What does the term 'jewelry' refer to in the context of body piercing?

The term 'jewelry' in the context of body piercing specifically refers to any personal ornament that is inserted into a newly pierced area. This includes a variety of adornments such as earrings, nose rings, and body studs, which are designed to fit into the punctured skin or tissue following the piercing process. The jewelry must be made of materials that are safe for the body and compatible with healing tissue, typically materials like surgical steel, titanium, or certain plastics.

In this context, it's essential to distinguish between jewelry and other items used in the piercing process. For instance, decorative items worn during the procedure do not serve the same purpose as the jewelry that will remain in the body post-piercing. Tools used to create the piercing refer to instruments such as needles or piercing guns, while materials used to clean the piercing site focus on hygiene and aftercare, rather than the ornamental aspect that 'jewelry' encompasses. Thus, defining jewelry accurately is important for understanding its role in body piercing and ensuring health and safety standards are met.