It is most commonly located on the upper fold of skin but can also be affected underneath or around the edges of the navel.

[2][3] For instance, according to Malloy's colleague Jim Ward, Malloy alleged that navel piercing was popular among ancient Egyptian aristocrats and was depicted in Egyptian statuary,[3] an allegation that is widely repeated.

[13][14][15] As of 2023, other celebrities including Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus, and Normani continue to wear navel piercings.

[21][22] Vogue published an article in 2015 about the circular captive bead belly rings and TummyToys snap lock clasps becoming the latest trend for navel piercings.

A wide variety of embellished jewelry is available for navels – simple curved barbells, captives, TummyToys huggies, flexible PTFE and deluxe long length styles with dangling pendants.

Currently, real diamond and solid gold belly rings are also available in a wide range of styles.

[citation needed] There has been a special standard established for navel barbells (also called "bananabells" or "bananabars", a reference to their curved shape).