Vulva Ring

Vulva ring, size 52-58, made of sterling silver

REAL VULVA GEMS sterling silver series by Himal Hemp & Vulvarium with biodegradable 3D printing (jewelry)

Ring sizes
Our VULVA GEMS rings are ideally suited for ring sizes (circumference) of 52–58 millimeters. This corresponds to an inner diameter of 16.5–18.4 mm.
Determining the size: Measure the inner diameter of your best-fitting ring using a ruler or calipers.

If the ring is opened further, the resulting tensions can cause the gemstone to come loose.

Unique and meaningful: The VULVA GEMS silver jewelry series by Himal Hemp and Vulvarium with real casts.

VULVA GEMS stem from the same fundamental idea as the vulva posters or the vulva coloring book: the destigmatization and normalization of dealing with gender issues, as a basis for the lofty goal of achieving the greatest possible gender equality. The vulva products encourage reflection and engagement with one's own body and self-perception. The resulting external dialogue, in turn, fosters understanding for others. This growing awareness and knowledge of one's own body and those of others is intended to reduce tension within society.

The jewelry concept is based on a window display by Himal Hemp in Graz, which features numerous statues of various real vulvas in a non-sexualized context: a real eye-catcher in the middle of the public sphere. Alongside displays about privilege or (including sexual) violence prevention, it sparks many fruitful discussions about gender(s) on a daily basis. It can be observed that these conversations are not particularly controversial, but rather constructive: the natural diversity of the human body is acknowledged, and topics associated with "shame" and taboos can be addressed and discussed. This includes, for example, unrealistic beauty ideals that need to be reconsidered, as they can sometimes lead to self-harming behavior. One such example is the already common practice among some people of having their labia surgically "perfected" without medical necessity.
This and much more is what we aim to achieve with a focus on gender equality. Spoiler alert: We also intend to represent the remaining genders, from female to male and all those in between and beyond, in an aesthetically pleasing and desexualized context. Stay tuned!

Motif: Cast of a real vulva by Viktoria Krug (www.vulvarium.com / @vulvacasting)
Photos: Claudia Plattner (www.traeumherherz-fotografie.at / @traeumerherz-fotografie)
Jewelry design: Andreas Kramer, Jana Westreicher, Mathias Fleisch (www.himalhemp.com / @himalhemp)

material

The vulva gemstones are produced using high-resolution UV 3D printing with mineral oil-free liquid resin. Once cured, this resin is harmless to humans and the environment and is even biodegradable.
We would like to thank Mathias Fleisch, doctoral candidate at the Polymer Competence Center Leoben, for the technical product development including suitable printing process and material.
The sterling silver parts (925 fineness) are sourced from European suppliers and firmly attached to the vulva gemstones using a bending technique.

Care instructions
Silver oxidizes slowly in air. The non-toxic dark patina can be easily rubbed off with a little toothpaste and a toothbrush.
The gemstones will not scratch under normal handling. Any roughened white spots, for example from rubbing against a sharp object or a rough surface, can be easily polished away. A short, firm rub with your thumb is sufficient.
The gemstone can be cleaned with soap and water.

PLASTIC-FREE PACKAGING
The VULVA GEMS are packaged in small boxes made of recycled cardboard; the foam insert under a layer of felt is made of suitable recycled material. The shipping packaging is made of recyclable cardboard.
This product was developed by Himal Hemp in close cooperation with Vulvarium.

Fair & Social
The VULVA GEMS jewelry series was developed by Himal Hemp in Austria in cooperation with Viktoria Krug (vulvarium.at or Instagram: @vulvacasting), Jana Westreicher, and Mathias Fleisch. Production is handled by Himal Hemp in Graz, Austria.
The enclosed product information, like the product packaging, is made from recycled pulp; even the foam has been replaced with suitable recycled material. For shipping, we use reusable packaging that can simply be disposed of with regular household waste.

Recycled & Recyclable
The gemstone and silver parts are relatively easy to separate, for example with a sturdy knife.
Silver with a purity of 925‰ (“sterling silver”) can be reused, as is common practice in the silver trade. The silver items can be sold to relevant authorities for this purpose.
The gemstones are mineral oil-free.

CO2-saving
The gemstones are manufactured in Austria using modern, energy-efficient 3D printers. Production in Central Europe avoids long transport routes. Both measures significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Resource-saving
The "ready-made" silver components allow for more resource-efficient production than casting individual pieces. They come from suppliers in France, Germany, and Poland.

Vegan
This product contains no animal-derived ingredients.