BS: Removing jewellery

Subject: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 07:46 PM

Okay, this is probably a weird one....

For a course that I am on, I will have to remove all my ear-rings plus nose rings (got them done at points in my life which hold a lot of meaning) for the practical exam in June/July.

I am trying to work myself up to the idea of removing the said items (I have to start now), and can only think of it like going for an operation, where jewellery has to be removed.

I was wondering if anyone else would have an issue with removing jewellery, or perhaps something else if they had to.

Or maybe I am just too attached to my little silver hoops to give up on them just yet?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 08:11 PM

"...attached to my little silver hoops..."

That is the point, isn't it.

You may be able to keep them though if you buy a pretty little silver chain to clip one end on to the hoops and the other to the hitching post outside the door.

:)

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 09:11 PM

Sometimes jewellry MUST be removed or not worn for very good reasons. For instance, I rarely wear my wedding rings to work because I might work with electricity (sometimes I have to system administrate computers) and electrocution just ain't my bag. Jewelry might also be banned or controlled in surgical suites.

Perhaps, if the items mean so much to you, it would be possible to put your jewelry on a silver chain and wear it around you neck during the exam -- or in a special bag in your pocket.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 02:53 AM

Jewellery is only part of the 'invented' you not the real you but maybe you have made it part of the 'new' you. Arguments for and against of course but perhaps the real you (before the jewellery) is preferable..who knows? You maybe do.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 03:17 AM

Jewelry has had talismanic significance throughout history. It has been worn for both power and protection. (Witness "Lord of the Rings.") Perhaps on a subliminal level you feel attached to yours and loath to take it off for such reasons. Or maybe it is a vital part of the identity you project to the world. Either way, or both ways, it doesn't seem weird that you wouldn't want to take it off.

Although it won't solve the identity issue, it might help the talisman aspect to wear it in a little pouch around your neck or in your pocket or elsewhere on your body so that you don't feel separated from it. Just a thought.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: JennyO
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 04:41 AM

I'm just wondering if this is a course leading to some kind of employment where you won't be allowed to wear the jewellry. If this is the case, and the jewellry means so much to you, it's an issue you are going to have to address at some point anyway. If not, then it is less of an issue.

Anyway, I think that having it in a pouch somewhere, if that is allowed, is the next best thing.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST,Aragorn
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 06:05 AM

If you remove your ring do you become visible?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST, ...
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 06:10 AM

If you remove your ring do people try to chat/pick you up in bars?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Micca
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 06:30 AM

Hi Giz, the chain about the neck/bag on the person, I've found is a good and working method, I too am loathe to be without my rings, but on the occasions when I have to remove them (I work with nasty chemicals sometimes and rings can create problems with rubber gloves especially thin surgicals) I find they are as effective on a chain around my neck and safely out of the way. Hope this helps. Micca

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bee
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 08:05 AM

I know at least two men missing ring fingers, lost before industry had safety rules about jewelry.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Scoville
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 09:39 AM

I'd go with the pouch around neck method--easily disguised.

We had a client at the vet's office a few years ago who became distraught when she found out her dog wouldn't be allowed to wear his collar, which had on it a St. Francis of Assisi medal, or her rosary, while he was in the kennels and in surgery. I mean, borderline hysterical. But for safety reasons, pets were not allowed to wear "jewelry" (they got fiber paper ID collars). She finally agreed to let the surgery technician keep the items in her pocket while the dog was under, and the recovery technician while the dog was waking up. The dog did fine. Obviously, I have to think he would have done fine, anyway, but it clearly didn't hurt him not to be actually wearing the medal or the cross.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 11:17 AM

Thanks for all your suggestions, it's not rings on my fingers - as I have none, it is the ones in my earlobes I will reluctantly take off for the exam.

The course will lead on to a professional qualification, for holistic massage, and so wearing rings except a wedding ring is definitely not allowed - something I agree with. But there is no way my ears will be touching the client in any way, and for our practical classes my tutor has been very lenient with earrings, as long as we don't wear them for the exam.

