Body Jewelry Size Guide
Body Jewelry Sizing and Terms
Whether you're a piercing pro or a newbie exploring the idea of adorning your body, this breakdown will equip you with the knowledge you need! Before buying new piercing jewelry, it is crucial to ensure you know your correct piercing Gauge, Length, and Diameter size! We want you to enjoy your piercing experiences with the most comfortable fitting body piercing jewelry!
GAUGE /ɡāj/ (T) - The term "Gauge" pertains to the thickness of the jewelry. Typically, body jewelry Gauges span from 20 Gauge (0.8mm) to 00g (10mm). Beyond 00g, measurements shift to actual dimensions, as seen with 1/2" inch plugs. The process of "Gauging" involves gradually stretching a piercing hole to accommodating larger jewelry.
DIAMETER (D) - Diameter is crucial when choosing the right size for rings, as it ensures a snug and comfortable fit! The diameter is measured from the inside of the ring, the width across its largest point. This internal diameter is important when selecting Circular Barbell jewelry styles like Captive Bead Rings (CBR) and Horseshoe Barbells.
LENGTH (L)- It's the measurement of the jewelry Barbell, not the entire product. The length of a Barbell is determined by the distance between the two end pieces. Too short jewelry can cause pinching and potential rejection, while overly long bars may lead to discomfort and sliding issues.
Size Conversion Chart
Gauge
Inches
Millimeters
20g
-
0.8mm
18g
-
1mm
16g
-
1.2mm
14g
-
1.6mm
12g
-
2mm
10g
-
2.4mm
8g
-
3.2mm
6g
-
4mm
4g
-
5mm
2g
-
6.5mm
0 g
-
8mm
00g
-
10mm
-
7/16"
11mm
-
1/2"
12.5mm
-
9/16"
14mm
-
5/8"
16mm
-
3/4"
19mm
-
7/8"
22mm
-
1"
25mm
-
1-1/8"
28mm
-
1-1/4"
32mm
-
1-3/8"
35mm
-
1-1/2"
38mm
-
1-3/4"
44mm
-
1-7/8"
48mm
-
2"
51mm
PLUGS
Double Flared Plugs are body jewelry designed for healed stretched piercings. They feature a flared design on both ends to secure the plug in place without the need for O-rings. The center of the plug is thinner than the flared ends, creating a snug fit.
Single Flared Plugs typically come with included O-rings, featuring a flared design on one edge that facilitates easy insertion, followed by securing the plug in place with an O-ring backing.
No Flare Plugs are accompanied by a pair of O-rings to secure them in place. They have no harsh edges or flares which are ideal for those still healing their freshly stretched ears.
Tunnel or Eyelet Plugs have a hole in the center of the plug, giving your stretched piercing a unique look. Additionally, they can feature a screw-on backing for a secure fit or come flared or double flared.
Healing Time
4 to 8 weeks between each size up
Standard Gauge
8 Gauge (3mm) to 3" (77mm) depending on style preference.
Popular Styles
Double- Flared Plugs
Single-Flared Plugs
No-Flare Plugs (Usually requiring O-Rings)
Eyelet Tunnel Plugs
Ear Hangers and Weights
Straight Tapers
Stretching Jewelry
Plugs are jewelry designed for stretched piercings. To attain the stretched look, individuals gradually increase the size of their piercings and, over time, start to use larger Plug Jewelry.
Tapers are long, cone shaped body jewelry that is used in the process of stretching piercings. They are meant to gradually expand the size of the piercing for the purpose of using larger plug jewelry over time.
Ear Hangers are accessories that provide a dangling look for stretched ears. Available in a range of styles and sizes, ear hangers, or Ear Weights, can be made to be either heavy or light-weight.
8 Gauge (3mm) - 3" inches (77mm) and larger depending on style preference
Popular Styles
Ear Hangers
Ear Weights
Tapers
Single Flare Plugs
No-Flare Plugs
Eyelet Tunnel Plugs
Plug Hoop Earrings
FAUX PLUG & TAPER JEWELRY
Fake Plugs & Tapers, also known as Faux, Illusion, or Cheater Plugs, are a non-permanent alternative for those who want the appearance of stretched earlobes without actually going through the stretching process. Faux plugs are typically lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Standard Gauge
20 Gauge (0.8mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) Typical Earring Size
Popular Styles
Faux Plugs
Faux Tapers
Faux Ear Hangers (Ear Weights)
Circular Barbells
Captive Bead Rings (CBR) feature a small and removable bead held in place by the tension of the ring. As you get larger gauge rings above 2ga (6mm), you may need piercing pliers to remove and secure them.
Seamless Clicker Rings
are Hinged Hoops that click closed for a secure fit. They have no ridges and are ideal for many piercing placements.
