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Body Modification and Piercing Jewelry Most modern piercing jewelry is mass produced and poorly made of cheap materials. Gowan is one of the few traditionally trained jewelers to be a part of the body modification community and to make high quality gold and silver jewelry set with precious stones for use in piercings. Gowan specializes in functional mechanisms, and applying traditional methods to modern applications. Instead of clunky (and potentially unsafe) captive ball mechanisms and internally threaded tabs, Gowan has developed a variety of hinge mechanisms which a provide secure and visually appealing closure for her rings. Further, they are "all one piece" meaning that there are no parts to be lost (or swallowed). Gowan has developed three basic hinge mechanisms for use in body jewelry: (1) the Side Swivel Hinge, (2) the Rivet Hinge and (3) the Concealed Hinge. All are equally tough, but each provides a different look and slightly different function. Both the Rivet and Concealed hinges pivot forward, whereas the Side Swivel Hinge rotates sideways. By varying the overall diameter and gauge of the piece, these hinges are suitable for most body piercing. Due to it's greater toughness, all hinge mechanisms are made of Sterling silver. Gowan uses high karat Gold and both Fine Silver and Sterling Silver in her body jewelry -- all of which are safer than the industry standards (low-quality steel plastic or bone). Most people who have had negative reactions to Silver have been reacting to the Copper content in Sterling, which is a Silver alloy. Fine Silver is .999 pure and contains no Copper, whereas most Sterling Silver contains up to 5% Copper. Due to it's greater toughness, all hinge mechanisms are made of Sterling silver. And, unlike modern production Sterling Silver jewelry, none of Gowan's work is ever treated with (or coated by) chemicals intended to inhibit tarnishing, which is the cause of many perceived metal allergies. High karat Gold and Fine Silver are extremely hypoallergenic, and safe for virtually all people and piercings. Our high quality un-plated Sterling Silver is safe for virtually all healed peircings, but is not recommended for new peircings or genital and nipple piercings. Small rings (appropriate for liprings, noserings, earrings, and other misc. small piercings) tend to start at about $100 and go up depending on the customer's preferred metal, gemstone, hinge style, gauge, and overall diameter. Wholesale discounts are possible for quantity purchases by individuals in the professional piercing community. Gowan only uses solid metals -- nothing is plated. Below are some finished pieces which are available for immediate sale:

Sterling Silver 18 gauge ring w/ 4mm Almandine Garnet Bullet Cabochon. Rivet Hinge mechanism w/ solid bezzle. Overall diameter 1.7cm x 1.4cm. $150

18k gold 18 gauge ring w/ .15 carat Black Diamond (3mm diameter) Sterling Silver Rivet Hinge mechanism and 18k Gold solid bezzel. Overall diameter 1.4cm x 1.5cm. $275

Sterling Silver 18 gauge ring w/ 4mm Chrome Tourmaline. Rivet Hinge mechanism w/ pierced bezzle. Overall diameter 1.4cm x1.2cm. $120.

Fine Silver 16 gauge ring w/ 4mm Almandine Garnet. Rivet Hinge mechanism w/ pierced bezzle. Overall diameter 1.4cm x 1.6cm. $135

18k gold 18 gauge ring w/ 4mm Chrome Tourmaline Sterling silver Side Swivel Hinge mechanism and 18k Gold solid bezzel. Overall diameter 1.3cm x 1.6cm. $250

Matched pair of Sterling Silver 18 gauge rings w/ 5mm Pink Tourmaline. Rivet Hinge mechanism w/ pierced bezzle. Overall diameter 1.3cm x 1.4cm. $120 each or $200 for the pair

Sterling Silver 18 gauge ring w/ 4mm Chrome Tourmaline set forward (for septum, upper ear and other piercings). Rivet Hinge mechanism w/ pierced bezzle. Overall diameter 1.4cm x 1.5cm. $130

Sterling Silver plugs, w/ flared ends & bezzel set 6mm Peridots. OO gauge. 9.5mm diameter x 1.5cm. $150

Sterling Silver plugs, w/ flared ends. OO gauge. 9.5mm diameter x 1.1cm. $45

14k Gold and Sterling Silver hand forged septum bar 8 Gauge (3mm). 1.7cm x 2.5cm. $75

18k Gold hand forged ear bar w/ 14k white gold prong set 3mm Peridots (x2) 18 gauge (1mm). 1cm x 2.3cm. $300

Hand Forged Sterling Silver hoop earings. Small 18 gauge (1mm). 1.8cm diameter Large 18 gauge (1mm). 3cm diameter Small $20 Large $30

Most body jewelry is made to order, with the customer's preferred metal, gemstone, hinge style, gauge, and overall diameter. Prices vary depending on the cost of materials, so don't hesitate to email or call us for a quote! The dual ring w/ floating bezel set stone to the left is but one of nearly infinite possible custom designs. Please contact gowan @ gowanmetal.com for more information about pricing and ordering.

Contact us at 415-264-7359, or email gowan.metal@gmail.com. All content copyright (c) 2008 Gowan Metlawork. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from Gowan Metlawork.