell If Your Jewelry Already Needs Cleaning

Another crucial step is to know if your jewelry already needs cleaning. Cleaning jewelry is one of the keys to increasing the resale value of your precious items. If your jewelry doesn’t look appealing right off the bat, you’ll have a hard time finding a buyer.

What are the telltale signs your bracelets, earrings, or necklaces need their shine back? Examine your jewelry closely. Revisit its details and take note of its overall appeal.

If it is starting to look dull, it’s time to clean it. Many factors contribute to jewelry’s dullness. For starters, your body products are one of the main culprits.

It includes perfumes, lotions, soap, and tanners. Another culprit is dust since it accumulates between the jewelry details. These things happen as your jewelry begins to age.

Cleaning Metal Jewelry

To clean your metal or stainless steel jewelry, prepare a small bowl and fill it with warm water. Get some liquid soap and give the bowl a few drops. Soak your jewelry into the bowl for about five minutes.

Take out the jewelry from the bowl and rub it using a soft cloth. Ideally, use a microfiber cloth. Avoid using tissue paper.

To clean the engravings and grooves, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. If the soapy water method isn’t satisfactory, wash the jewelry using baking soda. Put some clean water in a bowl and add a little baking soda.

Mix until the consistency becomes paste-like. Take a small amount and rub it gently on your jewelry. Next, rinse it in warm water.

Dry it up using a soft cloth and store it separately from other jewelry.

Cleaning Silver Jewelry

For silver jewelry with some tarnish, a salt bath will do the trick. Get a clean bowl and pour two cups of hot water. Add more water if you’re cleaning multiple pieces.

If the silver jewelry comes with gemstones, don’t soak them in the saltwater solution. Add one tablespoon of salt into the bowl and stir until it dissolves.

Take a sheet of aluminum foil. Tear a few strips and drop them into the bowl. The combination of the foil and salt will eliminate the tarnish.

Drop your jewelry into the solution. Let it sit for about five minutes while gently stirring the solution. As you stir, check if the tarnish is separating from the jewelry.

Continue stirring until you achieve your desired level of shine. Complete the process by rinsing the jewelry with cool running water.

If this method is tedious, use jewelry steamers and ultrasonic as alternatives.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry

When it comes to gold jewelry, the soap and water solution is your first option. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Soak your gold jewelry inside the bowl for about 15 minutes.

Take out of the bowl and gently scrub it using a toothbrush with soft bristles. The bristles will get rid of the dirt and grime on the jewelry.

If the soapy water method doesn’t work, steam cleaners or ionic cleaners are your next options. You can find these cleaning machines online or in stores selling home goods. Some drug stores even carry these items.

After cleaning your gold jewelry, add the finishing touches by polishing it. Polishing requires a special set of tools. It also needs a skillful hand, meaning it’s better to send your gold jewelry to a professional jeweler for polishing.

Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry

Does your jewelry come with diamonds, sapphires, or rubies? If so, the soapy water technique should do the trick. After soaking the jewelry, take a soft cloth and buff the gemstone.

For jewelry with diamonds, clean it once a month.

As for pearls, baby soap is your best friend. Make sure the soap is pH neutral. This type of soap is gentler on pearls compared to other types of cleaners.

When cleaning the pearls, secure them in their proper place. Dip the soft cloth on water and baby soap solution before rubbing the pearls.

In case your old or new jewelry features soft and porous gems like Lapis and Opal, it’s best to have a professional handle the cleaning. Soap can easily damage them. Also, they require a special cleaning technique.

Increase the Value of Your Collections Now

By cleaning jewelry the right way, you can restore its old beauty. You can boost their elegance and increase their resale value. However, old jewelry is not the only thing with significant value.

If you have other valuable items in your collection, learn how to preserve them.

If you liked what you read, then check out our other blog posts. We share helpful tips to help increase the value of your collection.