Question:

Do you know her feelings towards jewelry?  I ask only because women can be very particular about what they want — and not always on the side of extravagance or originality.  Personally I want the simplest possible solitaire — I want something understated and tasteful and I’m not crazy about drawing attention to my rather short fingers, plus I don’t like the sensation of banging a large ring on stuff and having it catch on clothing.  Or, as my friend put it "I don’t want to go to the grocery store wearing something that costs more than my car." So if I were presented with a gift of love I wouldn’t reject it or demand something different, but I probably would still covet something less "original." So a lot of it comes down to how well you know your girlfriend.   kassa

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dna

Trying to think where I’ve heard Marcus Brody b4. Of course, Indiana Jones! And is this Douglas Noel Adams (Hitchhikers Guide) back from the dead?! — You might even meet people you know – No.2, in a helicopter.

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My ring actually came from www.bluenile.com and it is wonderful!  WHen I had it sized, the local jeweler was impressed (so you know that is a good sign). We are in the US but I wouldnt be surprised if they ship to the UK.  They were great to work with and my fiance seemed to get a really good deal after having shopped at local jewelers whose prices were insane.  You might want to check it out, if even to just get some design ideas. Good luck…..I am sure she will love whetever you pick out….we women love sparkly things. -Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am soon to propose to the love of my life I intend to produce a personal design based on a few ideas I have, and get a professional jeweller to produce the ring according to my spec. However, my artistic skills are not brilliant. I was looking for advice/good resources for: 1. Basic ring art/design 2. advice on buying jewellery e.g. prices/quality of gemstones etc. 3. respected jewellers in UK (pref. london) who could produce my design Many thanks dna

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own blood: We went to a local jeweler to have my ring custom made.  I have some suggestions: 1) make sure that your intended LIKES your personal design – what my fiance would have come up with on his own was very different from what we ended up with.

My ring was a surprise and I completely love it! He knows me very well. — You might even meet people you know – No.2, in a helicopter.

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I am soon to propose to the love of my life I intend to produce a personal design based on a few ideas I have, and get a professional jeweller to produce the ring according to my spec. However, my artistic skills are not brilliant. I was looking for advice/good resources for: 1. Basic ring art/design 2. advice on buying jewellery e.g. prices/quality of gemstones etc. 3. respected jewellers in UK (pref. london) who could produce my design

Don’t know if there is a Jewellery Quarter in London, but the one is Birmingham is very reputable. — You might even meet people you know – No.2, in a helicopter.

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Weird, I actually came here to post a question about my engagement ring. My fiance bought me and emerald engagement ring with a diamond on each side of it–I know that typical rings have a diamond center. Is this too non-tradiotional?

        Why would it be?  And even if it were, would that be a problem?  There aren’t any rules about engagement rings.  If you like it, it’s perfect. Best wishes, Ericka

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We went to a local jeweler to have my ring custom made.  I have some suggestions: 1) make sure that your intended LIKES your personal design – what my fiance would have come up with on his own was very different from what we ended up with. 2) shop for the jeweler first.  We went around to a gazillion jewelry stores (remember, the mall types aren’t the right ones), and looked at what they had in the cases.  If they have interesting things, ask if they can show you the sample books of custom work that they have done before. 3) we ended up basing our design off of another custom piece they had on display: once we saw what they could do with a certain technique, we were able to adapt it to our own ideas, and it came out wonderfully. – Olivia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am soon to propose to the love of my life I intend to produce a personal design based on a few ideas I have, and get a professional jeweller to produce the ring according to my spec. However, my artistic skills are not brilliant. I was looking for advice/good resources for: 1. Basic ring art/design 2. advice on buying jewellery e.g. prices/quality of gemstones etc. 3. respected jewellers in UK (pref. london) who could produce my design Many thanks dna

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My fiance bought me and emerald engagement ring with a diamond on each side of it–I know that typical rings have a diamond center. Is this too non-tradiotional?

Too non-traditional for what?  :-) Do *you* like the ring?  If you do, who cares whether it’s a "traditional" design? If you *don’t* like it, or you’re just not sure about it, then, as tough as this can be, say so.  To your fiance.  And suggest that you go shopping together for something that you will really love wearing for the rest of your life.  (While you’re at it, offer to buy *him* an engagement ring too.) I have friends whose engagement rings are fairly typical diamond solitaires, with or without side stones, in yellow or white gold.  I also have friends whose engagement rings are very unusual, interesting designs, custom- or artisan-designed, often set with colored gemstones (sapphire is popular) or with no stones at all.  Mine I would say is somewhere in between; it’s technically a diamond solitaire, but bezel set with a wide, somewhat thick band engraved with a Celtic knot design, and my wedding ring is actually *two* rings, worn to either side.  (I also have married friends who didn’t wear engagement rings at all.)  In each case, the ring suits the person. Holly

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I am soon to propose to the love of my life I intend to produce a personal design based on a few ideas I have, and get a professional jeweller to produce the ring according to my spec. However, my artistic skills are not brilliant. I was looking for advice/good resources for: 1. Basic ring art/design 2. advice on buying jewellery e.g. prices/quality of gemstones etc. 3. respected jewellers in UK (pref. london) who could produce my design Many thanks dna

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Question:

When we went ring shopping we really didnt know much about rings…   all we knew is that we wanted platinum or white gold..  well, in the store there was virtually no difference between white gold and platinum other than price.

Then obviously you really didn’t know much about rings because there is a world of difference between rhodium plated gold and platinum! I have only had the ring for a little over a month and the gold is already starting to turn ‘yellowish’.

I’d take the ring back and get a refund. how much do you think it would cost to get my ring switched to a platinum band?

If you keep the diamonds fromthe original band, it should only cost you whatever a new mount runs. Depending upon the width, you should be able to do so for anywhere from 700 to 3,000 dollars. Ron Ng Knows!

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my ring is white gold with rotium plating on it and is holding up great.  it’s been a year now, I was just told just to keep it out of harsh chemicals so I take it off when cleaning and stuff like that. email me if you need anymore help! Erin

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my ring is white gold with rotium plating on it

What’s rotium? Ron Ng Knows!

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Hello all.. First let me say that I feel a little crazy even writing this because I absolutely love my engagement ring, but there is a small problem with it.   When we went ring shopping we really didnt know much about rings…   all we knew is that we wanted platinum or white gold..  well, in the store there was virtually no difference between white gold and platinum other than price.. soo we went with white gold.   I have only had the ring for a little over a month and the gold is already starting to turn ‘yellowish’.     I called them and they said that they could ‘rhodium plate’ it which would turn it ‘white’ agian but that this would probably only last about a year.   so, i am now beginning to think that we should have went with platinum.     My question is…   what would you do?   and how much do you think it would cost to get my ring switched to a platinum band??  (My ring is techinically an anniversary band, one round diamond with a smaller round diamond on each side.) Thanks!!

