How 3D-Printed Jewelry Is Taking the Clitoris Mainstream

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If asked, most people could describe the shape of a penis.

The image is prevalent in our society—from realistic dildo molds and bachelorette party gag gifts to more subtle suggestions like a statue in the park or the shape of a popsicle. 

The same, however, cannot be said for the other primary source of human sexual pleasure: The clitoris. Even if they have one, many people couldn’t describe or recognize the full anatomical shape of a clitoris. 

This lack of education about the clitoris is a problem.

Surgeons are far more likely to cut off essential nerves accidentally during genital procedures, such as labiaplasties or intersex medical interventions.

A lack of knowledge about the clitoris can also contribute to anorgasmia or other difficulties achieving orgasm for people who have one. In any case, it can profoundly affect sexual pleasure.

These are the issues that Clito is trying to fight by normalizing the image of the clitoris. 

Closeup on the clitoris

With this mission, Clito was founded by experimentalist and futures researcher Caroline Barrueco. Designed and produced in Berlin, Germany, Clito products center around imagery of the clitoris or vulva. This includes 3D-printed jewelry, life-size models, and stickers. 

“To show the image of a clitoris is to bring light and awareness to a part of the human body that has been systematically ignored,” Barrueco explains.

Beyond purchasable products, Clito also experiments with other mediums to help make the clitoris mainstream—such as virtual modeling and social media filters. 

“I think [Clito] is really a comment on the educational system and reveals how little people are taught about the clitoris,” says Tabitha Swanson, creative technologist and developer of the Clito Instagram filter. 

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To show the image of a clitoris is to bring light and awareness to a part of the human body that has been systematically ignored

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3D-printed clitoris jewelry

Shortly after moving to Berlin in 2016, Barrueco stumbled across her first printable clitoris model created by Odile Fillod.

“I was so impressed to see that I didn’t know about the real shape of a clitoris” she recalls. “It became clear to me right there the importance of making the clitoris mainstream.”

When she was finally able to print and hold the model at Maker Faire Berlin, Barrueco knew this was something worth pursuing. She began producing the first Clito products—necklaces—and selling them at the local markets. In 2017, she launched the Clito shop on Etsy and has been selling online ever since. 

Now, Clito creates necklaces and earrings available in a variety of sizes and colors.

“When a person wears Clito necklaces or earrings, they become a node in an information network,” she says.

“They will spread information about the clitoris and initiate conversations.”

Related Read: 3D Models Crucial in Sex Education for Blind Students

Life-sized vulva models 

In 2018, Clito began producing life-size models of the clitoris. Two years later, they introduced another life-size model: A vulva. 

“I decided to make the vulva model because when I showed a Clito to someone, they still had doubts about where it was located and how it relates to the vulva. So I wanted to put it into perspective,” Barrueco says.

The clitoris models can be docked inside of the vulva models to demonstrate their correct proportion and relative location. The backside of the vulva model shows the vaginal canal and urethra, as well as a hook so it can be hung on the wall. 

“They are mostly used by therapists and medical professionals, which is honestly amazing,” says Barrueco. She noted that they can be used as both an educational tool and decoration. 

Clito Instagram filter

Along with having people wear a clitoris or display one in their homes, Clito is constantly searching for new ways to normalize the image. 

In late 2020, they launched a new Instagram filter that uses augmented reality to place a shiny, flying Clito into your camera’s view. 

“I wanted Clito to be present in people’s experiences and be quite literally part of their world,” says Barrueco. “I love the idea of adding a clitoris to every possible framing and point of view.”

Swanson, who designed and developed the filter, adds that the futuristic look of the clitoris is part of why it’s still available, despite Instagram’s reputation for censoring sex-related content.

“I think there is also a rather humorous aspect to the filter getting approved. Instagram likely doesn’t recognize what it is enough to flag it,” she says.

What’s next for Clito

Barrueco plans to continue developing Clito products in an effort to popularize the clitoris. Next up will be a line of pins designed by artist Luezley Sol and produced by Riot! design.

And she doesn’t plan to stop any time soon: “The day that as many people are familiar with the shape of the clitoris as people are familiar with the form of a penis, Clito models will simply not be necessary anymore.”

Image sources: Clito