A common question asked is; ‘what size jewellery do I need?’. A lot of people wear the wrong sized jewellery and compromise not only their own comfort, but also the piercing itself! We hope that after reading this section on sizing body jewellery, you will be able to answer this question yourself, allowing you to make a more informed decision on your purchasing. We have also included some guideline sizes for the more common piercings.
Sizing body jewelleryThe thickness of body jewellery is referred to as the gauge, the length (in the case of barbells and labrets) and the diameter (in the case of bcrs, circular barbells, segment and bar closure rings) are referred to as just that. The gauge is always stated first, followed by the length / diameter. For example; 1.6mm (gauge) x 10mm (length / diameter).
Whilst there are common sizes, body jewellery is particular to you, and depends on placement and your body too much for there to be a ‘one size fits all’. Alternatively you can measure a piece of body jewellery that you know fits well. When measuring your own jewellery remember a couple of point
When measuring the diameter of a ring, the measurement is always taken internally, not measuring the thickness of the ring as well. When measuring the length of a barbell, measure from the inside of the attachments, not the length of the attachment or bar thread as well.
All measurements at urbanpiercingshop.com are in millimetres the European standard & Gauge measurments. For overseas customers, or those used to gauge measurements please consult the Gauge conversion chart. Be aware though, there are slight differences in body jewellery manufactured to millimetres, to those measured to gauges.
Below are listed the gauges, and where appropriate the average length of the body jewellery for the more common piercings. These are only guidelines and Urban Piercing shop cannot be held accountable for incorrect jewellery purchased on this information.
Navel; 1.6mm x 10mm
Tongue; 1.6mm x 14mm
Nose; 1mm gauge
Tragus; 1.2mm gauge
Rim; 1.2mm gauge
Eyebrow; 1.2mm gauge
What is the best way of measuring body jewellery?
Callipers are used to measure body jewellery accurately. As body jewellery is manufactured in standard sizes only a very basic pair is required.
Measuring the length: Using the small upper jaws, extend the jaws until one rests against each ball, while still resting on the bar. This will give you the length of your jewellery.
Measuring the diameter: Using the small upper jaws, extend them inside the ring until they cannot extend any further. This will give you the diameter of your jewellery.
Measuring the gauge: Using the large jaws pinch your jewellery at the point in is to be worn. This will give you the gauge of your jewellery.
