Cufflinks - Free Engraving and Custom Personalised Gifts

Cufflink Engraving Services - in-house, fully computerised engraving service

Throughout history people have decorated and altered the appearance of their bodies in many different ways. Body piercing is one of the oldest and most interesting forms of adornment and/or body modification, yet the reasons for piercing the body are as diverse as the cultures they come from. In this brief overview we would like to share velocitypay some of these practices from around the world. They range from ancient biblical days and beyond to present day tribal customs. Sioux Indians - A young man on his journey to manhood would have his chest pierced with eagle claws and then hang suspended in the air - enduring the pain in this rite of passage.

In some parts of Australia and New Guinea one tribal custom is a pierced septum, giving the warrior a fierce & savage appearance.

Approximately 1440 BC. The book of Exodus 21: 5-6 describes how Hebrew servants that pledged allegiance to their master would have their ear held to a door post and pierced with an awl. This would indicate identification with a particular family (NIV).

Some women in India pierce their noses to induce a state of submissiveness (They claim this happens by proper placement in a marma or acupuncture point).

Whilst some pieces are purely silver, some incorporate sparkling white diamonds, others include enamel or semi-precious stones. The jewellery is presented in either velvet pouches or leatherette boxes.

The selected images from the artist’s work are miniaturised, given a semi-gloss finish, and placed on sterling silver ear wires (hallmarked). The finished pieces are very lightweight and are attractively presented on cards displaying a larger picture of the artwork.

Guide on how to buy gold online in 2012.

In Borneo a man could choose to have pierced genitals for courtship and sexual enhancement reasons.
The Centurions from ancient Rome expressed their strength and virility by displaying pierced - jewelled nipples

Ethiopian men & women have various facial piercings and some are identified by oversized ear discs. Lip plates in the women help to gain social status and command a higher bridal price.

In our culture we have brought to the mainstream some of these ancient and tribal practices as well as creating our own Neo-Tribal customs. The big difference here is the expression of self choice. In our more permissive modern day society an individual can pierce their body for any number of the reasons listed above, but is not limited or obligated to a specific set of rules or conduct. Another unique principal behind modern day piercing is that unless the piercing has been overstretched, it can be viewed as temporary. The person can take out the jewelry if he/she desires and re-transform their "look" again and again!