My main question is this, is there anything you couldn't bear to be apart from? I.e. do you have a favourite purse, that you must have in your bag, or a style of shoe you are practically defined by?

Please, I can't be the only person who is attached to something.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 11:50 AM

Up until about 4 years ago, you wouldn't find me without a dragon about my person. Usually in an ear, but equally possibly a ring or a pendant. When I married, they were on my wedding veil (and the cake, but that's another set!)

I lost my favourite dragon earring when I was taking my motorbike training, and never found one I like as much to wear everyday.

Mind you, it was quite heavy silver and had started to stretch my earlobe a little. Rather than have one earlobe resting on my shoulder, I opted for the 'no dragon' instead.

One thing I will not be seen without unless I am actually on an operating table, is my gold cross. It's red gold, hand cut 1920's cross with red gold chain and I've worn it continuously (barring operations and the odd costume 'do') since I was given it at Christmas 1986. I wouldn't feel any less Christian if I didn't wear it, but I do feel particularly strange, sort of off balance or out of kilter when I don't.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 12:52 PM

I'd hate to be without my security blanket to hold to my ear.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bee
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 01:19 PM

Gizmo, I have a split in one earlobe resulting from a child accidentally catching my earring and hauling it out messily through the flesh. A spastic client could do the same to you, with resulting spillage of blood, not cool these days.

That said, my wedding band hasn't been off for fifteen years, but I'd certainly remove it if needs be.

I do like the idea of talismanic objects: I have made some for other people - a tiny box, a cane, bead and feather jewelry, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 01:27 PM

I'm attached to my skin and simply won't go out without it.

Seriously, no, not that I can think of. The things I really care about I either leave home (usually) or carry around in my heart.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Scoville
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 02:15 PM

My grandmother never, ever, took off her wedding band. It was worn almost away when she died. The first thing my mother did when she got married was take off her wedding ring so should wouldn't get that superstitious about it. She wears it most of the time but doesn't feel so attached to it that she can't take it off.

I've got a silver ring I wear on my right hand (high school graduation present) that I feel weird without just because I'm used to the feel of it on my hand, but I don't "need" it psychologically.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: frogprince
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 03:49 PM

Apart from a year when I worked in a foundry, where jewelry was to say the least unwise, My wedding ring has been off only momentarily for 23 years and 12 days now. I very seldom actually think about it, and would consider it just a symbolic, replaceable scrap of metal. But, having said that, if I was leaning over a bridge railing and noticed it dropping off, I might very well jump after it before I had time to reconsider.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 05:24 PM

I had my wedding band removed a couple of weeks ago. I've lived in a separate apartment from my husband for several years, but we've never done the legal separation part yet.

When I got married in the mid-70's big thick bands were the style for women, but the first winter, when it was colder and my hand got a little smaller, there was trouble. In the supermarket one day, the ring simply fell off and rolled down the canned vegetable isle, with me chasing frantically after it. After that, I had a jeweler install a spacer spring inside the ring to keep it on my finger. It was adjustable, but only so much. As the years went by, and the weight came on, I found I couldn't take the ring off at all for any reason.

This November I finally decided it was time. A jeweler is downstairs in the apartment building. I started and stopped a couple of times on the way to the elevator, but shook my shoulders and went downstairs. The jeweler took a sort of wheel apparatus and carefully and slowly scribed the ring on my finger until a break appeared and the ring could be opened with pliers. Quite by chance, he missed all the inscription.

So now I still have some wrinkles in my finger, but no ring. I think I will have it put back together, just to have it looking ok, and I will keep it for my son.

--Linda

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: lady penelope
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 05:44 PM

Mmm. I work for the NHS and the official Trust rule is that rings and jewellry for piercings should be removed prior to the beginning of your shift. (though we did wonder how managers were going to check for piercings other than in the ears......)

Now the general concensus amongst the staff is that they understand that anything that can get easily caught on or by a patient or during any given proceedure is simply practicle to remove. But what about those who work in offices (no patient contact) or if you don't deal with patients who are under duress or who are under stress?

