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 repair chips and cracks in organic ear plugs

Occasionally we get questions on how to care for or repair jewelry that has been damaged. Over the years, we have learned a few tricks. It isn't uncommon for stone and glass ear plugs to chip. Sometimes there are natural stone inclusions that are rougher than the polished stone. And we've heard it mentioned that some bone and horn spiral ear gauges have sharp points from the carving.

There is a simple fix that will take care of most of these problems - basic candle or paraffin wax. Just melt a drop of wax on a rough point and smooth it in. You will be happy again! If the wax is planned to be a long term fix, it should be scraped off and replaced periodically if it is on a wearable area.

Buy Labradorite Plugs at Avaia Artistic Jewelry

Each variety of natural stone has associated properties that follow it. Labradorite is our most popular stone for ear gauges. It is a power stone that can allow your dreams and goals to come into focus and turn to reality. If you are intuitive, labradorite can strengthen your natural predictive talents. Labradorite's uses include helping to develop ideas and develop enthusiasm for projects. If your are artistic, a dreamer, or have plans for a project, it will help your creative side.

Labradorite is native to Canada. First found in 1770 on the Labrador penninsula, other sources have since been found in the former USSR and Norway.

Labradorite is famous for its "flash" of colour when viewed at specific angles. The colour of the flash can vary from intense blues, purples and oranges, to flashes of white, green and every colour of the rainbow in between. High polish rounded plugs will display a cat eye effect. There are various grades of labradorite. Economy grade plugs, which are common in many jewelry stores, may contain little or no flash. We offer A grade plugs, which will have some flash, andSelect AA grade labradorite plugs guaranteed to have excellent flash. Our sizes range from 6g to 1" with prices that cannot be beat!

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!