A Piece of Piercing History
If you’ve been wearing piercings for a while, you might still remember the term bananabell.
Back in the early 2000s, that was the name for the classic piece of jewelry used for a navel piercing — a slightly curved bar with a small ball on top and a larger, often decorated ornament at the bottom.
The name came from its shape: a banana-like curve combined with the technical term barbell. And so, bananabell was born — a playful and recognizable word that popped up everywhere, from piercing studios to online shops.
From Playful to Professional
The piercing world has changed a lot since then. Where bananabell was once the trendy term, professionals and modern brands now prefer names like belly bar, navel bar, or simply navel piercing jewelry.
It not only sounds cleaner, but also describes more accurately what it really is: a curved barbell for your navel piercing, often made from titanium or gold and finished with a beautiful ornament.
Why the Change?
Language evolves, just like fashion and materials. Bananabell now feels a bit playful and dated, while terms like belly bar or navel piercing jewelry better reflect the modern style of both jewelry and communication. They’re clearer, more professional, and align with how customers search and shop today.
From 2000s Glitter to Modern Design
Who doesn’t remember the shiny acrylic balls, colorful dolphins, or dangling hearts?
Nowadays, it’s all about quality and elegance: titanium with PVD coating, 14 or 18 karat gold, premium zirconia gemstones with subtle tones, and above all: a comfortable fit.
The navel piercing has grown up, and it shows.

In Summary
The bananabell remains a nostalgic symbol from the early days of body piercings, but today we proudly call it by its modern name: the navel piercing jewelry — elegant, durable, and timeless.
Navel Piercing Trends
Curious about the most recent belly ring trends? Make sure to check out our huge collection with belly ring jewelry!