Septum Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Diameter 5/16"(8mm) to 3/8"(10mm)
Lip Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Diameter 3/8" (10mm) to 1/2" (12mm)
Snug, Rook, Conch
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 18 Gauge (1mm) & Diameter 1/4"( 6mm), 5/16" (8mm)
Popular Piercing Placements
Septum Piercings
Lip Piercings
Regular Ear Piercings
HORSESHOE BARBELLS
Horseshoe Barbells are available in a wide range of sizing options, customizable down to the decorative ends. Horseshoe Barbells typically feature two removable end pieces and have a center ring opening. These circular barbells are fit for various piercing placements.
Septum Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Diameter 5/16"(8mm) to 3/8"(10mm)
Lip Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Diameter 3/8" (10mm) to 1/2" (12mm)
Rook/ Daith/ Helix Piercings
18 Gauge (1mm) to 14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Diameter 5/16" (8mm) to 3/8" (10mm)
Popular Piercing Placements
Septum Piercings
Lip Piercings
Regular Ear Piercings
Cartilage Piercings
STRAIGHT BARBELLS
Straight Barbells come in various sizes and are tailored to specific piercing placements. They are typically adorned with two end pieces for easy insertion and removal. These barbells are used for piercings that go straight through the flesh without any angles.
Standard Gauge and Length
Industrial Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Length 1 1/2" (38mm)
Tongue Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Length 1/2" (12mm) to 5/8" (16mm)
Nipple Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Length 1/2" (12mm) to 9/16" (14mm)
Popular Piercing Placements
Nipple Piercings
Industrial Piercings
Tongue Piercings
Bridge Piercings
CURVED BARBELLS
Curved barbells, with their gently arched shape, are a unique and stylish option for various piercings. They usually feature two decorative, removable ends. Curved Barbells. They fit placements that have curves for a better fit and more comfortable wear.
Belly (Navel) Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Length 3/8" (10mm)
Bridge Piercings
12 Gauge (2mm) to 14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Length 5/8" (16mm)
Helix / Rook / Conch / Daith Piercings
16 Gauge (1.2mm) to 18 Gauge (1mm) & Length 3/16" (4.77) to 3/8" (9.5mm)
VCH (Genital) Piercings
18 Gauge (1mm) to 14 Gauge (1.6mm) & Length 0.4" (10mm)
Popular Styles
Bridge Piercings
VCH (Genital) Piercings
Daith Piercings
Rook Piercings
LABRETS
Labrets, often seen with a flat or ball backing, are a versatile type of barbell as seen in many different piercings. They feature one removable end piece that secures the piercing.
Cartilage / Tragus / Helix / Daith
16 Gauge (1.2mm) to 18 Gauge (1mm) & Length 1/4" (6mm) to 5/16" (8mm)
Lip Piercings
14 Gauge (1.6mm) to 16 Gauge (1.2mm) & Length 5/16" (8mm) to 3/8" (10mm)
Nostril Piercings
18 Gauge (1mm) to 20 Gauge (0.8mm) & Length 1/4" (6mm) to 5/16" (8mm)
Earlobe Piercings
18 Gauge (1mm) to 20 Gauge (0.8mm) & Length 1/4" (6mm)
Popular Piercing Placements
Earlobe Piercings
Lip Piercings
Cartilage Piercings
Nostril Piercings
NOSE STUDS
L-Shape Nose Studs feature a literal L-shaped bend at the insertion point, providing additional security for the piercing, reducing the likelihood of accidental dislodgement.
Nose Screws, also known as Screw-fit nose studs or Curved Nose studs, feature a curved bottom that needs to be looped into the nose piercing, ensuring added security upon insertion and making them less prone to falling out.
Nose Pins on the other hand, effortlessly fit straight into the piercing without the need for looping or a backing. These are made for easy removal and hassle-free jewelry switching.
D-Shape Nose Rings are half- flat on the insertion side of the ring, creating a hidden end. Additionally, they are meant for easy piercing insertion and offer less of a chance of falling out.
18 Gauge (1mm) to 20 Gauge (0.8mm)
Popular Styles
Nose Pin (Nose Bone)
L- Shaped Studs
Curved End Nose Studs
D-Shaped Nose Rings and Studs
BALL AND CONE ENDS
Spike (Cone) Ends are jewelry ends that you typically screw on, securing your piercing jewelry in place. Cone ends are tapered and come to a point, providing a sharp and edgy look to the piercing. End pieces typically come in gauge sizes as well unless they are Threadless pieces.
Ball ends, on the other hand, feature spherical ends, offering a classic and rounded appearance, with the ball often screwing onto the barbell or post for secure closure. You can use our size conversion chart to help determine what millimeter end you want.
Between 2.5mm - 12mm and up depending on style preference.
Popular Piercing Styles
Barbell Ends
Labret Ends or Tops
Curved Barbell Ends
Belly Ring Ends