The shop will be closed 09/06/10 (Monday) for Labor Day.
Please plan ahead and make appointments for days surrounding that weekend to ensure prompt service! We expect to be particularly busy on Saturday and Tuesday. Of course, walk-ins will still happily be accepted.

Don't forget that every Wednesday for the rest of August is "Get Pierced With Your Buddy Day". That means, groups of 2 or more that are being pierced together will receive 5% each off their total price.

You might ask, "What's the difference and why should I use one or the other?!"  Well, in general, spirals are a slower method of stretching, allowing each ear to stretch at it's own pace.  You'll inevitably find that one of your ears is more apt to stretch than the other, so this method allows you to wear the same jewelry, but give each ear time individually.  However, some people don't like the aesthetic look of spirals and prefer to wear plugs.  There's nothing wrong with stretching using a taper and inserting plugs.  The only disadvantage is that it can take a bit more patience to keep both ears at the same gauge.

No matter which method is used, be patient!  Don't force your body to stretch before it's ready, no matter which method is used.

The advantages:
* Biocompatibility with certain alloys
* You can get it wet (yay for showering and swimming), although it's best to make sure that you thoroughly dry your lobes and jewelry after getting it wet so as not to trap moisture (or else you end up with that icky old band-aid effect!)
* Its non-porous surface (no tiny holes, assuming it's manufactured professionally) does not allow it to harbor bacteria

The disadvantage:
* Tends to be more expensive and heavier, especially with larger jewelry

For ideas for metal jewelry, I would recommend looking though the online catalogues of our manufacturers Anatometal & Industrial Strength.  Anatometal has used many hours and plenty of my money, but they are worth every second and every penny.  I would especially recommend treating yourself if gemstones are your fancy and you like to customize.

The advantages:
* It is biocompatible
* You can get it wet (again, make sure to thoroughly dry the jewelry and skin afterwards!  Wrinkly, waterlogged skin ain't pretty to nobody!)
* Non-porous surface when properly manufactured
* Lots of great colors and designs
* Light-weight
* Usually cheaper than most metal jewelry, which is especially important when you have yet to reach your goal size!  No one likes spending a ton on jewelry they're not likely to wear again.

The disadvantages:
* It can be more fragile than metal jewelry.  Generally, especially with larger gauge jewelry, it's pretty hardy stuff... just don't go dropping it on the concrete or throwing it out of aeroplanes.

For pictures of some awesome glass jewelry we can get from our wonderful manufacturers, check out GlassWear Studios.

The advantages:
* A great variety is available in all sorts of materials and designs
* Very earthy feel for all the nature lovers out there
* Mostly light-weight (although this can depend on material and size)
* Price can vary widely!  You can get things that are gorgeous but still very reasonably priced, or you can splurge and get things that are very ornately hand-carved works of art.  There are lots of things that determine that wide ranges of prices.

The disadvantages:
* Not necessarily biocompatible (this again, depends greatly on the material and also the person wearing them.)  Make sure to take into consideration any sensitivities you may have, and if you notice any sort of irritation, discontinue wear.
* You don't want to get these wet, especially because natural materials can have porous surfaces, they can harbor bacteria or even swell when introduced to moisture.
* Just like that lamp in A Christmas Story, organics are "Frag-i-le".  Make sure not to drop them even a short distance.  Organics are generally not a great idea if you're a clutzier fellow...

If you think organics may be more your speed, I would recommend spending some time drooling over the online catalogues of Tawapa and Diablo!  But be warned, they'll make even a non-stretcher want to stretch.

Usually single-flared jewelry is held in by an O-ring on the non-flared side.  Some people find O-rings to be a hassle to put on and not lose, so after a stretch has taken and the tissue involved has regained its elasticity, some people choose to wear double-flared jewelry.  The second flare prevents the jewelry from coming out as easily, but to put the jewelry in, your body must be able to temporarily stretch a gauge or larger, which will only be possible after a stretch has healed.

