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In This Article
How isbody jewelrymeasured?
Read on for what they told us.
Meet the Experts
What Are Piercing Gauge Sizes?
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A gauge size indicates how big apiercing holemust be to accommodate the jewelry.
“In Europe and Asia, jewelry is measured in millimeters,” explains Thompson.
“Here [in the U.S.], it’s measured by gauge.”
Gauge sizes work in reverse, meaning the higher the number, the thinner the width.
So higher numbers (like 16 gauge) are thinner than smaller numbers (like 6 gauge).
References to a “larger gauge” means bigger around, not a larger number.
“For piercings in general, 18 g through 16 g is the most common.
For nipple or navel piercings, 14 g through 12 g is the most common.
For larger gaugeslike stretched ear lobesthe smallest gauge usually starts at size 8 and goes up from there.”
Why Is It Important to Know Your Gauge Size?
“You simply slide your jewelry into the notches until you find the one it fits perfectly in.
The size will be printed on the wheel next to the notch.”
Association of Professional Piercers.Safe piercing FAQ.
