A Sizing Guide to Stretching your Ears

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So you want to see what those plugs are going to look like in your ears? We've compiled a photo so you can get a better idea of how big you want to go. We are also going to give you some advice based on what your stretching goals are. There is a lot of advice out there and by all means, what we state is not the golden rule. Do your research before you begin the process.

Firstly, don't rush the stretching process. Those that are patient and allow time to heal will find that the stretching process is not painful and that the earlobe retains more elasticity and the likelyhood of damaging your earlobe lessens. A stretch a month is considered by many to be the right pace. Next, ensure you are using a proper stretching taper to complete the process. Don't force your tissues to stretch beyond their limits. Many consider somewhere between 2g and 0g the point of no return. Most people who stay within this limit and decide to wear standard earrings, will do so without problems. However every person is different and stretching is considered a body modification. Don't stretch larger than you are willing to live with when you are older. Minor plastic surgery is an option for those that extreme stretch and then want their "old" ears back.

When stretching, one thing to consider is limits on the types of jewelry that can easily be purchased and worn. Tunnels typically start around 2g and can go up in size for the largest of stretches. Plugs start at 12g, but do not hit a realistic size for many people until a minimum of 6g or 4g. Double flared plugs are 0.5mm - 1.5mm on the flares larger than the wearing area. So if you are a 4g, the wearable area is 5mm, but the flares may easily be 6mm. Hanging styles can nicely be worn in smaller stretches. For bone and horn, there are limits to the sizes in which gauges can be made in hanging styles. Typically for bone, that limit is 0g. The limit for horn may be up to 1/2". Larger hanging styles can be accomodated in wood. Organics are beautiful, but they are not as durable as stainless steel and other metals and require special care and cleaning.

Tribal Ear Weights - The ancient practice of ear lobe stretching

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Ear stretching is not a fad.  Throughout history, many cultures have practiced earlobe stretching as a sign of beauty and status.  King Tut himself had stretched ear lobes as visualized in his burial mask.



Ear weights are associated with many African and Asian Tribal cultures.  Borneo tribes, including the Dayak and Iban, adorned their ears with brass and metal weights.
The woman in the photograph below is a Native Iban woman showing the tribal tattooing and ear lobe stretching that is becoming less common today among the native tribes, but has exploded as a trend (to a lesser extreme) among the Western world..

The photo above is of a young Dayak girl from Borneo stretching her ear lobes.   In times past, villages would have ceremonies and give title to the most beautiful woman of the village.  A major requirement to having this prized title bestowed on a woman would be having the most extremely stretched ear lobes.
Many ear weights were artistic and beautiful, often representing creatures of their spiritual beliefs.

Mythical Asos

Fertility God

If you like the look of stretched piercings, whether it be a small 12g, or a large 2 inch stretching, Avaia Artistic Jewelry has hand crafted ear gauges to suit your wants and needs.  If you like the look of Borneo ear weights, we have those too.  Visit us at www.avaiaartisticjewelry.com

Indonesian carvers are deep in the history of ear stretching

A 14th Century, Gold, Ear plug  from Indonesia.  This exquisite ear plug is set with a ruby.  It was designed to be worn by women of the upper class of society.

There is a long history of stretching in most of Southeast Asia.  The intricate work of artisans was revelled by the upper crust of society.  Materials such as gold and precious stones served as status symbols.

Today, skilled artisans continue to produce amazing items from materials provided by mother nature.  Avaia Artistic Jewelry has a large selection of hand crafted, organic, ear plugs, spacers, tapers, and hanging gauges for those that like the finer things in life.