How big should you gauge your ears?

People begin the process of stretching their ears with many different goals.  But how big is too big for you?  We'v decided to talk about this topic from our experience at Avaia Artistic Jewelry.  We have ear gauges for sale in all sizes, but this little guide may help you decide how quickly to stretch up, and when to decide to stop.
If having your ears return to a normal appearance is an option that you want, we suggest that you stop somewhere between a 4g and 2g.  Most people (there are individual differences of course and this is only a guide), can stretch to this size and return to wearing standard gauge earrings (with a bit of stretchy lobes) and no noticable hole.  Some people may be able to stretch larger, but the "point of no return" varies from individual to individual.  The photo below shows an individual that had stretched to a 00g, or about 9.5mm, after a rest from stretching, and minor plastic surgery to repair the stretch.

The type of jewelry that you plan wear is also a significant factor when deciding how far to go.  Hanging styles typically are sold up to a 1/2" gauge size, and you may find limited styles in larger gauges, but they are far less common.

Plugs can start as small as a 10g, but they are hardly noticable at this size and would lack detail.  Tunnels may begin at 4g, but really begin at 2g with a variety of styles.  If you are looking for detailed carvings in your plugs and tunnels, you may have to stretch as large as 1/2" to get the detail that you are looking for.

The type of material plays a factor as well.  Bone gauges are limited in hanging styles to a size of 0g at best as bone, in general, is not a thick material to carve when working with flat pieces.  Bone tunnels can be larger in size as long bone is used, which is naturally hollow.
Horn can be carved in gauges of all sizes, but hanging styles will still be limited in the larger sizes.

Wood has no limit in carving sizes, but is quite fragile in the smaller gauge sizes.

Stone and glass has no limit in plug size, but becomes quite heavy in larger sizes.

Shell gauges are limited to the thickness of the shell, and are generally available in sizes under 0g, with occasional sizes that are larger.

Whatever you decide, we at Avaia Artistic Jewelry would be happy to help you with your decision.  Visit our website at www.avaiaartisticjewelry.com or drop us a note at orders@avaiaartisticjewelry.com  Please visit our facebook page or our wordpress blog.

How to care for organic bone jewelry

Bone is one of the most popular materials in organic jewelry. Most people when they first purchase bone do not realize it is VERY fragile. Even thicker bone needs to be handled with special care. Bone also does not handle humidity well and may warp under these conditions. Keep your bone jewelry out of the bathroom and preferably somewhere with dryer air. Bone that gets wet or is in constant contact with skin, will change colour and develop a translucent appearance from water or body oils. Bone should not be oiled as this will change the colour. The best way to clean bone items is with a dry jewelry polishing cloth. This will remove any grit and bring out the shine. We recommend removing bone ear gauges before showering, bathing or swimming to keep them looking their best the longest. Bone also has a limited thickness. We at Avaia Artistic Jewelry often have requests for bone hanging gauges in sizes bigger than 0g. Because bone is limited to the thickness of the animal from which it comes, most hanging or spiral gauges can only be in sizes up to 2g or 0g.

The holiday season will soon be upon us. Avaia Artistic Jewelry has 3 orders on the go in Indonesia. We have some never seen before carved plugs and some silver inlay hanging designs that you will find no where else. In addition, we have a stone order on the way that includes some more of the high demand single flare faceted plugs and labradorite in larger sizes. Watch for updates on these orders in the upcoming months. In the meantime, join our Facebook page and tell us what you are looking for. Our customers are number one to us so we will try our best to find the items that you desire!