Jewellery sizing can be overwhelming! If you have an established piercing, remembering what gauge you were pierced with can be tricky – but it is important to take into account the gauge, length and diameter when choosing your new jewellery. We’ve put together a cheat sheet measurement guide with standard sizing – but remember, everyone is different! If you are unsure of sizing it is best to visit your local Essential Beauty salon and have a consultation with one of our piercers.

Gauge: The gauge refers to the overall thickness of the jewellery. Gauges work in reverse, so the higher the gauge number, the thinner the piece of jewellery.

 

 

Gauge Thickness Guide:

  • 20 GA – 0.8mm
  • 18 GA – 1.0mm
  • 16 GA – 1.2mm
  • 14 GA – 1.4 mm
  • 12 GA – 1.6 mm
  • 10 GA – 1.8mm
  • 08 GA – 2.0mm

Length and Diameter: With rings, the diameter is measured internally as things like gauge and design can increase the external measurement. Length is measured by the bar or post only, and doesn’t take into account things like balls or attachments.

Standard Sizing Guide:

  • Belly / Navel Ring - 14 GA
  • Nose Piercing - 20 GA, 18 GA
  • Tongue Piercing - 14 GA
  • Cartilage Piercing - 16 GA, 18 GA
  • Eyebrow Piercing - 16 GA, 14 GA
  • Industrial Barbell - 14 GA, 16 GA
  • Labret Lip Rings - 14 GA, 16 GA
  • Monroe Piercing - 16 GA
  • Nipple Piercing - 14 GA
  • Tragus / Helix / Rook / Conch -16 GA, 18 GA
  • Septum - 14 GA, 16 GA
  • Ear - 20GA, 18GA

Why is this important?

Choosing the correct size of jewellery is key to maintaining the longevity of your piercing. Choosing a piece that is too thin of a gauge can cause your piercing to shrink. Too thick of a gauge can cause tearing and bleeding, and jewellery should never be forced into a piercing.