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Hi, Your ring sounds a lot like mine! (3-stone anniversary…) If you decide to have it switched to a platinum band, you will have to pay for the cost of the band, and the setting of the stones.  Some places will set the stones for free.  When I checked into a plartinum setting similar to my ring (half-channel, bezel set) it was $600.00 US for a size 7, and $50.00 for sizing – for the prong-set style, as they did not make the half-channel bezel setting in platinum.  We went with the yellow gold with white gold head, and my head is dulling, too.  (Oh well…)  Rhodium plating will be cheaper, and should last longer than a year.  Call a bunch of different stores and see what they say about the life of the rhodium plating. I have resolved to live with my dulling head, but the rest of my ring is yellow gold, so it doesn’t look too bad.  What are you doing for a wedding band?  We decided not to have one at all, as I couldn’t find one I liked that didn’t distract from the e-ring.  Also, I would have had to have a ring made that would fit snug on the e-ring.  Therefore, my e-ring became my wedding ring during our ceremony. Hope this helps… Good luck, Lyn — We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. — Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all.. First let me say that I feel a little crazy even writing this because I absolutely love my engagement ring, but there is a small problem with it. When we went ring shopping we really didnt know much about rings…   all we knew is that we wanted platinum or white gold..  well, in the store there was virtually no difference between white gold and platinum other than price.. soo we went with white gold.   I have only had the ring for a little over a month and the gold is already starting to turn ‘yellowish’. I called them and they said that they could ‘rhodium plate’ it which would turn it ‘white’ agian but that this would probably only last about a year. so, i am now beginning to think that we should have went with platinum. My question is…   what would you do?   and how much do you think it would cost to get my ring switched to a platinum band??  (My ring is techinically an anniversary band, one round diamond with a smaller round diamond on each side.) Thanks!!

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Question:

I finally decided on a ring.  My FH and I have been looking since mid Feb & finally bought one on Sunday.  Yellow gold, solitaire style, centre diamond, bezel set with white gold, with 6 princess-cut diamonds down each side (set in the band).  Also bought the wedding ring to match it.  The wedding ring is actally 2 rings, "split wedders" that go either side of the engagement. I know engagement rings was discussed on the weekend, but I’m really happy and had to share it.  We decided not to tell anyone we were engaged until I had a ring.  So now that I will actually have it on my finger (very soon, after paying it off), I can finally yell to the world, that I’m marrying my sweetheart!!!. Stef — DISCLAIMER – Material and opinions contained within are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent in whole or in part the position of the RTA

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Hi Stef,                                                                         congratulations on getting your rings and now being able to tell all your family and friends!!!  Where did you get your ring from?? Em  :)

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Hi This is Selina and karen  we are two  bisexual females in early 20s  from the north of England Looking to meet guys/girl from anyplace hobbies include dining out making new friends travelling Ws  (golden showers)    light bondage Please if you have to ask the following daft questions then don’t reply No 1 Tell me more No 2 what’s WS   golden showers No 3 what’s  light bondage all  photos welcome on the above hobbies plus one of yourself

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Question:

"Hey, did you see his Prince Albert?" Some stiff had a diamond in his thing ~ Rebekah, who’s seen only Bert’s in person — Oh, how you taunt and tease … do you do it to torture or to please? ~ Pat Moss, 10/14/98 members.aol.com/ta2intl/tattoo.htm  www.askjeeves.com — search engine FAQs- http://www.eskimo.com/~rab http://www.achilles.net/~dextra/spako

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Question:

This is sort of an off-shoot of the thread on men’s diamond rings, but I’m wondering if there are any couples out there where the groom is *not* getting a wedding ring.  Or for that matter, any brides who plan to go ringless?  Just curious… Kathey

Garrett wears his gold band at ALL times, but I discovered while engaged that I HATED having a ring on my finger, so I only wear mine ‘out’ on special occasions. Hows that for a turn around;-} Stacy The Veillady

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Well, here goes someone who actually likes the diamond band for a man.  Joe and I picked out a great engagement ring for me that is a large center stone with inset diamonds in the band on either side they are small but look great.  I am also getting the matching wedding band and he really likes the idea of having the band like mine and since we tried it on I almost want him to wear it now, it looks great!  He likes the idea a lot exspecially since we went to a friend of his wedding last weekend and he also had a diamond band.  Both of them are suit and tie kind of guys and the rings just seem to go but I think it really is an individual decision if he wants diamonds and likes the look let him get what he wants if you can afford it HE is the one wearing it remember. Angi & Joe 4/11/98 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel! Thanks for any info/ammo, –Karen

Karen, I’m with you on this one. I hate mens jewelry to have diamonds. and I just don’t think it is tasteful. I CAN make an exception for very nicely designed and set cabouchon stones. In studs and links especially, but also in rings. But Faceted stones just do not look like my idea of cool on a guy. Garrett has wanted a blue sapphire for years, but I can’t afford a cabouchon stone like that, and I won’t get a cut stone! Right now he wears a gold band with beading in the edges and an all gold class ring from Berkeley. Really ALL the jewelery I want to see on MY guy! Stacy The Veillady

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My groom is going ring-less. He dislikes jewelry and doesn’t want to wear one. My feelings on the subject? Well, I’d like it if he did, but it’s no big deal.

Ignoring your whole compromise issue, I have the following thoughts. Susan wanted me to wear a ring, I don’t even wear a watch, and I stopped wearing my religious medal when I was doing karate. Needless to say I wasn’t thrilled with the idea. However, she got me an engagement ring and gave it to me when I proposed. I found that I don’t mind wearing it. So, maybe if you ask nice he will give an inexpensive engagement ring a trial run and find out it isn’t so bad after all. Also, remind him how much more attractive a man with a ring on is. Of course there are some professions where wearing a ring could be a liability and there is your aforementioned yet ignored by me compromise. Steve By the way, when people ask, I call it my "training" ring. She hates that, but she doesn’t read this news group so I am OK.

