Buying necklaces is super fun, but when it comes down to the specs, sometimes it’s difficult to decipher the lingo, like with necklace closure types.  So we’re here to make sure that you’re never left guessing again.  Here we go!

There are literally dozens of closure styles for necklaces and bracelets, but as long as you know the basic few that are used the most, chances are you won’t have to worry.  The common necklace clasps are: the spring ring, the lobster claw, the magnetic clasp, the toggle closure, the fold over clasp, and the ball chain closure (sometimes also referred to as a butterfly).

Most necklaces will have either a spring ring or a lobster claw, but many everyday situations necessitate the use of other styles.  For example, those who have arthritis will often find spring hoops or claws too difficult, so a magnetic closure can be the perfect solution.  Likewise heavier, multi-layered necklaces may require a more durable, heavy-duty closure, like a toggle.

So now that your brain is swimming with necklace knowledge, it’s the perfect time to test out what we’ve learned… by going shopping!

For many who are new to the world of body mod, and even some seasoned veterans, you may have heard some interesting things about body jewelry threading.  But what’s the difference between “external threading” and “internal threading?”  Here’s what to know:

Obviously the threading of an item has to be either on the inside or the outside but sometimes hearing different phrases thrown around can be a little confusing.  For starters, the vast majority of body jewelry is externally threaded.  This means that when you’ve got the separate pieces of the item lying on the table, the barbell or post portion of the jewelry will have a threaded end like a screw, and the ball or decorative portion will have a hole with matching threads inside.

Internally threaded body jewelry is just the opposite, with a protrusion from the ball containing the threads, and a hollow in the barbell that matches them.

For most people and most piercings, externally threaded jewelry is just fine.  There are certain piercings however, like those of the lip, tongue, and ear cartilage, that internal threaded might be preferred for due to ease of use.  If you’re not sure or have never tried internally threaded items, now is as good a time as any to see how they work for you.  Afterall, you never know; you might just find that internal threading is exactly your cup of tea.

Hi, my name is Cat and I am addicted to body piercings and Pinterest. Honestly, they are both addictions that I am not even mad about. Body piercing makes me feel beautiful and opens up a whole world of style and tradition. Pinterest is THE premier place to go for inspiration of all kinds; it also makes me feel better about life and helps me find new ways to express my piercing addiction. I can get lost in there for hours gazing endlessly at sexy pierced and tattooed people, alternative fashion, yummy cupcakes, sugary sweet style,  kitten photos, hilarious memes, art, jewelry trends, hair color, makeup and nail tutorials, and basically anything else you would ever need inspiration or motivation to do, be, or create. Pinterest is a dreamy escape from everyday life and a fun place to organize all of those beautiful images that are thrown at us daily in the digital universe. Pinning etiquette suggests that you be yourself, be respectful, and give credit with every pin you upload or repin. It is so important to gather and curate the pins that inspire you to live the life you want to live and be the person you want to be.

For a limited time only you can get paid to pin! How? Simply by entering the BodyCandy Pin to Win Sweepstakes right now, duh. You can win a $50 e-gift certificate from BodyCandy. Enter here : Pin to Win

To enter this Exclusive Sweepstakes you must first follow BodyCandy on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/bodycandyloves/).

During the Sweepstakes period:

(i)   Go to the contest page (https://www.wf-site.com/microsite/pages/12192490e0816ca6 ) and complete the online entry form to receive one entry

(ii)   Pin the contest image

(iii)   Repin any two photos that display the BodyCandy lifestyle to any of your own boards and tag these pins with #BodyCandy

Remember to have fun and be creative! For the Sweepstakes you can re-pin anything from the BodyCandy account, upload a photo of yourself rocking some BodyCandy swag, show off brand new BodyCandy products pinned straight from the website, someone with piercings or tattoos you love, unique body modifications, your dream piercings, you actually being pierced, and/ or anything you think represents BodyCandy or modern modified culture as a whole.

