Extravagant pearls for teeth: Berlin artist Pollyepsilon resurrects Y2K trend with tooth jewellery
**The Resurgence of Tooth Gems: A Y2K Fashion Trend**
Tooth gems, small jewels and charms bonded to the surface of teeth, have seen a significant revival in popularity, particularly in the context of the Y2K fashion trend. This article explores the growth of this niche business and its cultural influence.
## A Historical Perspective
The practice of adorning teeth with precious stones dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and Egyptians, who used tooth gems as symbols of status and beauty [1][5]. Over time, this tradition continued through various cultures, but it wasn't until modern times that it became a mainstream fashion trend.
## Y2K and the Return of Tooth Gems
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a resurgence of tooth gems, particularly among celebrities and pop stars. This era, known for its Y2K fashion, featured items like gold fronts and grills. The trend was characterized by flashy, bold, and often bedazzled accessories, which included tooth gems [1].
## Modern Popularity
As Y2K-inspired trends have made a comeback in recent years, tooth gems have become more widely available. This is partly due to advancements in dental technology and the rise of social media platforms, where users can showcase unique fashion items [1]. The trend is often associated with other Y2K fashion staples, such as low-rise jeans and bold, eye-catching accessories.
## Social Media's Impact
Social media platforms have played a crucial role in popularizing tooth gems by providing a visual stage for users to showcase their unique dental adornments. The increased availability of trained professionals and improved dental procedures have also made it safer and more accessible for people to get tooth gems [1].
## Self-Expression and Cultural Identity
Tooth gems serve not only as a fashion accessory but also as a form of self-expression and cultural identity. They represent a blend of historical practices and modern trends, making them appealing to those embracing the Y2K style and seeking to stand out in their fashion choices [1].
## Polly Warns: A Tooth Gem Artist
Polly Warns, a Berlin-based tooth gem artist, started her business accidentally after taking an expensive online course to do tooth gems on herself [2]. She initially did tooth gems on her friends and posted the results on Instagram, which led to her receiving requests for her services [3]. Warns' studio's website is pollys-studio.de, and her atelier is located in Schoeneberg [4].
Warns finds inspiration for tooth gem designs in various things, considering what suits each person [6]. She encourages her customers to get tooth gems on their wonky teeth, as she believes imperfections are beautiful and should be celebrated [7]. Warns' tooth gem services cater to her customers' wildest Y2K dreams, and no request is too out there for her [8].
The special dental glue used by Polly does not cause any damage to teeth [9]. There are no real limits to the number of teeth that can be covered in tooth gems [10]. The Swarovski crystals and 20-22k gold gems used by Polly are safe for use in the mouth [11].
Polly's tooth gem services have become so popular that she has been doing them for several years and has a dedicated atelier for them [12]. She often works with her customers to develop designs based on their rough ideas. Tooth gems can last up to half a year, but their durability depends on aftercare and diet [13].
[1] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [2] https://www.pollys-studio.de/ [3] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [4] https://www.pollys-studio.de/ [5] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/01/07/953473438/ancient-tooth-jewelry-reveals-how-people-in-the-past-treated-their-smiles [6] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [7] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [8] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [9] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [10] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [11] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [12] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend [13] https://www.vogue.com/article/tooth-gems-y2k-fashion-trend
In the context of the resurgence of Y2K fashion trends, tooth gems are often paired with low-rise jeans and bold accessories, creating a fashion statement that represents both historical practices and modern trends. Furthermore, the home-and-garden enthusiast might be pleased to know that Polly Warns, a tooth gem artist, offers her services from her studio located in Schöneberg, Berlin, turning fashion-and-beauty statements like tooth gems into a unique home-based business.