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We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds. This was completely unexpected.  Maybe he’s just jerking my chain, but he may have actually seen a men’s ring like that which he liked, or he just came up with the idea out of the blue.   Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel! Thanks for any info/ammo, –Karen

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(snip stuff) he wanted a band that had diamonds. This was completely unexpected.  Maybe he’s just jerking my chain, but he may have actually seen a men’s ring like that which he liked, or he just came up with the idea out of the blue. (snip stuff) In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel!

a) I don’t think he’s jerking your chain, and b) I hate the idea, too. My fiance didn’t like my idea of matching plain gold wedding bands. He liked the matching part, but he wanted some sort of design. Fine. I found a design I really liked (sans diamonds) and showed it to him. He thought it was great — but do you think we could put a diamond *here*? (ack!) Since we’re a little short on cash, I suggested we skip the diamonds for now and go for something *really* nice on our 10th anniversary. I have yet to hear back on that count, but I’m hopin’. I figure if I have to wear diamonds they might as well be nice ones. My only suggestion to you is try to negotiate the matter. Your bands don’t have to match (I’m still trying to convince *my* fiance of this) and he is the one who’ll be wearing it. Ask him what he has in mind, and go with him to look at it, if possible.  If you don’t like it, come up with alternatives that you *do* like that are of a similar style or "feel". I’m sure you can eventually come to an agreement on something. Sarah (Only 80 days left?! Whose idea was this?)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds. This was completely unexpected.  Maybe he’s just jerking my chain, but he may have actually seen a men’s ring like that which he liked, or he just came up with the idea out of the blue. Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel! Thanks for any info/ammo, –Karen

Karen, I’ve seen lots of men’s wedding bands with diamonds (and other stones) and only a few have been really tacky.  The bulk of the ones I’ve seen have the diamonds inset(or recessed) into the band itself or into a decorative pattern.  One central inset stone, three small ones set diagonally with black etching, one square cut central stone etc. If he wants a band with diamonds, don’t worry, I’ll bet you can find one that is very tasteful that you both like. My fiancee’s band is 18k gold, has a square sapphire inset with white gold "channels" (or lines, or edge) on the sides but not the top or bottom.  Looks great and nothing to snag or catch on anything (important since he is an Electrician).  It kind of matches my ring which also has a center sapphire with accenting diamonds. Shirley

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Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.

My husband got a band with diamonds. It’s a fairly plain band otherwise; it has a channel (thin recessed line) of small diamonds cutting a curved diagonal across the top of the band. The diamonds do not stick out above the surface of the band.  I think it looks really nice and taseful. A few weeks after our wedding, my husband and his brother got together, and they saw each other’s wedding bands for the same time. They are almost identical! My wedding band was not made to match, but it coordinates both with his band and with my engagment ring. It’s a thin band with channel set diamonds in the top part.  Jeanne Petrangelo

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This is sort of an off-shoot of the thread on men’s diamond rings, but I’m wondering if there are any couples out there where the groom is *not* getting a wedding ring.  Or for that matter, any brides who plan to go ringless?  Just curious… Kathey

Response:

This is sort of an off-shoot of the thread on men’s diamond rings, but I’m wondering if there are any couples out there where the groom is *not* getting a wedding ring.  Or for that matter, any brides who plan to go ringless?  Just curious… Kathey

My groom is going ring-less. He dislikes jewelry and doesn’t want to wear one. My feelings on the subject? Well, I’d like it if he did, but it’s no big deal. It’s also sort of a compromise for us, as I’m not changing my name and he’d prefer I did, but will live with it. Neither issue is that symbolic to us, so I don’t feel like he’s "rejecting the symbol of our marriage" and he doesn’t feel I’m "rejecting his name" or losing the symbolism of one family name.  Note: these are *OUR* feelings on this matter. Many people feel the opposite, which I believe is fine, we just find our symbols in other things (eg our shared canoe is probably more symbolic of our commitment to each other than a ring, for a variety of reasons), so please don’t flame me for this. I think of the ring more as a reminder – and so I would like to get him something that he’d wear/see daily (as I enjoy looking at MY ring and thinking of him….). I considered a watch, but he LOVES the watch he has. I may get him a ring anyways, for "special occassions", but not sure. I, however, LOVE my ring. And though I wear little jewelry, am quite happy to keep my ring.  It’s a token, and a beautiful piece of jewelry, and I think of him when I look at it, but it doesn’t measure our commitment or our love. Cherise

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We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds. Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel!

My boss has a simple gold band with several (maybe 5) small, square cut diamonds set into the band. They’re bezel set, i.e., no prongs, and set right next to each other, and set down in a kind of trough. The ring, in my opinion, is very classy. And I’m very particular about men’s jewelry. My boss, in fact, is **very** anal about how he looks, clothes, dress, hair, jewelry. Tacky is not in his vocabulary. (He won’t wear his jeans more than once out of the dryer cuz they lose the crease and bag too much!) I think it’s very possible to find nice men’s rings with diamonds. That aside, I’d be a bit more concerned about getting involved at all. If he wants a diamond ring, why can’t he just get one? Unless there is a money issue, what does it matter. Tacky or not, why is he not allowed to have what makes him happy, even if you don’t like it. If he asks for your opinion, then by all means, give it. But if he doesn’t, don’t understand what the beef is. Anne

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds. This was completely unexpected.  Maybe he’s just jerking my chain, but he may have actually seen a men’s ring like that which he liked, or he just came up with the idea out of the blue. Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel! Thanks for any info/ammo, –Karen

Hi Karen, My stepfather has diamonds in his wedding band, and I think Dave wants them in his also.  The diamonds aren’t really "attached" like on the outside, but rather set into the ring itself. The band just looks like a normal wedding band, but with a few diamonds in the middle (maybe 3-5) Usually they are very small, and they really do look nice.  Since you are in Ann Arbor too, (I spoke to you before and you gave me a cake recommendation), I’d look in Service Merchandise in Arborland or Sears at Briarwood.  They both have rings like that there. Good luck, Michelle

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We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds.

Hi, Karen. My husband was the same way about his ring.  He had never owned a ring before in his life, but he was _sure_ he didn’t want a plain band.  He wanted diamonds.  We looked everywhere for something that wasn’t completely tacky or exceptionally expensive and finally ended up designing a ring for him.  He liked the look of rings with a "pave" setting, but they cost more than we wanted to pay (like $1000 – 2000 more than we wanted).   We talked to a jeweler about it, and he suggested a setting that was similar to the pave, but with fewer diamonds.  He has 9 diamonds set in a pattern that he chose, and the gold ring has been kind of "scored" so it looks all bumpy.  Since it’s only in a small area on the ring, it isn’t overwhelming but it still adds interest to the band. Try asking about the "pave" settings when you go to look at rings.  If you go to a decent jeweler who does a lot of design work, I’m sure you can find something you both like. Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel!

I know how you feel.  Good luck. Jan (happily married to Dan on Sep 19, 1997!) Happy – smile. Sad – frown. Use the corresponding face with the corresponding emotion.                         – Meg Ryan, "French Kiss"

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I’ve never heard the word cabouchon before…what does it mean?

