As we see so many celebrities sporting piercing jewellery, we thought you might like to learn a little about the origins of body piercing, which has actually been around almost as long as we have. Here are some details of the history of the ancient art of body piercing.

Ancient Body Piercings

Archaeological findings tell us that people stuck objects through their skin 5,000 years ago, probably for either decorative purposes or as a form of protection against evil spirits, with African tribes piercing their nose and lips to insert bone and other objects. We all know just how popular the septum ring is today, yet these were used in Israel and other Middle Eastern cultures as far back as 3,000 years ago.

The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s saw the arrival of ear piercing, as up hairstyles became popular, and in those days, the piercing would be done with a needle, which may or may not have been sterilised. Most well-to-do women had at least one ear lobe pierced, and earrings became an essential accessory as we moved into the Second World War.

The Punk Rock Era

The 70s and 80s saw the arrival of punk rock, which brought piercing to the forefront of fashion, with ear and nose septum rings becoming very popular. Of course, the idea of that time was to show a symbol of rebellion, and the more studs you showed, the more of a rebel you were.

The 1990s

In the early nineties, we saw Naomi Campbell showing a navel piercing, while Britney Spears also sported a few ear piercings, and that began a craze across US colleges and universities that is still going today. If you search online, you will find great piercing jewellery at very affordable prices, with nose, septum and navel rings of the very best quality.

The IT Nerd

This look emerged in the year 2000, and it personified the cool IT technician, with a couple of ear piercings and maybe a septum ring, which was worn with a slick business suit. The style caught on, with many celebs sporting ear studs and nose rings. Musicians also joined in, with some crazy ear and tongue piercings that were reflected in societies across the world.

Body piercing is alive and well today, and wherever you happen to be in Australia, you are never far from a piercing studio, which often doubles up with a tattoo parlour.