Jewelry Sizing Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Fit for Your Piercing
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When shopping for high-end piercing jewelry, choosing the correct jewelry size is just as important as picking the right style or material. Whether you're buying a threadless end, a labret post, or a barbell, the size you select will impact comfort, healing, and overall aesthetic.
At Gold Addiction, we want every piece of jewelry to fit perfectly from the first wear. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to piercing jewelry sizing—designed to help you find the ideal length, gauge, and diameter for your next luxury piece.
Why Size Matters in Piercing Jewelry
Wearing the wrong size jewelry can lead to irritation, poor healing, or even migration of the piercing. Proper sizing ensures:
- ✦ Comfortable wear throughout the day
- ✦ Clean healing and proper airflow
- ✦ A secure fit that stays in place
- ✦ The most flattering aesthetic for your anatomy
Not sure what size to get? Don’t worry—we’ll break down the key terms and how to measure.
Key Measurements to Know
1. Gauge (Thickness)
The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry post or bar. The smaller the number, the thicker the jewelry:
| Gauge | Millimeters |
|---|---|
| 16G | 1.2 mm |
| 18G | 1.0 mm |
| 20G | 0.8 mm |
Most ear and nostril piercings are done in 18G or 20G, while cartilage and helix piercings may use 16G.
2. Post/Bar Length
The length is the part that goes through your piercing channel. It affects both comfort and appearance.
Typical post lengths include:
- 6mm – Common for snug, healed piercings
- 8mm – Good for slightly thicker tissue or initial piercings
- 10mm+ – Usually used during swelling or for specific anatomy
3. Jewelry End Size (Gem or Decorative Top)
Jewelry ends come in different sizes, typically measured in millimeters (mm). Here are a few examples from our collection:
- ✦ 2mm–3mm – Delicate and subtle
- ✦ 4mm–5mm – Balanced for most ears and nostrils
- ✦ 6mm+ – Statement pieces or large gemstones
🛍️ Explore our Gemstone Threadless Ends for various sizing options.
How to Measure Your Existing Jewelry
If you're upgrading or replacing a favorite piece:
- Use a digital caliper for the most accurate gauge and length.
- Compare to our online sizing guide to select a match.
- Still unsure? Send us a message through our Contact Page for personalized help.
Choosing the Right Size for Each Piercing
| Piercing Type | Common Gauge | Common Length | Recommended End Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nostril | 18G–20G | 6mm–8mm | 2mm–4mm |
| Helix | 16G–18G | 6mm–8mm | 3mm–5mm |
| Lobe | 20G–18G | 6mm–8mm | 2mm–6mm |
| Conch | 16G | 8mm–10mm | 4mm–6mm+ |
| Tragus | 16G–18G | 6mm–8mm | 2mm–4mm |
| Flat | 16G–18G | 6mm–8mm | 3mm–5mm |
Note: Anatomy varies—when in doubt, consult your professional piercer.
Our Bestselling Sizes at Gold Addiction
Looking for a place to start? Here are some of the most popular sizing combinations from our 14K Gold Collection:
- 16G x 8mm post + 4mm gemstone end – Perfect for healed cartilage or flat piercings
- 18G x 6mm post + 3mm bezel-set diamond – Great for nostril and lobe
- 16G x 10mm post + dangling end – Ideal for bold conch or helix styling
Final Tips
✔️ Always measure healed piercings, not swollen ones
✔️ Threadless jewelry allows some flexibility in end size but make sure your post is snug
✔️ Investing in high-quality materials like solid gold ensures comfort and safety in any size
Need help selecting the right piece? Our team is here to guide you. Explore our full range of high-end piercing jewelry designed for a perfect, custom fit.
🔗 Browse our Threadless Jewelry Collection