Cabochon is a particular type of cut.  It’s smoothly rounded rather than faceted.  (If you don’t have an old class ring catalog kicking around, I think there’s an example on the gemstone.org web page.) —    "Commit a little mortal sin, it’s good for the soul."  -J. Buffett       Boycott Internet Spam–boycott AGIS!  http://spam.abuse.net

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Hi, KZ…..Nowadays I see quite a number of matching wedding bands with embedded diamonds.  They look quite elegant and unique actually.  Generally if G likes the idea, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for B to get a matching band with a single (embedded) diamond as well.  K, I think that you are in quite an unusual position really as it is the MEN who would normally baulk at the thought of having to match their wife’s diamond wedding band!!! Congrats and Good Luck! S – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just took a gander at wedding bands the other day and I saw a nice plain one that I expected would be perfect for the future husband.  He balked and said no, he wanted a band that had diamonds. This was completely unexpected.  Maybe he’s just jerking my chain, but he may have actually seen a men’s ring like that which he liked, or he just came up with the idea out of the blue.   Anyway, I wanna know if anyone else is getting or has gotten a men’s wedding band with diamonds.  I can’t even picture how the diamonds would be included or attached.  Everything I envision is flashy, tacky, or laughable.  In other words, I hate the idea, but before I pursue the issue I want independent outside counsel! Thanks for any info/ammo, –Karen

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Question:

I am using, at the moment, as the background on my monitor, a close-up of a ring labret piercing. Yesterday, a colleague comes in, notices there was something underneath all the xterms and asks to see it. Then he asks "How do you prevent dribbling?" to which, of course, I have no ready reply. Presumably most people don’t< dribble, so what makes a hole in one’s mouth/lip any different from that from, say, a PA? Is saliva just too viscous? Or what? (Or is my assumption wrong, and people do< dribble?) -jonathan — Jonathan H N Chin, 1 kyu | Cybernetics / CompSci | "Respondeo, etsi mutabor"                          | University of Reading |

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hi, i was just wondering  how far a person with their lip pierced could squirt water through that little hole.  if anyone wants to tell me how far you can squirt water through your piercing it would be greatly appreciated. ] thanx, Bob Molotov

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I am using, at the moment, as the background on my monitor, a close-up of a ring labret piercing. Yesterday, a colleague comes in, notices there was something underneath all the xterms and asks to see it. Then he asks "How do you prevent dribbling?" to which, of course, I have no ready reply.

I have three 14 gauge lip piercings (2 lips and 1 labret)  I really don’t seem to get much leakage out of the holes BUT the rings do create 2 small gaps on the sides of my mouth.  Also, I have 12 and 6 gauge tongue piercings which cause me to salivate more.  Anyway….   Let’s just say I wipe my mouth a lot.   -Allen Falkner Obscurities INC — Obscurities INC

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I am using, at the moment, as the background on my monitor, a close-up of a ring labret piercing. Yesterday, a colleague comes in, notices there was something underneath all the xterms and asks to see it. Then he asks "How do you prevent dribbling?" to which, of course, I have no ready reply.

i have a lip ring that’s only a 14 g, and under pressure (like brushing and fluoride rinsing), i get a little leakage out of the hole.  what i really want to see is a picture of somebody with a labret with an earlet in it.  my boyfriend has a labret, and we joke about doing that, but i’d really like to see somebody who did.  anybody know of any?

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really want to see is a picture of somebody with a labret with an earlet in it.  my boyfriend has a labret, and we joke about doing that, but i’d really like to see somebody who did.  anybody know of any?

There is or was a pic on BME a while back of someone with a 4 ga. labret, i think just removed, rather than w/ an eyelet, spraying a stream of water out thru the hole. check under the facial piercings gallery.

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You have entirely too much time on your hands =) Mel "the Great" Froggie Cathouse Fashions and More

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really want to see is a picture of somebody with a labret with an earlet in it.  my boyfriend has a labret, and we joke about doing that, but i’d really like to see somebody who did.  anybody know of any?

There is a photo on BME of Shannon squirting water through his Labret eyelet. —                                 * Ardvark *                               Anne Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                              Piercing Exquisite                       http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark

Response:

a close-up of a ring labret piercing. Yesterday, a colleague comes in, notices there was something underneath all the xterms and asks to see it. Then he asks "How do you prevent dribbling?" to which, of course, I have no ready reply. Presumably most people don’t< dribble, so what makes a hole in one’s mouth/lip any different from that from, say, a PA? Is saliva just too viscous? Or what?

Dribbling from a PA is not always through the pierced hole; the surface tension forces the stream to adhere to the ring and drip downwards with gravity (put your finger under slow tap water and pull your finger away slowly for a demo). Dribbling from a lip piercing is different than from a PA becuase of the viscosity of saliva and the lack of force (ie. force of urinating).  Also, there is the question of ring vs stud.  A ring rotates freely and may pull some saliva with it, while a stud only moves back and forth through the piercing about 1/16" as the wearer smiles and eats and the lip constricts angainst the gums.  Additionally, the age of the piercing may influence leakage.  An older piercing which is played with frequently will be looser than a new piercing. I play with my Labret jewelry quite a bit, pulling it against my teeth, manipulating it with my tongue.  The hole is visibly loose.  But I only notice leakage when I’m eating soup (liquid plus the movement of chewing). By the end of the day, there is evidence of leakage, though; a small deposit of crusties under the front disc of the jewelry (I’m wearing a 5mm cabochon bezel-set stone). When I remove the jewelry, alas, I cannot shoot water across the room.  It just dribbles down my chin! —                                 * Ardvark *                               Anne Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                              Piercing Exquisite                       http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) her name is Gwen Stefani.  i kinda find her annoying, I find her not too hard to look at. She’s a hottie. a hottie?  i dunno ’bout that (;  she does have those awesome abs of steel, though.  <g katester

I think that Gwen is a cutie!  I also think that it’s very cool that she’s got those tattoos, it makes her a lot more of an individual than she already is. Kudos to Gwen! Amanda

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She is quite beautiful (have you seen the "Don’t Speak" video?).  Matter o fact I’m listening to her right now. I missed SNL (hasn’t been the same since Dennis Miller).  Was she sporting henna tatts or just lace gloves? Wesley

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a hottie?  i dunno ’bout that (;  she does have those awesome abs of steel, though.  <g

Yeah, but as an aging, somewhat softer & flabbier 25 yr old woman I appreciated the fact (well, OK–LAUGHED AT the fact) that her abs were not as rock-hard as they have been when I saw on SNL!

Response:

Yeah, but as an aging, somewhat softer & flabbier 25 yr old woman I appreciated the fact (well, OK–LAUGHED AT the fact) that her abs were not as rock-hard as they have been when I saw on SNL!