It's a question of culpability. If the trust tells you to remove these items, you can't blame them if something happens. So the general concensus has been, be practicle and if you do wear jewellry, remember it can cause or make an accident worse.

That said, my first question would be, where are you intending to work once you've aquired your qualifications? Is in places that will, on the whole, expect you not to have jewellry in ear piercings? If so, you'll have to weigh that up against your principles. If not, I'd take the lot out for the exam, put them back in afterward and just not stress it..

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Alice
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 09:59 PM

I am not defined by any object I wear or own.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST,Scoville at Dad's
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 11:48 PM

Come to think of it, we were not allowed to wear necklaces, hoop or dangly earrings, or elaborate rings when I worked for the vet. Too hard to keep clean and not safe when you're faced with an angry cat. That, and a lot of girls had more jewelry than taste, but mostly it was a safety issue.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bert
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 03:10 AM

Well Giz, you say   ...holistic massage, and so wearing rings except a wedding ring is definitely not allowed - something I agree with...

WHY???

Also,

...my wedding band hasn't been off for fifteen years... Yeuch Bee! don't you take it off when making bread or pastry?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST, ...
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 06:16 AM

Gizmo - 'it's not rings on my fingers - as I have none'
Are you going to do the massage with your toes?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bee
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 10:02 AM

Bert - relax. It's loose, it's smooth, it's thin, it's gold. No cooties at all, if one washes one's hands lots, which I do. Also, I do not make bread or pastry. I am a good cook, but baking, beyond tea biscuits, is just beyond my skills.

I'll bet you'll find many women who rarely if ever remove their wedding band.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: lady penelope
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 11:35 AM

There are plenty who work in labs that do. Me included.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Micca
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 11:49 AM

You only want to get ONE pellet or Flake of Sodium Hydroxide caught behind a ring for you to make sure that it NEVER happens again!!! Not to mention what happened when the platinium wedding ring got into a stream of Hydrogen Gas!!!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 12:42 PM

Bert - I meant that I agree with taking rings off fingers, because they could catch or scrath skin. I don't know about wedding rings having not got one (never the bridesmaid, never the bride. My mum can't take her ring off, and my dad can't get his back on his fingers so I think it is up to the individual therapist.

The removal of jewellery in the ears has more to do with professional appearance than with safety issues, as they allow one pair of studs and that is it!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: open mike
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 01:49 PM

when my parents died i wore both of their wedding rings.
I travelled to a place that i had gone to with them, and
with thier wedding rings on, i felt as if they were along
with me, in a way. Then someone mentioned that I looked as
if i was married, so i took them off so that i would not
pass up an opportunity to meet someone, as i would not want
to miss an opportunity by being assumed to not be "available"

When my mother was near death, (she was in hospital for over
a week at the end) I mentioned that her fingers were swelling
and that it might be good to remove her ring before it was too
late. Soon a team of nurses was gathered around her bed, and
the nurse who was familiar with the procedure (using a piece
of cloth like bias tape) showed the others how to remove the
jewelry. My mother, always one to support education, became
the leader of the workshop, in a way, and was soon to donate
her body to science for the education of future medical
students, as well, so had begun her mission in that way.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 02:23 PM

On more than one occasion I have found that pieces of jewellery I had been wearing continuously as a mark of an important relationship, simply removed themselves when the relationship was coming to an end, as if they somehow knew they were no longer relevant.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Becca72
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 02:35 PM

I have my ears pierced several times (3 on the right and 5 on the left as was popular in the '80s). I took all of my earrings out for an x-ray once a couple of years ago and just never bothered to put them back in. They're just not that important anymore.
And I have to agree, that "look" isn't very professional. Fun, but not professional.
They're just things and they don't define who you are, IMO.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 02:36 PM

That's funny, Topsie (not ha-ha). My wedding ring became more and more uncomfortable (and my marriage too). I would often pull it past my knuckle to ease the discomfort, but not take it all the way off. Occasionally it would fall off, but I'd find it again quickly. A few months after I told my husband that I wanted to separate (but hadn't moved out yet), I lost the ring for a day. It distressed me, because I felt I wanted to remove it finally by choice, not by accident.

