PIERCING SIZE GUIDE
Choosing the right size jewellery is essential for comfort, healing, and style. Our piercing size guide will help you find the perfect fit for your piercing, whether you’re selecting your initial jewellery or upgrading to a new look.
Choosing the right size jewellery is essential for comfortand style. Our piercing size guide will help you find the perfect fit for your healed piercing.
UNDERSTANDING JEWELLERY SIZING
Piercing jewellery comes in different sized gauges (thickness), lengths or diameters. Here’s what you need to know:
1. GAUGE (THICKNESS)
The gauge (G) refers to the thickness of the jewellery. The lower the number, the thicker the jewellery.
Common piercing gauge sizes:
-
18G - 16G: Standard for ear lobes, nostril piercings. At SkinKandy 18G is generally used more often to achieve a finer look and to suit standard jewellery sizing.
-
16G: ear cartilage, lip, eyebrow, face.
-
14G: body piercings such as navel, surface/dermal, tongue, industrial.
-
12G – 10G: Larger gauge piercings, such as stretched lobes.
2. LENGTH & DIAMETER
Flatback - Is measured from the inside of the base to the top before the thread starts (excluding the ball or gem).
Ring Diameter: Measured across the inside of the ring.
RECOMMENDED SIZES FOR HEALED PIERCINGS
This is a general size guide. For the best-fitting jewellery, we recommend getting measured by a professional. You can visit us in-store or book an appointment with one of our experienced piercers.
|
Piercing Type |
Gauge |
Common Length/Diameter |
|---|---|---|
|
Ear Lobe |
18G - 16G |
6mm – 10mm |
|
Helix |
16G - 18G |
6mm – 8mm |
|
Tragus - Conch - Rook |
16G |
6mm – 8mm |
|
Daith |
16G |
8mm – 10mm |
|
Rook |
16G |
6mm – 8mm |
|
Nostril |
20G - 18G |
6mm – 8mm |
|
Septum |
16G - 14G |
8mm – 10mm |
|
Lip/Labret |
16G |
6mm – 10mm |
|
Eyebrow |
16G |
8mm – 10mm |
|
Navel |
14G |
10mm – 12mm |
|
Nipple |
14G |
12mm – 16mm |
|
Tongue |
14G |
12mm – 16mm |
|
Industrial |
14G |
32mm – 38mm |
JEWELLERY STYLES & THEIR USES
Understanding the different jewellery types can help you choose the right piece for your healed piercing. Here’s a breakdown of popular styles:
Flatbacks – Commonly used for ear cartilage piercings such as helix, conch, tragus, lobes and nostril piercings. Oral piercings such as labret. These feature a smooth backing for comfort.
Ballbacks – A classic option for studs, also looks great for helix and conch, similar to flatbacks but offering a secure fit with a rounded back.
Segment Rings – Circular rings with a hinged opening, ideal for septum, daith, and cartilage piercings.
Earrings – Standard studs and hoops designed for earlobe piercings.
Navel Jewellery – Curved barbells, floating navel or navel clickers made specifically for belly button piercings.
Horseshoes – A versatile circular shape suitable for septum, lips, smileys, helix, mostly all cartilage piercings like conch.
Barbells – Straight bar generally with a ball closure on each end, used for tongue, nipple, and industrial piercings.
Curved Barbells – Like a barbell except curved, a great alternative for eyebrow, rook, and navel piercings.
Clickers – Hinged jewellery that easily snaps into place, perfect for septum and cartilage piercings.
Tops & Posts – Customisable pieces where you can mix and match decorative tops with implant-grade posts.
Retainers – Clear and discreet jewellery that is hypoallergenic and made from medical grade plastic. A glass option is also available for nostril only. Perfect for hiding piercings for school and sports, with longer options available for pregnancy.
Ball Captive Rings (BCRs) – A circular ring with a secure ball closure, these can be used for various piercings such as helix, tragus and lobes.
Threadless Jewellery – A push-fit style offering a sleek look with secure hold, great for cartilage and labrets.
Nose L-Bend – A right-angled post, commonly used for nostril piercings for a comfortable fit.
Nose Twist - Another popular nose jewellery designed for a secure and comfortable fit.