What It Is: Body Jewelry Circulars and Rings

You’ve probably heard a lot of fancy words and names for different types of circular or hoop style body jewelry, but what do they all mean?

BCR: Often called a Ball Captive Ring or Captive Bead Ring, the BCR is essentially a full hoop with a ball, gem, or bead that closes it off. You pop the bead out of place, revealing a small opening that allows for the hoop to be inserted into a piercing. Then it pops back into place to close off the free edges again, and voila!

Segment Ring: Segment rings are a lot like BCRs, but instead of a ball shaped closure, the piece that can be removed looks like a regular barbell segment. This creates the illusion of a seamless hoop when the jewelry is closed. Pretty neat.

Horseshoe: This one is pretty easy to spot, because it actually looks a bit like a horseshoe (hence the name!) with two free ends, each capped with a ball, gem, or decorative charm. For these items, one or both of the balls will screw off for easy insertion, and then they just get screwed back on. No muss, no fuss.

Spiral Barbell: A spiral barbell is fairly unique, because it actually completes one to three full revolutions, and as such can only be worn in specific piercings. It may seem pretty impossible to wear from a certain angle, but the space between the tips and curves makes it a far easier proposition than it appears. Plus, once you have it on, it looks pretty cool.

Pincer/Pincher: The pincher is like a cross between a horseshoe ring and a buffalo taper. The gauge here is measured at the largest point, and tiny little o-rings hold the item in place. Although they can be worn most places that you would put a horseshoe, the septum is definitely the most popular location, especially since these little guys come in a range of larger sizes, making them perfect for stretched septums.

So now you know. (Tell a friend!)