A few months later, after I had moved out and we had begun the legal wrangling, I did lose the ring permanently. I hadn't been ready to really remove it -- was sort of waiting until we had fully settled things, but it apparently came off and I didn't notice it for long enough that it was finally gone for good.

A year later (after wearing it for 17 years), I still have a shadow of it in the skin of my finger, but it's fading.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 06:51 PM

Just refuse to do it. They have no right to dictate that you do it, surely?

sal

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 12:53 AM

The NHS once did a survey of nurses. Those with the most potentially dangerous infections carried on their hands (we all carry germs, the MRSA germ lives quite happily on some people all the time) were those who were wearing rings. The germs would be left under the ring when washing hands and not being careful about washing under jewellery.

This problem has been semi-fixed by the wearing of latex gloves and by better cleansers, but wearing rings, especially rings with uneven surfaces (engraved, pierced, gem settings etc.) is frowned upon and in some wards, forbidden.

As for being dictated to.... if you were being handled by someone, be it a masseuse, nurse, chiropodist or proctologist, would you like it if you got scratched by their 18ct square cut cluster setting in a place you couldn't reach to put a sticky plaster on? It's a common sense thing, not just for the clean, corporate image.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bee
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 02:06 PM

Exactly. Were I in a position where I handled food for public consumption or cared for patients, my ring would come off. Common sense and hygeine must come ahead of sentimental attachments to objects.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: lady penelope
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 03:52 PM

I believe Gizmo's problem lies more in the region of the ears......

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 04:18 PM

Germs will lurk in and under the earrings as they would finger rings. A quick scratch or a rub at the wrong time and bingo - Strep all over the place.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 05:10 PM

We have to clean how hands regularly during the massage with antiseptic wipes. We have to clean the clients feet too, at least one wipe per foot. Clean hands before moving to the next part of the body etc and after, all of which I do obsessively anyway. My mother is a child minder, and I have always been particular with hand washing.

I used do deal with alot more germs, bacteria and viruses when doing my molecular biology degree, and not once was I asked to remove my earrings, and this was in a place where sterility can determine the results of a test.

I will take my earrings out - I would just feel a bit naked without them. I had to take them out last year, an couldn't wait to get new rings to put in their place.(I did not want to put the same ones back in my ears and nose).

Thanks for all your replies, keep them coming.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bert
Date: 18 Dec 06 - 02:01 AM

...or proctologist, would you like it if you got scratched by their 18ct square cut cluster setting in a place you couldn't reach...

Squeaks, you're a scream!!!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 04:50 PM

just thought I'd quickly revive this one.

Due to my operation, all my jewellery was removed, and as I have not yet replaced it, it will remain removed until my exams and then I will get my nose studs and ear-rings back again.

I do feel different every time I look in the mirror, and miss the shine and glare of my nose ring, and my ears seem naked without my ear-rings, but I tell myself it will all be worth it in the long run.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: mg
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 06:11 PM

I am scratching my head wondering why a son would want his mother's wedding ring, especially when the marriage did not last..you mean to wear? Or just to keep??? Why not then not just hold on to it for the gold value and melt it down if he needs a new ring for his own marriage or whatever? But even then, wouldn't people want their own? mg

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Rowan
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 06:14 PM

Apart from all the common sense and OH&S advice above, there is one other situation I regularly experience where jewellery is forbidden. Netball players must remove all jewellery before taking the court. The only "allowed" jewellery are wedding rings and medi-alert bracelets, which must be taped. Players are inspected by the umpires before they take the court; they don't inspect under clothing however.

Just a little piece of trivia for you all.

Cheers, Rowan
who coaches and umpires netball

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 07:29 PM

I hate having to part with my trousers and pants when I have to have my yearly bladder check.