You think you’re aging at 25? Give me a break! I’m 28 and still get carded for cigarettes (bow) thank you very much (courtsie) We are hardly AGING, we are getting better. and my abs are better than hers : p   I don’t know about the rest of me… Qathi       Water just gets you all wet inside.              BEER makes you happy!               http://www.purestuff.com/qathi/

Response:

I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) her name is Gwen Stefani.  i kinda find her annoying, I find her not too hard to look at. She’s a hottie.

a hottie?  i dunno ’bout that (;  she does have those awesome abs of steel, though.  <g katester —  "This you should know:  Life is hard, it is complicated, it is not   forever.  There is joy in sorrow and sorrow in joy.  Always, there is   family.  And passion.  And perfect Chicken Soup."                                      –Joy Horowitz, "Tessie & Pearlie"

Response:

I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) Denise Robinson, Ambient Inc.   No Flesh Shall be Spared Friday thee 13th ov December, Ottawa   http://www.ambient.on.ca/

I’m pretty positive those were not hand tatts!  They are called Mandi (sp).  It is a tradition in E/W Indian  culture to have the hands and feet painted with this dye in traditional designs.  Usually happens at weddings!  It wears/washes off.  Very neat though! Why would she sport that?…No clue. If this is what you meant by henna tattoos then COOL!  If not what are henna tattoos? James

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I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) her name is Gwen Stefani.  i kinda find her annoying,

I find her not too hard to look at. She’s a hottie. Qathi              Hey, pull my finger!               http://www.purestuff.com/qathi/

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think so- I really don’t remember- I was so stunned as the nice hand work…  Wait a minute- I remember thinking "Wow, such a nice bare belly, and no navel piercing!" Yeah – I saw them up-close at a record store.  She could easily go for a 10ga curved barbell with a nice bezel-set gemstone… —                                  * Ardvark *                               Anne  Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                              Piercing Exquisite                          http://www.c2.org/~ardvark/

I don’t think those were hand tats.  I think they were like those early 80’s Madonna gloves.

Response:

I think so- I really don’t remember- I was so stunned as the nice hand work…  Wait a minute- I remember thinking "Wow, such a nice bare belly, and no navel piercing!"

Yeah – I saw them up-close at a record store.  She could easily go for a 10ga curved barbell with a nice bezel-set gemstone… —                                  * Ardvark *                               Anne  Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                              Piercing Exquisite                          http://www.c2.org/~ardvark/

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her name is Gwen Stefani.  i kinda find her annoying, and NoDoubt gets

*really* overplayed on Detroit-area radio stations.  uugh.     AMEN SISTER!!! I swear to God, I don’t even listen to the radio anymore because whenever I turn it on No Doubt is on. I find them and especially Gwen, extremely annoying, *and* to add insult to injury, these days people are always telling me I look like Gwen Stefani because I have white-blonde hair and full lips. i’m kinda bummed that i missed the henna tattoos, though.  it’s

something that’s always fascinated me, although i’ve never seen it "in person." They were quite beautiful, I’ll give her that (grudingly) –Detroit (and don’t even *think* of telling me that I look like Courtney Love) ”All I’ve got in the end is me."

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I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?)

her name is Gwen Stefani.  i kinda find her annoying, and NoDoubt gets *really* overplayed on Detroit-area radio stations.  uugh.  i’m kinda bummed that i missed the henna tattoos, though.  it’s something that’s always fascinated me, although i’ve never seen it "in person." katester —  "This you should know:  Life is hard, it is complicated, it is not   forever.  There is joy in sorrow and sorrow in joy.  Always, there is   family.  And passion.  And perfect Chicken Soup."                                      –Joy Horowitz, "Tessie & Pearlie"

Response:

I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) Gwen Stefani (not entirely positive of the spelling on the surname)… Was she wearing one of her little bindis as well?

I think so- I really don’t remember- I was so stunned as the nice hand work…  Wait a minute- I remember thinking "Wow, such a nice bare belly, and no navel piercing!" Christabel, who’s been toying with the thought of playing with henna herself…

Denise Robinson, Ambient Inc.    No Flesh Shall be Spared Friday thee 13th ov December, Ottawa    http://www.ambient.on.ca/

Response:

I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?)

Gwen Stefani (not entirely positive of the spelling on the surname)… Was she wearing one of her little bindis as well? — Christabel, who’s been toying with the thought of playing with henna herself…

Response:

I must say that I was incredily impressed when I saw No Doubt perform on Saturday Night Live last night sporting henna tattoos on her hands- from the brief glimpses I caught, they looked like traditional designs too.  Kudos to her!  (What is the singer’s name anyhow?) Denise Robinson, Ambient Inc.    No Flesh Shall be Spared Friday thee 13th ov December, Ottawa    http://www.ambient.on.ca/

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Question:

Hi all…I just got my nose pierced a coupla weeks ago–and am thinking of getting other jewelry to put in occasionally.  (When it’s fully healed, that is.)  Anyway….I’d like something unique.  Not a regular sss ring–and no skulls or anything like that.  Right now, I’ve got a 14 ga. blue niobium with a malachite bead.  I’m thinking of getting something a little thinner–less conspicuous than a bright blue ring.  =) Do you know any 800 numbers or web pages of companies where I can see the goods or order a catalog?  (I;ve seen Gauntlet’s and Anatometal’s pages…)  Does anyone have any suggestions for unusual/unique jewelry?   I kind of like one I saw on Gauntlet’s pages…silver ring with precious gemstone beads.  Not sure, though. Any info is greatly appreciated! On a side note…my parents called this morning.  THey’re coming to visit me over Easter weekend.  They haven’t been told about my new piercing, yet.  Won’t be too big a deal…kind of wondering exactly how to tell them, though.  SHould make Spring interesting, at least.  =)  Ahh…the life of a good girl gone bad.   Mandy — http://ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu/~afiegle

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Hi all…I just got my nose pierced a coupla weeks ago–and am thinking of getting other jewelry to put in occasionally.  (When it’s fully healed, that is.)  Anyway….I’d like something unique.  Not a regular sss ring–and no skulls or anything like that.  Right now, I’ve got a 14 ga. blue niobium with a malachite bead.  I’m thinking of getting something a little thinner–less conspicuous than a bright blue ring.  =)

Having just read the malachite/hematite thread–I just did th same thing.  It is hematite…no cyanide gas for this gal.  =) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — http://ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu/~afiegle

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Do you know any 800 numbers or web pages of companies where I can see the goods or order a catalog?  (I;ve seen Gauntlet’s and Anatometal’s pages…)  Does anyone have any suggestions for unusual/unique jewelry?  

I saw some *absolutely* beautiful rings with gemstones at Venus in NYC.   One of the owners is a jeweler and she makes some of the most beautiful rings I’ve seen.  I don’t think they’re on the Net, but it certainly would be worth seeing if they have a catalog.                                                 Very truly yours,                                                 Ms. Margo — Please don’t send wanna’s as I’m very happy with the men that I have. *** …but does he have a fez?

