Ordering body jewelry online is easy once you understand three measurements: gauge (thickness), length (for posts and barbells) and diameter (for rings and hoops). This guide explains each one and includes a gauge-to-millimetre chart, plus common sizes for popular piercings.
1. Gauge: how thick is the jewelry?
Gauge (G) describes the thickness of the part that goes through your piercing. The system works backwards: the higher the number, the thinner the jewelry. On our product pages we list sizes in millimetres, for example 1.2 mm or 1.6 mm.
| Gauge | Millimetres | Gauge | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20G | 0.8 mm | 8G | 3.2 mm |
| 18G | 1.0 mm | 6G | 4.0 mm |
| 16G | 1.2 mm | 4G | 5.0 mm |
| 14G | 1.6 mm | 2G | 6.0 mm |
| 12G | 2.0 mm | 0G | 8.0 mm |
| 10G | 2.5 mm | 00G | 10.0 mm |
Never force a thicker gauge into a piercing. Stretching should be done slowly, with tools made for it, such as ear stretchers.
2. Length: for labrets, barbells and studs
Length is the wearable part of the post, the distance between the back disc (or ball) and the decorative end. It does not include the end itself. Our posts come in lengths such as 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 mm.
- Fresh piercings usually start with a longer post to leave room for swelling.
- Downsizing: once swelling goes down, your piercer will usually switch to a shorter post. This stops the jewelry from snagging or moving at an angle.
- To measure, use a ruler or caliper on your existing post between the back and the end.
3. Diameter: for rings, hoops and clickers
For rings we use the inner diameter, the distance across the inside of the ring. A smaller diameter sits snug against the body, and a larger one hangs lower.
- Measure an existing ring across the inside, edge to edge.
- If you are not sure, a piercer can measure the distance from the piercing hole to the edge of your ear, nostril or lip.
4. Thread size for interchangeable ends
If you buy separate tops, check the thread size (for example M0.9 or M1.2) or whether the end is threadless. The end must match your post. Read our guide: Threadless vs Internally Threaded.
5. Common starting sizes by piercing
| Piercing | Common gauge | Common style |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | 18G–16G | Flat-back labret, small hoop |
| Helix / cartilage | 16G | Flat-back labret, ring once healed |
| Tragus / conch | 16G | Flat-back labret |
| Nostril | 20G–18G | Flat-back labret, nose ring |
| Septum | 16G | Clicker or ring |
| Lip / labret / Monroe | 16G | Flat-back labret |
| Navel | 14G | Curved barbell / navel ring |
| Tongue / nipple | 14G | Straight barbell |
These are typical sizes only. Your body and your piercer’s advice come first, especially for fresh piercings.
Shop by category
- Posts & Barbells (1.2 mm and 1.6 mm, many lengths)
- Rings & Hoops
- Flat-Back Jewelry
- Navel Jewelry
Need help choosing a size? Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your current jewelry.
