Ever since I was about 10 I've had a desire for piercings, but with my mum being so closed-minded about them, it's been difficult. I had had ear piercings since I was eleven, but this time I wanted to move up from the standard 'ear' piercings to the actual body piercings.
At A Glance Author Sarah Contact Sarah@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Jay Studio The Quillian Location Allentown, Pennsylvania
It took me three years to wear my mother down into signing the release to allow this piercing to take place - but for Christmas 2005, I finally convinced her. I decided to go standard - a navel piercing.
Although I'm still a 'newbie' in the world of body modifications, I would like to offer advice for those going for their first piercing - if you think you are allergic to base metals (I am terribly allergic to nickel, having base metal posts in my earrings sends me into a frenzy) then do not get your piercing done in anything but sterling silver or gold (as I have.) I paid much more for the gold, but it's a safe bet, it's a pure metal and it doesn't look as bad as I'd thought. Also, look around various parlours, if you don't feel comfortable in there, don't get your piercing done at that place. I had checked out a few parlours beforehand, and this one had by far the friendliest atmosphere.
When I walked in, the first thing that struck me was the smell. It was clean and fresh, not overbearing and stuffy. It was also surprisingly well lit. They offered barbells, rings, studs, gauges and all kinds of piercing models, it was a lot to take in. Looking through the selections, I spotted a gold ring with a ball on it, perfect to start off with. The ring cost $87 (US), but when you purchase a gold ring for your piercing, they will do the piercing free.
The Quillian also will let you use your own jewellry, they will put it in their cleaner for fifty minutes, and the cost of the piercing is lowered - quite a bargain. I would have gone home to get a barbell I had had, but I knew if I left now, I'd never get the balls to come back.
Jay was very nice, quite an attractive man (I have come to the conclusion that all piercers are too attractive to see people screwing their faces up in pain.) and he took me through caring for my piercing very well. He told me what he was doing, everything from setting up, what he was taking out, and what he was doing. We cleaned my navel area, and then he put the dots on and asked if they looked okay. I said they did, and that I was ready. Down into the seat!
Jay told me he was going to apply the clamp - this wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as I had thought it would be - and then he set up to proceed with the piercing. I closed my eyes and just took deep breaths, and he was a great coach with the "deep breath in...and out" routine. After a lot of wiggling around my navel area, he just put the needle through on an "out" breath. I won't pretend to be a big girl with an extraordinary pain tolerance. It hurt. And all I could think of to say was "...fuck." Was very glad my mum had chosen to stay out of the room. Then the most painful part - putting the ring in. Because of its shape, the ring has to first be bent into a sort of spiral, and then bent back into the round circle so that the ball will stay. That was the most painful part of the whole procedure.
I stood up, had a look at my piercing, and in a state of complete narcissism said to myself "...damn, this makes me look GOOD!" I was very pleased. I went outside, showed my mum, who responded with an "eurgh!" noise, and got my Visa out to pay. $87 for the whole procedure - and I think it was worth it.
I don't know when or if I'll be getting another piercing. I love how they look, but until I'm of age, my mother won't let my father sign for any other piercings. It is almost six hours, a shower and take-out later, and, yeah, it hurts. I'm quite aware of my belly button area now.
If you're thinking of getting a piercing for the first time and live in the Allentown area, try the Quillian. The prices are reasonable ($40 for the piercing, but, again, with the gold, I didn't have to pay that,) the people friendly, and the place is immaculately clean. I had to take a trip upstairs to the bathroom - it was spotless. The next piercing I get will most likely be from the Quillian. I love how it looks, and the dragon-sized butterflies I felt don't compare to how good I feel about it.
Note: Sterling silver is not proper piercing jewellery and should not be worn in fresh piercings.