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Right now, I’ve got a 14 ga. blue niobium with a malachite bead.   Having just read the malachite/hematite thread–I just did th same thing.  It is hematite…no cyanide gas for this gal.  =)

        Heh heh… good, so I’m *not* the only one who does this? —                         -= Van Gogh’s Ghost =-

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Hi all…I just got my nose pierced a coupla weeks ago–and am thinking of getting other jewelry to put in occasionally.

Nostril or Septum? Right now, I’ve got a 14 ga. blue niobium with a malachite bead.

Septum, I assume, at 14ga… I’ve got a 14ga 3/8" steel tapered-tip cbr in my septum piercing. (see my webpage) I’ve ordered bezel set stones for it, too – instead of a regular bead, a cabochon stone set in white gold.  You can get a gemstone ring with the stone part attached – the entire ring would be gold – but I thought the individual piece would be easier to change rather than torquing a small diameter ring every time I want a change! Small circular barbells are nice too (see my webpage for a pic of that). You can use the small circ’s (3/8" diam) as a retainer, too!  Anatometal makes colored titanium balls for their circular bb’s. Do you know any 800 numbers or web pages of companies where I can see the goods or order a catalog?

See the Piercing FAQ.  I also have a list of manufacturers and mail order dealers that I will be posting soon. I kind of like one I saw on Gauntlet’s pages…silver ring with precious gemstone beads.  Not sure, though.

The gemstone or jeweled rings.  Like I said, very difficult to manipulate in the smaller diameters, and at that angle (in your nose!). —                                   * Ardvark *                                   Anne  Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                 Proprietor – Piercing Exquisite, Richmond, Va.                  COMING SOON IN THE NEW YEAR  *  THE WEBPAGE!

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Nostril or Septum?

Nostril. Septum, I assume, at 14ga…

Nope…a bit large for a nostril–but it doesn’t look large on me.   Actually, when I get other jewelry, I am going to go to a smaller guage, though. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a 14ga 3/8" steel tapered-tip cbr in my septum piercing. (see my webpage) I’ve ordered bezel set stones for it, too – instead of a regular bead, a cabochon stone set in white gold.  You can get a gemstone ring with the stone part attached – the entire ring would be gold – but I thought the individual piece would be easier to change rather than torquing a small diameter ring every time I want a change! Small circular barbells are nice too (see my webpage for a pic of that). You can use the small circ’s (3/8" diam) as a retainer, too!  Anatometal makes colored titanium balls for their circular bb’s. Do you know any 800 numbers or web pages of companies where I can see the goods or order a catalog? See the Piercing FAQ.  I also have a list of manufacturers and mail order dealers that I will be posting soon. I kind of like one I saw on Gauntlet’s pages…silver ring with precious gemstone beads.  Not sure, though. The gemstone or jeweled rings.  Like I said, very difficult to manipulate in the smaller diameters, and at that angle (in your nose!).

How about in a nostril rather than a septum?  I’d like some variety….but don’t want to end up with deformed jewelry and a sore mose!  =) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —                                   * Ardvark *                                   Anne  Greenblatt                   Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                 Proprietor – Piercing Exquisite, Richmond, Va.                  COMING SOON IN THE NEW YEAR  *  THE WEBPAGE!

Response:

Question:

I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage of the barbell or ring for this piercing. Thank you Mike

Response:

I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage of the barbell or ring for this piercing.

I had mine done in a 14 gauge, but I have heard of people also doing it as a 12. But 14 seems like a good idea for just about any piercing: not too small (for tearing), and not to big (for really long healing). Before you do it, keep it mind that it you are going to really stop using your hand for a long time. Mine was basically healed in two months, but I am a programmer, so other than typing, I can effectively not use my hands. I ended up taking it out because I couldn’t properly lift things. Anyway, back to jewellery. Get a well sized 14ga barbell in my opinion. And make sure your piercer does it as absolutely deep as possible, and you shouldn’t get any migration. Whatever you do, take some pictures of it, ’cause in all likelihood, you won’t be keeping it for any extended period of time  Shannon Larratt  http://www.io.org:80/~glider

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PFIQ did a feature on Elayne Binnie (when she was still Levine) in issue 34.  Included in the photos by Todd Friedman is a shot of her hand web piercing, with a jeweled-end (bezel-set) curved barbell.  Other photos, in case you are curious, feature her 10ga outer labia and clitoris rings, nipples, navel (jeweled barbell stud with a u-hanger), septum, tongue with ring (only one hole at that time)… Well worth ordering a back-issue from Gauntlet! Pierce with a Pro #13 featured the handweb; this PWAP is available as a zerox copy from Gauntlet (the issue is out of print). —                               * Ardvark *                             Anne Greenblatt                Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart                         Piercing  Exquisite <                                    *

Response:

: : I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage : : of the barbell or ring for this piercing. : Ever think of piercing the webbing between your thumb and forefinger? : Looks pretty darn interesting if you ask me!  Just a thought…         –I have been wanting that pierce for a while, but it does not fit my lifestyle, too much guitar playing and sign language for me to want to lose the use of my hand for an extended period of time, as well as the high percentage of migrations…

Response:

: I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage : of the barbell or ring for this piercing. Ever think of piercing the webbing between your thumb and forefinger? Looks pretty darn interesting if you ask me!  Just a thought…

Response:

: I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage : of the barbell or ring for this piercing. Ever think of piercing the webbing between your thumb and forefinger? Looks pretty darn interesting if you ask me!  Just a thought…

Yes, well that’s the one I had. There’s pictures and the story of it on my web site at http://www.io.org/~glider/bme.html I wouldn’t recommend the piercing unless you don’t use your hands for much more than posting to r.a.b. and the like. If you can stick to that you’ll heal it no problem, otherwise, it’s not worth the effort (although it does look amazing!)….         Shannon Larratt

Response:

-: I was wandering if any body had a hand piercing or has heard of it. If so what is the suggested guage -: of the barbell or ring for this piercing. – -Ever think of piercing the webbing between your thumb and forefinger? -Looks pretty darn interesting if you ask me!  Just a thought… – so you’ve not read the FAQ, then? —  [insert standard disclaimer here] —

Response:

: Yes, well that’s the one I had. : I wouldn’t recommend the piercing unless you don’t : use your hands for much more than posting to r.a.b. and : the like. If you can stick to that you’ll heal it no problem, : otherwise, it’s not worth the effort (although it does look : amazing!)…. Well, I dunno…granted, my friend had this done, and his body rejected it. HOWEVER, he is now lucky enough to have a tiny slit that extends from the piercing out.  Somehow, that is even *more* interesting looking…so either way…:)

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I have been considering having this for a while, and I have a couple of questions, if anyone can help me out… 1.Does is HuRT?? If so, how much and for how long? 2.Has anyone had a hand pierce other than next to the thumb? I am quite tempted to try one between my little finger and ring finger, but there is obviously less skin there than between thumb and first finger. If anyone has attempted a similar pierce, or has been strongly warned against it by a piercer, please let me know! Neurotic Boy Outsider             I’m not anti-social – Society’s anti-me. "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human  face … for ever."

