Types of piercing jewellery: labret, barbell, ring, clicker and cuff
Labret
A bar with a flat plate at the back and a decorative front. Common in the lobe, cartilage, nose and around the lips. The flat plate lies against the tissue and doesn't bother you while sleeping.
Barbell
A straight bar with balls or stones on both ends. Used in the navel and some cartilage spots.
Types of rings
- Captive bead ring: a ring with a bead held in its gap.
- Segment ring and clicker: hinged, opens and closes in one movement.
- Seamless: a ring with a seamless look.
Ear cuff
A curved piece of jewellery that needs no piercing. It is stacked with a pierced ear.
First jewellery
A straight bar (labret or barbell) is preferred for a fresh piercing: a ring moves and makes healing harder. Rings are worn after healing.
Labret
A bar threaded on one side with a flat back plate. It sits flat against the surface, is comfortable and is the most commonly chosen type for new piercings. It is suitable for the ear, nose and lip.
Barbells and rings
A barbell is a bar with balls on both ends; it is used in spots such as the eyebrow, navel and tongue. Rings, segment or captive bead types, are preferred after healing. The first jewellery is usually a bar, because a ring moves and irritates during swelling.
Which jewellery for which spot?
Jewellery choice depends on anatomy and the stage of healing. The piercer chooses the first jewellery according to the spot, skin thickness and swelling. After healing, you can try different types.
Which jewellery suits which spot?
A labret is versatile for the earlobe, cartilage and nose. A barbell is a straight bar with balls on both ends; it is used in the eyebrow, tongue and ear spots. A ring (captive bead ring) is preferred for a healed earlobe, septum and some cartilage spots. A curved barbell is common in the navel and eyebrow. The spot and anatomy are decisive.
The safest choice for a new piercing
In a fresh piercing, a straight bar (labret or barbell) moves less than a ring and reduces irritation. Rings and dangling jewellery should be tried after healing is complete. Even at the start, stones and decorations should not be too heavy; the jewellery should be light and made of implant-grade material.
End types: ball, disc, stone, flat plate
Front ends offer different looks: a ball gives a simple look, a disc is flatter, and a gem end gives a sparkling effect. If the back end is a flat plate (flatback), it is comfortable behind the ear. Ends with a smooth, non-pointed surface prevent catching on pillows and hair.
Choosing size and thickness
Thickness is given in gauge and length in millimetres. Diameter and length are chosen according to your anatomy; the wrong size causes both discomfort and healing problems. You can look at the chart in our size guide and consult your piercer for an exact size.
Everyday wear when choosing jewellery
It is important that jewellery suits your daily life. Flatback jewellery is comfortable in spots exposed to friction from phones, hair and pillows. If you play sports, go for dangling jewellery that can be removed. When choosing jewellery, make sure the surface is smooth, the end is not pointed and the bar is the right thickness. The most important criteria for initial jewellery are quality and fit.
Before buying jewellery
Check the end type, bar length, thickness and material on the product page. Make sure it suits the spot you will wear it in. Your first jewellery and post-healing jewellery may be different; thinking about your needs in two stages protects your budget.
Common mistakes
- Wearing a ring in a fresh piercing
- Buying cheap jewellery with sharp-edged plates
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
Not sure? For a short free consultation at the studio book an appointment or browse our jewellery.
FAQ
Which jewellery is suitable for an earlobe?
Labrets and small rings are common for the lobe.
When can a clicker be worn?
After the piercing has healed.
Is a cuff worn on a pierced ear?
It needs no piercing; it can also be stacked with a pierced ear.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.