Size & Gauge Guide
Choosing the Right Size for Your Piercing
Choosing the right jewellery starts with knowing three measurements: the gauge (thickness of the bar), the length or diameter, and the size of the decorative piece (ball, disc, stone). Here's how to find your way around.
Gauge (bar thickness)
The gauge is the diameter of the bar that passes through the piercing. It is expressed in millimetres (mm) or in gauge (G) – the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the bar.
| Gauge | Millimetres | Common use |
| 20G | 0.8 mm | Nostril, some ear piercings |
| 18G | 1.0 mm | Nose, helix, lobe |
| 16G | 1.2 mm | Eyebrow, helix, lip, labret, tragus |
| 14G | 1.6 mm | Belly button, tongue, nipple, septum |
If in doubt, keep the gauge of your current jewellery: changing gauge requires gradually stretching the piercing.
Length or Diameter
For a straight or curved bar (labret, banana), measure the length of the bar (the distance between the two ends). For a ring, measure the inner diameter.
| Area | Common length / diameter |
| Nostril (bar) | 6 – 8 mm |
| Nose ring | 8 – 10 mm diameter |
| Lip / labret | 8 – 10 mm |
| Eyebrow (banana) | 8 mm |
| Belly button (banana) | 10 mm |
| Helix / lobe | 6 – 8 mm |
These values are for guidance only: skin thickness and healing vary from person to person.
How to Measure at Home
- Gently remove your current jewellery and measure the bar with a ruler or a calliper.
- For a ring, measure the inner diameter from one edge to the other.
- For the stone or ball, measure its diameter (e.g. 2 mm, 3 mm).
Not sure which size to order? Contact us and we'll help you choose.