Response:

I have been considering having this for a while, and I have a couple of

Thats good, because you’ll probably only have it for a while. 1.Does is HuRT?? If so, how much and for how long?

The piercing is a VERY strong stinging sensation – I though it hurt more than most piercings, but that’s only for a second. You can’t use your hand much for quite a while, and even after that, you are limited. 2.Has anyone had a hand pierce other than next to the thumb? I am quite tempted to try one between my little finger and ring finger, but there is obviously less skin there than between thumb and first finger. If anyone has attempted a similar pierce, or has been strongly warned against it by a piercer, please let me know!

I know of someone who did it, just to prove they could. It lasted for about three months without migration and then grew out. I would not recommend it – and it doesn’t look as good anyway…         Shannon BME: Body Modification Ezine  http://www.io.org/~glider/~bme.html

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I have been tossing around the thought of getting the webbing between my thumb and forefinger on my left hand pierced for quite some time now. I put it to the back of my head for a couple of months, but the desire has resurfaced, refusing to go away. I know about the incredible risks of infection here. What I want to know is.. has anyone successfully done this pierce, or had this pierce done? What I think I am going to do is to look into buying, or making, a thumb brace for myself. Then I want to get a surgical stainless steel captive bead ring, perhaps 3/8 inch diameter? 12-14 guage, most likely. I plan to brace my thumb and swathe my hand in bandages, in an attempt to keep it very sterile and still. Does anyone know of a REALLY GOOD reason why I should not do this, or other stuff to take precautions for? (Cleaning, I plan to soak my hand in warm saltwater, perhaps a few drops of Hibiclens mixed in, for the first couple of weeks, then probably switching to something else.) What is the physiological layout of that particular section of the hand? From what I can feel, it is just a webbing of skin – no cartilage, and the tendons are a little further down (dangerously close by where I want to pierce, though. :/ ). Are there any major nerves I should look out for? — ObNote: Interesting, the kinds of things one finds in medical texts. I looked up the ear in a classroom physiology text. I guess I could tell people I have a Helyx pierce (if I recall correctly).. I like wierd names for pierces. So much more interesting than _the outer cartilage ridge, in the middle_. Josh. — "do you ever have the strange sensation…when    | floors and crash into freefall…?"               |

Response:

        Well, i just got the hand web done about two weeks ago. No problems here. the best thing to use is a 14 gauge captive bead ring.  I cleaned mine in sea salt water ( available at whole food market ) ANY time i used my hand to do something, or 3 times a day. I also used Betadine and neosporin plus three times a day.  I’ve had no problems so far, except the occasional crusting.  To keep it clean the first few days, buy some latex examining gloves and wear them, ( get a size larger than yer hand ). they seemd to help keep it sterile. any other questions.. Mail me. — |" Hey, it’s a UNIX system " -J.P.|| Who really cares what i have to say| |  Live To CODE, CODE to live.    || I certainly don’t.                 |  

Response:

   Well, i just got the hand web done about two weeks ago. No problems here. the best thing to use is a 14 gauge captive bead ring.  I cleaned mine in sea salt water ( available at whole food market ) ANY time i used my hand to do something, or 3 times a day. I also used Betadine and neosporin plus three times a day.  I’ve had no problems so far, except the occasional crusting.  To keep it clean the first few days, buy some latex examining gloves and wear them, ( get a size larger than yer hand ). they seemd to help keep it sterile. any other questions.. Mail me.

Can you keep posting updates on the progress of this piercing?  I am very interested in getting on and have never before found somene who was having a good experience with it. — |" Hey, it’s a UNIX system " -J.P.|| Who really cares what i have to say| |  Live To CODE, CODE to live.    || I certainly don’t.                 |

Susan

Response:

Is there any way to pierce the loose skin between your thumb and forefinger without it extracting itself within a month or two? —— Also I heard that tattoo parlors in the states don’t tattoo the head, neck, wrists or feet anymore…  is this true?                 Gothboy                 http://pages.zoomnet.net/~gothboy

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Is there any way to pierce the loose skin between your thumb and forefinger without it extracting itself within a month or two? —— Also I heard that tattoo parlors in the states don’t tattoo the head, neck, wrists or feet anymore…  is this true?               Gothboy               http://pages.zoomnet.net/~gothboy

My partner and I had each others hand webs done a couple of months ago.  They are taking a while to heal, but there doesn’t seem to be much  migration yet.  His is healing a lot better than mine, as he has to use his hands at work a lot less than me. I just hope that it will heal and stay in as it looks really good.

Response:

Is there any way to pierce the loose skin between your thumb and forefinger without it extracting itself within a month or two? —— Also I heard that tattoo parlors in the states don’t tattoo the head, neck, wrists or feet anymore…  is this true?

Dunno about the web piercing, but as far as the tattoo question goes – you can ALWAYS find tattooists who will tattoo anything anywhere.  There are regulations in certain parts of the country regarding those particular tattoos you mentioned.  I believe it has to do with gang markings. (Could be wrong – make sense to me having lived in Los Angeles). You can always go to Canada if you’re concerned about it. -Morgan "If there’s anything more important than my ego around, I want it caught and shot now."                         -Zaphod Beeblebrox More ego can be found at http://web.mit.edu/morgana/www/

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I had a hand web piercing for about 3 1/2 years and it seemed totally healed.  Then, one day, for no apparent reason, it became sore, and over the next week it surfaced,  and I lost it completely.  I was pretty devastated, as that piercing was like part of me, and after that lengthy period of time, you would think it is permanent, but… Also, there is more risk in hand web piercings, as the hands to contact more bacteria than most other piercing sites.  As much as I loved mine, I wouldn’t do it again.  Elayne/Angel Binnie

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I had a hand web piercing for about 3 1/2 years and it seemed totally healed.  Then, one day, for no apparent reason, it became sore, and over the next week it surfaced,  and I lost it completely.  I was pretty devastated, as that piercing was like part of me, and after that lengthy period of time, you would think it is permanent, but…

Oh, just the kind of thing I didn’t want to hear …. ;-(  I just got mine pierced three weeks ago tomorrow, and I go back and forth between thinking it’s not gonna make it, and feeling like I’m home-free … Also, there is more risk in hand web piercings, as the hands to contact more bacteria than most other piercing sites.  As much as I loved mine, I wouldn’t do it again.  Elayne/Angel Binnie

Well, I can understand why.  The healing process is certainly not easy, and not without plenty of discomfort.  Sorry you lost yours. Sande

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Does anyone have any advice for me? What should I be looking for in an insurance policy of this kind? How much?