So, we recently ordered some new jewelry designs. Among those orders were glass and organic jewelry for stretched lobes. Our collection is growing rapidly! The next Blog entry will be an educational lesson in stretching how-tos and jewelry. In the meantime, I'll include a few of the new exciting options for stretched lobes that we've received in glass, just to whet your palette.
Enjoy!






We were very fond of our Super Bling Orbit navel rings a few months ago and had some request for school colors. So we've added something for our FAMU, UF, and FSU fans. Act quickly, though, since only one of each was ordered for now. But don't fret, since we can certainly always get them again as well!





Also new to our navel collection are some amazing Mint Navel Curves. We started carrying these a couple of months ago, and they've been selling like hot cakes, so I think they are going to become a permanent fixture in our collection. The tops are also amazing for Tongues and Vertical Hood piercings. I'm sure you can think of a few other places to put them too!




Last but certainly not least...
This coming Wednesday is St. Patrick's Day! What's a better way to celebrate than getting some new jewelry? We have plenty of green options to match your outfit! If you mention "Irish Pride", you'll receive 10% off your St. Patty's Day purchase. Act early, since this offer will expire at shop-close on Wednesday, March 17th!

Yellow Gold Gem Shaped Navel Curves
$180.95



Yellow Gold Gemmed Flower with CZ petals and Ruby Center
$85.00

We've also been expanding our selection of jewelry for stretched lobes; small and large! We're planning to start keeping a slightly larger selection in stock, so if you would like to give your 2¢, please keep us in that know!

Bone Hanging Flowers - 10g
$34.00



Buffalo Horn S-Hooks - 8g
$19.95



Buffalo Horn Flourish - 6g
$26.95



Glitter Ear-Weights - 6g
$74.95



Pink Tourmaline Gem Plugs - 2g
(Pink, CZ, and Aqua in 4g are also available)
$35.00



Faceted Double Flare Opalite - 2g
(Cabochon Double Flare Opalite in 8g are also available)
$49.00

As we were closing shop last night, we heard a faint mewing from the area of our birdfeeders. There was a tiny kitten hidden in the trees. After some crawling around with flashlights, we were able to find the scared little thing. It was famished!

This little kitten needs a good home. Know anyone that needs a fluffy, playful companion in their life?



Look at those little kitten eyes! How can you resist those?!

The shop started an official newsletter a few months ago. If you'd like to be become a lucky recipient (and learn about newsletter only specials and discounts as well as shop news and whatnot), send an email request through the Contact Us Page. I will soon add a direct link, and possibly some surveys to find out info from all of you wonderful people!

Also, follow us on Twitter! That, too, will give you access to specials, shop silliness, and other bits of news.

The shop has recently started carrying some new pieces of jewelry. We hope you enjoy!

Don't forget about "Get Pierced With You Buddy" Day every Thursday in July (see last week's post)!


We recently started carrying these amazing 4mm prong-set cubic zirconia (center) that fit any of our threadless jewelry. These add a LOT of sparkle to ear piercings (lobe and cartilage) and lips. Next week we will also have one pair of these in pink tourmaline, but we can always special order other colors. The other two gems pictured are our 2.5mm prong-set gems (cubic zirconia and white opal) that we've carried for a while now.



This beautiful princess cut cubic zirconia navel ring is extra sparkly thanks to the prong setting. It catches light better than a prism! We can also special order this same cut in any other gemstone, if you're looking for something with sparkle AND color! This gorgeous piece of jewelry is only $84.95 (or $105 with an initial piercing thanks to our extended Fall special).



These two navel pieces have prong-set pink opals on top and clear gems on the bottom (cubic zirconia and crystal). You can take one of these home for $74.95 (or $95 with an initial piercing).



These end pieces are $16.95 each and fit onto any professional grade, internally threaded posts (just like all our other jewelry). We have these pieces currently in 16 gauge and 14 gauge. They look great on eyebrows, lips, and nipples... but I'm sure you could think of a few other places to put them too.



