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.

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