Captive rings, also known as captive bead rings (CBRs), are versatile and stylish pieces of body jewelry that can be worn in various piercings, such as ear, nose, and lip piercings. Putting on a captive ring might seem intimidating at first, but with these three easy methods, you will be confidently adding one to your body jewelry collection in no time!

1. The Manual Method

This method is great for small captive rings or for those who are already familiar with handling body jewelry.

Step 1: Clean your hands and your captive ring with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to prevent any possible infection.

Step 2: Hold the edges of the ring firmly between the index finger and thumb of one hand. Place your other hand’s index finger against the bead in the center.

Step 3: Gently apply pressure to the bead with your finger while pulling the opposite sides of the ring apart. Keep applying pressure until the bead pops out.

Step 4: Insert the open end of the captive ring into your piercing.

Step 5: Replace the bead by holding it firmly between your index finger and thumb. Use another finger to separate the ends of the ring slightly. Position the bead between the open ends and release it into place. You may feel a subtle click when it’s securely in place.

2. The Ring-Opening Pliers Method

For larger CBRs or those with stiffer materials, using ring-opening pliers can make installation much easier.

Step 1: Clean your hands, captive ring, and pliers with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before starting.

Step 2: Hold the captive ring in one hand while gripping the ring-opening pliers in the other hand.

Step 3: Insert each tip of the pliers into both holes on either side of the bead, ensuring a secure grip.

Step 4: Gently squeeze the pliers’ handles, spreading the captive ring open slightly. This should cause the bead to disengage easily.

Step 5: With the bead removed, insert the open end of the captive ring into your piercing.

Step 6: Insert the bead back into place by positioning it between the open ends of the ring. Hold it firmly in place with your fingers, then release the ring-opening pliers’ pressure, allowing the captive ring to close securely around the bead.

3. The Ball-Bearing Method

If your captive ring features a ball bearing instead of a bead, using a ball-bearing tool will make installation easier.

Step 1: As always, begin by cleaning your hands, captive ring, and ball-bearing tool.

Step 2: Holding the captive ring between your index finger and thumb with one hand, use your other hand to place the ball-bearing tool’s tip against one side of the bearing.

Step 3: Apply steady pressure on the bearing while carefully pulling apart both sides of the ring. Once enough tension is released on the bearing, it should pop out easily.

Step 4: Insert the open end of the captive ring into your piercing.

Step 5: Use your fingers or ball-bearing tool to position and hold the bearing in place between the open ends. Slowly release any tension applied to ensure that it snaps securely in place within the captive ring.

No matter which method you choose, patience and practice are key for perfecting your technique. Before long, putting on a captive ring will become second nature to you! Enjoy your new piece of body jewelry and wear it with confidence!