Gems
Gems or gemstones are mostly used as inlays in plugs and as beads in BCR:s.
The quality varies widely with different gems, and it can be hard to find stones big enough without cracks and scratches.
Some stones may affect the body such as malachite which contains copper that can discolor the skin. Others may contain lead or arsenic or other hazardous materials. However, stones are generally not a problem for the body as long as they don't have sharp or pointy edges or are very heavy. They can most of the time be autoclaved, but some stones, such as opals and corals can't stand the heat and should be cleaned some other way.
See Gemstones
Read more about this topic: Body Piercing Materials
Famous quotes containing the word gems:
“Rich and rare were the gems she wore,
And a bright gold ring on her hand she bore.”
—Thomas Moore (1779–1852)
“Too often when you thought you’d be showered with confetti
What they flung at you was a plate of hot spaghetti
You’ve put your fancy clothes and flashy gems in hock
Yet you pause before your father’s door afraid to knock”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)