Gizmo
Don't you ever get the opportunity to massage anybody with your ears ? A little tickle here or there with your ear lobes :-)

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:29 AM

Villan, I'm not sure, but I think that's how she got into this pickle in the first place!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Gizmo
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:50 AM

hehehe

I'm happily single Villain - so no! There is no-one who I'd happily massage with my ear-lobes thank you.

But on this vein of thought, my brothers friends were talking about licking eyeballs. Apparently you shouldn't knock it until you've tried it! - Then knock it. I then mentioned something about contact lenses, which just sent the conversation into depths I will not go into here.

Makes me shivver just to think of it! And I am used to the more creepier things of life and the imagination.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Rowan
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 06:49 PM

As a regular contact lens licker I heartily concur.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Mickey191
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:43 PM

Gizmo,
What is to be gained by licking eyeballs? Please tell.

Is it the same outcome as licking a frog? Who was the first to discover that one could trip out doing that?

Anyone have a clue to solve my problem: I've hidden all my good jewelry and cannot remember where. It is almost 2 years now. I've tried self hypnosis-didn't work!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:47 PM

Mickey, I did the same thing with my mother's turquoise and silver Indian jewelery...put it in a 'safe place'. Not turned up yet. All nicely packed in little baggies too. Gone, I'm sure, just not to where.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Mickey191
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 12:43 AM

Good to know I'm not the only one, Sorcha. Memory is such a strange thing-Don't understand how I can remember stuff from childhood & short term memory is shot! I once hid two hundred dollar bills in a book. Didn't make note of which book-(have about 2,000) cause I thought the title will stand out in my mind.   
Five years later I pick out Ben Franklin's Biography.
You guessed it!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 12:49 AM

LOL! Keep on a lookin!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Claire M
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 03:46 PM

Hiya,

I love my jewellery (2 copper bangles, 1 brass one, a gold ring with leaves on & various earrings. I'm forever dropping them & losing them, when I take them off.

As for talismans -- I do have one that I press when I need something. I decorated it w/ a dragon's claw charm.

Never liked the idea of never taking jewellery off. I knew someone who'd had the same ring on since age 11 – it had grown onto her finger. Ugh!!

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 07:40 PM

I have my father's wedding ring (he passed away in 2000), a very twisted band of gold. The machine that did that almost took his finger off and he never wore rings at all after that near catastrophe.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 07:39 AM

Since 1975 I've worn a small silver bangle on my left arm. My sister bought it in Bali for $2.50 & I noticed many years later it was sterling silver, very good value.

I've fiddled with it by slipping it over my wrist at times over the decades, but never removed it unless I needed to fix it - the hooked end can come out of the loop end if I knock it.

Naturally it & my small 9kt gold hoop earrings had to be removed 3 years ago when I had an operation. But they went straight back on the next day!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Mrrzy
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 04:48 PM

All three of my nieces have had to have side-of-nose jewels removed. When I was in India in the 1970's where this kind of jewel was normal, the women could remove their own ones. I don't know why in the US nose jewels are made such that they embed themselves instead of being quick-release, is it part of planned obsolescence?

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 05:19 PM

There is a very serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba which lives and multiplies on non-disinfected contact lenses. Licking them (or the eyeball!) is a daft thing to do. This infection eats away the eyeball and is very difficult to treat once it gets a hold. Always use daily lenses, or put them in the correct fluid for the correct time. Never lick them! Mouths have an enormous number of bacteria.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 01:14 PM

I never do lick MY eyeballs.

Subject: RE: BS: REmoving jewellery
From: Claire M
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 02:46 PM

Hiya,

I'm very careful about the sort I wear, I need to be able to take it off, & it can't be magnetic or my chair stops!

(I'll always like dragons – & secretly want one as a pet) but there comes a point – (for some people) when jewellery w/ dragons, skulls etc. looks a bit silly. That said I know a woman who still wears it.

Carers here can't wear any apart from wedding rings; up until recently they weren't even supposed to wear nail varnish! We can, but they can't.