Captive Bead Ring Removal

I must say that one of the most common calls or emails I receive is about how to remove Captive Bead Rings and how to remove the bead or ball. Whenever possible, it is best to stop by the studio and have the jewelry removed by your piercer. However, that is not always possible. I think anyone who wears large gauge jewelry fears a trip to the emergency room, and either they or the staff on hand is unable to remove the jewelry.

The most straightforward answer is to wear thread jewelry, but it also has its own set of problems and issues, such as the ends coming unscrewed on their own. It is one of the reasons that many often choose the less expensive and more secure Captive Bead Rings. The significant advantage to CBRs is that once the ball is in place, you usually don't have to worry about it falling out or losing the jewelry. A high-quality CBR can be worn for years without needing to be removed or requiring any maintenance.  

The reason that they are called Captive Bead Rings is that the tension of the ring holds the bead in place. The bead or ball is not physically attracted to the ring or threaded onto it. Instead, the edges of the ring sit inside the dimples or holes in the bead or ball. Once the ring's tension or hold on the bead or ball is broken, the bead or ball will separate from the ring, allowing you to remove the jewelry. 

Small gauge jewelry (18g to 12g) can usually be removed by hand by taking the following steps:

1. Grab the jewelry by the ring with the index and thumb of one hand
2. Grab the bead or ball with the index and thumb of the other hand
3. Pull and apply force in opposite directions, causing the tension that the ring has on the ball or bead to break.
4. Once the ball or bead is free, rotate the jewelry out. With smaller rings, there may be a clearance issue, and the ring may need to be bent to allow for removal. I strongly suggest that you twist the ring, rather than pulling it apart, making a cork screw. This will make it much easier to keep the trueness of the ring.

Larger gauge Jewelry(12g and up) may require ring expansion pliers to open the ring. You can buy specialty pliers, but in a pinch, ring-expanding pliers or even needle-nose pliers can work. However, to avoid scratching the jewelry's finish or causing other damage, cover the pliers with cloth or medical tape. This will not only reduce damage but will also add traction.

1. Insert the pliers into the ring.
2. Grab the ball or bead with your free hand.
3. Apply outward pressure on the pliers to expand the ring.
4. Once the ball or bead is free, rotate the jewelry out of the piercing. If there is an issue with having enough clearance to remove the jewelry, expand the ring until there is sufficient clearance. Understand that if you need to expand the jewelry, you will require closing pliers to close the ring sufficiently to hold the ball. In a pinch, you can use hog ring pliers that you can find at most hardware or farm supply stores.

Hints:

• I found a long time ago that wearing medical gloves increases the traction and grip you have on slippery beads, balls, and rings.
• Make sure that you have a paper towel or other safe place to place the ball or bead after you remove it. They are, in cases, perfectly round and will roll in whatever direction gravity pulls them. Also, if you are removing jewelry over the bathroom sink, place a towel in the sink to prevent the jewelry from going down the drain.
• Have someone else help you. Piercings, especially those located above the neck, are challenging to see or access. Save yourself hours of frustration and have someone else remove the ball.
• If you plan to change jewelry regularly, I suggest practicing with a piece of jewelry that is not in a piercing. Removing and replacing the ball can be tricky, and the only way to learn it is through practice. I would suggest that you sit at a table with a towel laid out in front of you to avoid spending all your time chasing after escaping beads and balls.
• It is easier to remove jewelry after showering, soaking, or applying a compress. This will not only remove any deposits on the jewelry but will also cause the piercing to expand. Soaks and compresses should be done with a mixture of sea salt and warm water. 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per cup or 8oz of warm water. Soak is done by inverting a small cup over the piercing area or submerging the piercing for around 10 minutes. For piercings where it is not possible, use a folded clean paper towel or sterile gauze sponge to soak up the liquid and lay it against the piercing area. Re-submerge the compress when it cools and apply it for roughly 10 minutes.
• A small amount of water-based lubricant can be used to make the jewelry more straightforward to remove. 

Storing Jewelry:

• Jewelry needs to be stored alone. Placing multiple pieces of jewelry in one container or bag increases the likelihood of damage to the jewelry's finish from contact with other pieces.
• The most common and readily available form of container is a zip lock bag. It should be new to avoid contamination. Also, any air-tight container will work, including plastic ones.
• The best option is to have your piercer wrap and sterilize the jewelry in an autoclave. The jewelry will be kept sterile for a few months as long as the pouch is unbroken.