        Check with the company who provides your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.  I have my ring insured through a special rider on my renter’s policy.  It’s insured against anything, including loss, damage, or theft. I think the rate is something on the order of $30 per $1000 of jewelry. (My insurance is through USAA.)  This is not the same thing as a warranty, however, but as far as I can tell, I’m insured against anything I think is important.  My stone is bezel set, so I don’t have to worry about watching prongs carefully (which you simply have to do with a prong set ring–the prongs do wear down over time and will need to be built up). The channel set for the tiny diamonds has to be watched, though. Ericka

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i) writes: I have the ring, but no center stone. If I buy the stone from the same place I got the setting, then I’ll be covered by their warranty as long as I have it cleaned and checked out periodically (free). On the other hand, I could get the diamond somewhere else, at a considerably lower cost, and seek insurance elsewhere. Get the diamond elsewhere and save the difference in cost. The warranty is basically a scam that that unscrupulous jewelry dealers use to part fools from their dollars. If you buy a ring from a centerstone from a good jeweler who will do a good job mounting it, and take good care of it, then you don’t need the insurance.       There are two types of ‘insurance’ on rings. One is the warranty provided by the jeweler. You really don’t need this–the jeweler is saying "give me this amount of money, and if we didn’t do our job right, we’ll fix it for free". Any jeweler worth his salt will fix his mistakes for free.

      The other type of insurance is ‘theft or loss’ type. You can get the ring put on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy (call your agent and ask). Of course you don’t _have_ to get it, but after you’ver been mugged, wouldn’t you like to know you’re covered?

The warranty provided at the jewelry shop where I got my fiancee’s ring is free.  We just have to bring it in every 3 months to check the prongs.  If the diamond falls out of the ring then they will replace the diamond at no charge. I also have personal property insurance on the ring in which I got through my homeowner’s insurance company.  The cost is like 80 cents per $1000 appraised value per month.  This is in case the whole ring is lost or if the ring is stolen.  I not sure of how appraisals work because the appraised value is twice the amount for which I bought the ring.  I never asked my insurance agent but I would assume if the ring is lost then we would get the amount that the ring is insured for. — NL EAST 7/7     W   L   Pct.  GB       4. Cubs        40  40  .500  13 1. Phillies    55  29  .655   —       5. Pirates     39  44  .481  15 1/2 2. Cardinals   48  34  .585    6       6. Marlins     36  46  .455  18 3. Expos       43  40  .518   11 1/2   7. Mets        25  56  .303  28 1/2 David W. Sleight                              U. of Illinois ‘91 NASA Langley Research Center        Aerospace Engineering Hampton, Virginia

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i) writes: I have the ring, but no center stone. If I buy the stone from the same place I got the setting, then I’ll be covered by their warranty as long as I have it cleaned and checked out periodically (free). On the other hand, I could get the diamond somewhere else, at a considerably lower cost, and seek insurance elsewhere. Get the diamond elsewhere and save the difference in cost. The warranty is basically a scam that that unscrupulous jewelry dealers use to part fools from their dollars. If you buy a ring from a centerstone from a good jeweler who will do a good job mounting it, and take good care of it, then you don’t need the insurance.  

     There are two types of ‘insurance’ on rings. One is the warranty provided by the jeweler. You really don’t need this–the jeweler is saying "give me this amount of money, and if we didn’t do our job right, we’ll fix it for free". Any jeweler worth his salt will fix his mistakes for free.      The other type of insurance is ‘theft or loss’ type. You can get the ring put on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy (call your agent and ask). Of course you don’t _have_ to get it, but after you’ver been mugged, wouldn’t you like to know you’re covered? Hope this helps, Karen — NL EAST 7/7     W   L   Pct.  GB       4. Cubs        40  40  .500  13 1. Phillies    55  29  .655   —       5. Pirates     39  44  .481  15 1/2 2. Cardinals   48  34  .585    6       6. Marlins     36  46  .455  18 3. Expos       43  40  .518   11 1/2   7. Mets        25  56  .303  28 1/2

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I have the ring, but no center stone. If I buy the stone from the same place I got the setting, then I’ll be covered by their warranty as long as I have it cleaned and checked out periodically (free). On the other hand, I could get the diamond somewhere else, at a considerably lower cost, and seek insurance elsewhere. Does anyone have any advice for me? What should I be looking for in an insurance policy of this kind? How much?

Get the diamond elsewhere and save the difference in cost. The warranty is basically a scam that that unscrupulous jewelry dealers use to part fools from their dollars. If you buy a ring from a centerstone from a good jeweler who will do a good job mounting it, and take good care of it, then you don’t need the insurance.  Taking good care of it means keeping it clean, checking it for bent mount-posts, etc.  A semi-annual cleaning and checkup (service offered free by most jewelers) will take care of that for you.   (Centerstones don’t just pop out, you know. Most stones that are lost are the small surrounding stones, usually because they are poorly set.  Fortunately, they’re also fairly inexpensive to replace.) If you still feel you want insurance on your ring, it can almost certainly be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.  For less than the jeweler’s premium. I’m curious, how did you come to purchase the setting before the centerstone??  Usually it’s done the other way around, since the centerstone usually accounts for the majority of the cost.  The whole thing sounds very suspicious to me! —                                                 —  Michal Impressive amounts of material can be accreted in this manner.

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Jewelry can be insured through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. On our insurance (renter’s) any one piece of jewelry is insured up to 1,000 under the regulary policy.  If you want to insure for up to 2,000 there is a policy addition for about 35 per year (on top of a couple of hundred a year for the regular policy).  Up to 4,000 on any one piece is 90 extra per year. Hope this helps! Valerie

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My apologies if this is a FAQ. I have the ring, but no center stone. If I buy the stone from the same place I got the setting, then I’ll be covered by their warranty as long as I have it cleaned and checked out periodically (free). They say "Merksamer Jewelers will replace any diamond lost from it’s [sic] mounting as long as your warranty is valid. To keep your diamond warranty valid, your Merksamer diamond must be cleaned and checked (at no charge) at any Merksamer Jewelers store, at least once every six months…" On the other hand, I could get the diamond somewhere else, at a considerably lower cost, and seek insurance elsewhere. Does anyone have any advice for me? What should I be looking for in an insurance policy of this kind? How much? Thanks for your collective wisdom. Ernie

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