These dental acrylic end pieces are great for ear lobes or tongues. There are other logos available too, if you wanted to do a special order. Act fast, because these are the only 6 we have in stock!

During the month of July, every Thursday is "Get pierced with your buddy" Day!

Groups of 2 or more that are being pierced together will receive a 5% discount off their total price.

Don't miss out!

This month we are featuring our Gold jewelry. It is all nickel-free (just like everything else we carry) and 18 karat.



These yellow gold circular barbells are great for most 14 gauge healed piercings. They would look stunning in nipples or a well healed navel. All the balls are solid gold. $229.95 for the pair




This beautiful pink tourmaline heart navel gem is white gold and platinum. It gives a gentle touch of feminity with a whole lot of sparkle. This is the only one left in stock, so act fast. $120




This beautiful triple dangle gem navel is completely yellow gold with prong set cubic zirconias. It has a solid gold top ball. $195.95




This is the white gold and platinum version of the above piece. The bar and ball are Medical Implant Grade Steel with white gold and platinum settings for the cubic zirconia. $118.95




Both of the above nostril screws are yellow gold with real diamonds (rather than our usual cubic zirconias). Both are beautifully cut and set. $110 for the 2mm & $85 for the 1.5mm.




Both of the above nostril screws give a wonderful ethnic feel. They’re a bit daunting to look at in the case, but are beautiful when worn. Check out the picture of the diamond flower design (one of our recently sold out items) in the nostril portfolio. $65

We featured our Jade Collection recently, but with St. Patrick’s day coming up soon, we are revisiting everything GREEN!



We are also featuring some other things to help you get in the spirit.




Like our blacklight sensitive and glow in the dark dental acrylic balls. They will fit any of our 14 gauge jewelry. Try them on your tongue or navel!




These amazing Niobium captive rings are one of a kind! You can change the beads for all occasions.

Doesn’t your sweetheart deserve something sparkly?


Included in our Features section currently:










Here are some other great gift ideas!

Elayne Angel (pictured above) has released her book entitled The Piercing Bible. You can drop by the shop and pick up a copy from us.

The book debuted at the Associate of Professional Piercers Conference in Las Vegas at the beginning of May 2009.

You can read more about the book and Elayne on the above links and at her blog. There is also a lot of good information on Rings of Desire; named for the shop she had in New Orleans before moving to Mexico.

If green is your thing, we have something for you!



We have a small display of Jade items in stock right now!

All of these items are limited, so don’t delay!






The following plugs have been sold! Sorry!

Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift for someone special on your list this season?

We have the perfect thing for your favorite piercee! These are only a few of your options.


16 gauge Prong-set Opal earring set - $98.95



Triple Cubic Zurconia & Triple Opal (or should they be called quadruple) Navel Curves - $95.00



Prong-set Tiger’s Eye Navel Curve - $75.95



Prong-set Mother-of-Pearl Navel Curve - $74.95



Prong-set Blue Goldstone Navel Curve - $74.95



Titanium Anodized Large Gem Navel Curve - $54.95



Large Prong-set Cubic Zirconia

Our amazing Tawapa representative, Hannah, visited us and we have new organics in stock!

Please note that these are not all the lovely things we have in the shop currently, so please come by if there’s something else you’re looking for!

Tawapa would like you to know that since these are organics, they are intended for HEALED PIERCINGS ONLY!

(These would make great gift for someone in your life!)

Sterling Silver Eyelets - $54.95
All of these eyelets are double-flared, meaning that you should be well-healed at the gauge before trying to wear these amazing pieces. The silver will oxidize over time, changing its color slightly. You can decide to keep them polished and shiny or you may prefer the look of the patina.


8 gauge



6 gauge





4 gauge



Bone


Jedi - 10 gauge and 8 gauge - $24.95


Triple Spiral - 14 gauge - $34.95


Tail Spiral - 12 gauge and 10 gauge - $24.95


Seraphin - 14 gauge - $49.95