The grand prize winner will receive an awesome $50 BodyCandy shopping spree (as well as internet fame and prestige of course)! Think about all the goodness you can get with that: belly rings, nose rings, tongue rings, plugs, lip rings, earrings and so much more. Once you win you will have instant clout for having the coolest candy.  This contest couldn’t be at a more ideal time either; it’s perfect timing for beach, prom, and wedding season. Pinning pays off big if you are the lucky winner of the BodyCandy Pin to Win Sweepstakes You have to be in it to Pin it to Win it, so do it! What are you waiting for? Just make sure you have time, once you get started pinning you may not stop. Congratulations on finding your new addiction: pin away.

There are five basic types of circular body jewelry: the ball captive ring, the horseshoe, the pincer, the segment ring, and the spiral.  These five types will come in a variety of sizes and styles and will generally require two basic measurements: the thickness, or “gauge,” and the diameter.

Ball captive rings, often called simply BCRs, are wearable in a large range of piercings provided the correct sizing is available.  They consist of two parts: an open ring, and a bead or ball that is held in place by divots to close the ring.

Horseshoes are exactly what they sound like, a horseshoe shaped barbell with a ball at each end.  They too are applicable to a variety of body and facial piercings.

Pincers are worn primarily in the septum, ear, or eyebrow, though they may also be worn in other areas.  These are unique as they are a single piece with no balls or beads needed.  For this type of jewelry, you’ll find a horseshoe-like shape, but with a fatter center and graduated tips that resemble the natural pincers of a bug or crab, hence the name.

A segment ring is very similar to a BCR, with the exception that instead of a ball or bead, a thin piece is held into the opening of the hoop that is shaped in such a way as create the illusion of a seamless, continuous doughnut.  As with most circular jewelry, the segment ring may be worn in many different piercings.

And lastly, the spiral is a spiral shaped barbell with a ball or charm to enclose each end.  Spirals may very widely in their shape, and while some are very versatile, others are meant for a specific piercing.  One example of this is a long multi-revolution spiral often called a “super spiral,” which is meant to be worn as a belly button ring.

Ready for a couple of modification stumpers to exercise the old noggin?  Answers are listed in the key below, but no peeking!  Here we go:

1. Name three piercings that are named after people.

2.  What Native American group formerly occupying the Pacific Northwest was named after a facial piercing.

Answer Key:

1. Amongst the most popular are the Erl (nose bridge piercing, named after character actor Erl van Aiken), the Madison (neck piercing, named after former adult film star Madison Stone), the Ashley (inverted vertical labret piercing), the Marley (upper lip frenulum piercing), and the Dahlia (named after the infamous Black Dahlia).

2. The Nez Perce Indians were “discovered” by explorers in the seventeen hundreds and named after their nose piercings, which were common amongst the tribe’s members.

If you’re in the market for a new nose ring and are thinking of making the switch from stud to hoop, there’s a few things you’ll want to consider while browsing.

First, you’ll need to know what gauge size your nose piercing is.  The gauge is the thickness of the jewelry that goes into the piercing, and since there are two commonly used sizes, obtaining this knowledge is a must for a proper fit.  The two most common sizes are an 18 gauge (1 millimeter in diameter) and a 20 gauge (.8 millimeters).  It may not seem like very much of a contrast, but trust us, it definitely makes a difference.

Once you’re sure which size you’ll need, then it’s time to think about the dimensions of the hoop itself.  Most standard nose hoops (jewelry that’s specifically made for the nose) come in either a 5/16″ diameter size (about 8mm) or a 3/8″ diameter size (about 10mm).

If you know that you need a larger hoop because of piercing placement or nasal anatomy, a piece of universal circular jewelry like a BCR is always a good bet instead, because half inch sizes are easier to come by.

And finally, for those who aren’t sure at all what size hoop they need, you always have the option of purchasing a fishtail.  A fishtail nose ring is an extra long straight piece made in the proper gauge size, and you take it your piercer to be custom fit.  This means that the piercer will bend the straight nose ring into a hoop for you, ensuring that you get the exact size you want and need.

Okay! Now that you’re locked and loaded with the right amount of knowledge, it’s time… to shop!