Piercing jewelry size guide: gauge, thickness and length
Jewelry thickness is given in gauge (g) or millimeters. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry. The values below are common starter sizes; your piercer determines the exact size for your anatomy.
| Gauge | Millimeters | Common placement |
|---|---|---|
| 22g | 0.6 mm | Very thin; rarely used |
| 20g | 0.8 mm | Some nose piercings |
| 18g | 1.0 mm | Earlobe, nose |
| 16g | 1.2 mm | Cartilage spots, septum |
| 14g | 1.6 mm | Navel, thicker jewelry |
| 12g | 2.0 mm | Stretched lobes |
Starter sizes
| Spot | Common thickness | Common length / diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–8 mm bar |
| Helix | 1.2 mm | 6–8 mm bar |
| Tragus | 1.2 mm | 6–8 mm bar |
| Conch | 1.2 mm | 6–8 mm bar or 10–12 mm hoop |
| Daith | 1.2 mm | 8–10 mm hoop |
| Nose (nostril) | 0.8–1.0 mm | 6–7 mm bar |
| Septum | 1.2 mm | 8–10 mm hoop |
| Navel | 1.6 mm | 10 mm bar |
These are common starter values; your piercer determines the exact size for your anatomy.
Downsizing
The first piece of jewelry is chosen slightly longer to leave room for swelling. Once the swelling goes down, your piercer may recommend shortening it; this is called downsizing. For details, see our downsizing guide .