Jewellery to make you feel fabulous

Today’s post was inspired by a piercing I got a few weeks ago. You may have heard of Daith piercings, I’ve been tempted to get one for over a year, but never been brave enough. Finally, after speaking to a friend who'd had hers done, I plucked up the courage to go for it myself. It's the one on my inner ear. This was taken about half an hour after I'd had it done so it's a bit red and swollen... it's also really hard to take a picture of your own ear!

Daith piercing.

For the last few years I’ve suffered really badly with silent migraines. They’re just like a regular migraine, you get all of the same symptoms, visual disturbances, nausea, irritability, except there’s no pain. It’s like walking around in a fog and they can really ruin your day. After visiting a specialist who’s answer was permanent medication, I started to look around for other alternatives. That’s when I came across Daith piercings. Migraine sufferers who had had the piercing were noticing massive improvements in their symptoms. The reasons are still unknown, but it has been suggested that there is a point on your ear used in acupuncture that is stimulated by the earring, relieving the headaches. 

I must add in a disclaimer at this point, I spent a long time researching before I had mine done, and there are as many negative stories as positive. It doesn't work for everyone! I’m thrilled to say though that it has made a massive improvement in my symptoms. I’ve just got back from a 3 day fair where usually I would be feeling it by lunchtime on the first day, and I didn’t have a single attack. I can’t tell you what a difference it’s made. I have had the odd one, but they seem to come and go quickly rather than linger for days at a time, saying that though, I've only had it for a month, so I'm not sure of the long term results yet.

It's also not for the faint hearted, it must be done by a registered piercer as it involves long needles and clamps, it’s not like having your earlobes done where it’s a quick click of a gun. (if you want gory details, there are videos on youtube!) My guy came with a recommendation and did a brilliant job, I was expecting pain and crying, but it was over in a couple of minutes and I hardly felt a thing. Aftercare is pretty easy, although I was warned it can take up to 6 months to heal… just keep it clean with surgical spirit and don’t poke it.

I think I’m just going to stick with the bar when it is healed, but you can get some really pretty earrings to make more of a statement.

Acupressure is becoming more popular in jewellery, cravings, addictions and unwanted habits can be treated using ear seeds. These are small seeds from the vaccaria plant that are taped in to place to stimulate points on the ear. And for those who want something a little fancier, you can use seeds made from swarovski crystals. I think they look really pretty and they're less permanent than a piercing!

Crystals have long been said to have healing powers attributed to them. I once read that wearing an Amethyst would ward off drunkeness, unfortunately though after thorough testing, I think I might have got a dud one. 

Amethyst studs by Palomita Jewellery

Amber is said to ease stress and clear the mind.

Amber necklace by CyberSilver Jewellery

Garnets are associated with passion and energy and are considered a love stone.

Garnet Earrings by The Amber Sunflower

Opal is said to aid creativity and imagination.

Opal rings by FeatherOak

And Quartz is a conductor and storer of energy.

Quartz Bracelet by Abiza Jewellery

As well as stones, metals are also believed to have healing properties. Copper has been used since Egyptian times to ease pain in the joints, and has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

Copper Rings by Palmate Jewellery

Silver is a natural antiseptic and has been used medicinally for years. As colloidal silver, it was used as a disinfectant until the discovery of penicillin.

Twig ring by Serafina Silver 

Gold is said to increase the healing powers of stones when they are set in to jewellery and has symbolised power and wealth since the beginning of time. 

Gold earrings by FluidByDesign

Steel is said to give similar protection as a suit of armour when worn.

Steel Cuff by AnnaMcDade

And bronze is a gentle healing metal.

Bronze pendant by Grey Mountain Studio

When chatting with the AJE Team, Lindsay recommended this book as it covers the different lore from all over the world and timeline. 

Crystal Enchantments

It looks like a great read if you’d like to find out more… I love the idea of your jewellery having an effect on your wellbeing, it doesn’t just make you look fabulous, you feel it too!