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Common Sizing Information

For those with a more common introductory level piercing, we've compiled this list to help you get more familiar with the world of body jewelry.

Ear: If you got your ear(s) pierced by a gun and you've never stretched your hole(s), your jewelry gauge is 20 or 18. With a little antibacterial soap and water, massaging 16 gauge jewelry into the hole shouldn't be a problem. DO NOT attempt to go any thicker than 16 gauge if you currently have a 20 or 18 post! If you were pierced with a needle the gauges most commonly range from 18-10, most likely being 16 and 14. Intricate piercings like the tragus and rook typically hold jewelry 5/16", 3/8", or 7/16" in size. However, jewelry for the lobes can be just about any size from huggies to pirate rings.

Eyebrow: The most common gauges for an eyebrow piercing are either 18ga or 16ga, with 16ga being the most common. Typical ring diameters and curved barbell lengths are 5/16", 3/8", 7/16". (see some eyebrow jewelry)

Labret: The most common gauges for a labret piercing are 14ga and 12ga. Depending on the thickness of your lip, the most common flat back post lengths are 5/16", 3/8", or 7/16" with 3/8" being the most common. Remember, you are pierced with a longer post to allow for swelling. To avoid damaging teeth and gums, you must switch to shorter length piece when the swelling goes down. (see some labret jewelry)

Lip: Like the Labret, typical lip jewelry is either 14ga or 12ga gauge. Again, the size of the jewelry depends on the thickness of your lips, most frequently 5/16", 3/8", and 7/16". (check out our steel and titanium seamless rings)

Navel: The standard navel jewelry is 14 gauge. Very few piercers will pierce a navel with a 12 gauge needle unless requested. The most frequent size jewelry for a healed navel is 3/8" or 7/16". The next size up is 1/2" if you prefer something larger, and 5/16" is shorter. (see some navel jewelry)

Tongue: The two most common gauges for a tongue piecing are 14ga and 12ga (most are 14ga). Regardless, the tongue is usually well-behaved enough to interchange either gauge jewelry. The most common size for tongue barbells is 5/8". If for any reason you feel your tongue jewelry creates too much friction with your gums or teeth, IMMEDIATELY replace your jewelry with something shorter. Remember, you are pierced with a longer post to allow for swelling. To avoid damaging teeth and gums, you must switch to shorter length barbell when the swelling goes down. The price you pay for smaller jewelry will be a lot less than new teeth! (see some tongue jewelry)

Nipple: Nipples are most frequently pierced at 14ga or 12ga. For females, common replacement sizes include 9/16" and 5/8" for barbells or 5/8" and 3/4" for rings. For males, common replacement sizes include 7/16", 1/2", and 5/8" for both barbells and rings. (see some nipple jewelry)

Nostril: If you got your nostril pierced with a gun (first of all, shame on you) your hole is 20ga. Otherwise, it is probably 18ga or 16ga. Typical sizes for this jewelry include 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", and 1/2" (with 3/8" being most common). Pre-bent nostril screws fit nearly everyone, but an unbent nostril screw is best for the pickier piercee (no pun intended). A quick stop to the jeweler to bend your post is probably your best bet with a precious stone and metal screw. (see some nostril jewelry)

Septum: If you can't remember your jewelry stats because you were too busy listening to the bells ringing in your ears, your jewelry is probably 14 gauge. Common lengths for the septum include 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", and 5/8" (AKA "The Bullring").

Genitals: If you went ahead and got your genitals pierced, we hope that you are familiar with the gauge and size of the jewelry.

Blue arrows indicate where each type of jewelry is measured. Read each capiton for further details concerning proper jewelry selection.

Captive Bead Rings (CBRs) are measured at the largest inside diameter. Heavy gauge rings will have larger outside diameters than thinner rings due to the thickness of the material. This is the most versatile of all body jewelry styles since it can be used with just about any piercing. We especially recommend CBRs for new piercings because they have smooth tapered ends and can be rotated easily to promote cleaning and rapid healing.

Curved barbells are typically used with eyebrow and belly piercings. They are measured by the length of the shaft between both balls. The most popular size for eyebrow curves is 16 gauge 3/8", and belly curves are usually made in 14 gauge 7/16" size (although 3/8" and 1/2" are also common).

Circular barbells (circulars, horseshoes) are a popular alternative to CBRs. They are equally versatile and offer a distinctive look to any piercing. Both balls can be removed from all of our circulars. Sizing is measured just like a CBR, at the largest inside diameter.

Straight Barbells (studs, tongue rings) are measured along the shaft between both balls. They are commonly used for tongue piercings, but are often used for other piercings as well. We carry just about any size imaginable, from tiny eyebrow and septum studs to long industrial (ear) barbells. As with all jewelry, custom sizes can be made to order.

Labrets (chin studs, Marylin Monroes) are made with a flat disc at one end with a removable ball, cone or decorative piece at the other. They are most often used with chin and lip piercings, and we carry larger lengths which fit tongue piercings too. Measurement is made along the shaft between the disc and ball.

Twisters (spirals, belly twists) are often worn as a belly ring, but can be used in other piercings as well. They are typically available in 14 gauge only, with diameters ranging from 3/8" to 1/2". Twisters are sized by their inside diameter. Captive beads may be placed between the balls of a twister for a triple-ball visual effect.

Plugs & Tunnels are always measured at the smallest point near the center of the jewelry. Plugs which are tapered toward the center (like those pictured) will require the piercing to be stretched a little before going in. Gauges are not always exact for plugs made from organic materials like horn and bone, and color may vary slightly.

Tapers are used to help insert jewelry or stretch a piercing to the next gauge up. They are measured at the largest diameter, so if you are trying to insert an 8 gauge piece of jewelry into a 10 gauge piercing you should use an 8 gauge taper. Tapers with threaded studs (cuplink tapers) are also available for use with internally threaded jewelry.