Piercings are a great way to express your style, and with the huge selection of piercing jewelry, you can make any piercing truly eye-catching. But to truly shine, it's crucial that your jewelry fits perfectly. Finding the right size for your piercing jewelry isn't just about looks—it also impacts the comfort, healing, and health of your piercing. In this article, you'll learn what to look for to find the perfect fit for your piercing jewelry.
1. Why the size of piercing jewelry is so important
Wearing jewelry that's too small or too large can cause discomfort or even pain. A ring or bar that's too tight can put pressure on the tissue and promote inflammation. Jewelry that's too large, on the other hand, can stretch the piercing canal or even fall out. Jewelry should always fit so that it doesn't put too much strain on the tissue, is comfortable to wear, and fits well into the piercing canal.
2. The basics: diameter, length and thickness
Before you choose piercing jewelry, it is helpful to understand the basic measurements:
Diameter: This is the measurement for the width of rings and horseshoes . The diameter is measured from the inside of the ring, not the outer edge. A suitable diameter ensures that the ring is not too tight and is positioned well on the piercing.
Length: Length primarily refers to bars used in tongue, lip, or eyebrow piercings . A bar that's too long can move and bump, while one that's too short can put pressure on the tissue.
Gauge: The gauge indicates the diameter of the bar or ring, i.e., the thickness of the jewelry. There are standard sizes for most piercings, but the appropriate gauge may vary depending on the location and healing process.
3. The right size for the most common piercings
Here's an overview of the appropriate sizes for the most common piercings. Please note, however, that individual differences such as skin thickness, anatomy, and preferences play a role, and these size recommendations are only guidelines.
Ear piercings (e.g. lobe, helix, tragus)
For ear piercings, the choice of size varies depending on the position of the piercing:
Lobes piercing: The thickness is often 0.8–1.2 mm, and the diameter for rings is 8–10 mm. A length of 6–8 mm is common for bars.
Helix piercing: For helix piercings you can often choose a thickness of 1.2 mm, with a bar length of 6-8 mm.
Tragus piercing: Here too, 1.2 mm thickness and 6–8 mm bar length are common.
When it comes to ear piercings , make sure that the jewelry has enough room to not put pressure on your ear, but also that it doesn't leave too much space, which can lead to tangling.
Nose piercings (e.g. nostril, septum)
With nose piercings, it is important that the jewelry is not too tight, but also not too loose:
Nostril piercing: Common thicknesses are 0.8–1.0 mm, with a diameter typically between 6 and 8 mm. Straight or curved bars may need to be slightly longer during the healing process and adjusted later.
Septum piercing: The thickness is usually 1.2 mm, and the diameter can vary between 8 and 10 mm depending on the nose and personal preference.
Lip piercings (e.g. Labret, Medusa)
Lip piercings must fit comfortably around the mouth without irritating the tissue:
Labret piercing: The common thickness is 1.2 mm, and the bar length is approximately 8–10 mm. A labret should be chosen so that the plate fits comfortably against the inside of the lip.
Medusa piercing: Here, too, a thickness of 1.2 mm and a length of 8-10 mm is useful.
Tongue piercing
For tongue piercings , a thickness of 1.6 mm and a length of 14–20 mm are usually chosen. A longer bar is used during the healing process to accommodate swelling; the length can be adjusted later.
4. How to measure the right size for your piercing jewelry
If you're unsure about which size to choose, you can also measure your piercing yourself. Here are some simple tips:
Measuring the diameter: To determine the correct diameter of a piercing, measure the distance between the inner and outer edges of the ring. A caliper is best for this to obtain accurate measurements. A suitable diameter ensures that the piercing sits comfortably without pressing on the surrounding tissue or protruding too much.
Measuring the length: The best way to measure the correct length of a piercing is to measure the distance between the two ends of the bar or ring. You can use a ruler or caliper for this. The correct length is especially important so that the piercing sits comfortably and doesn't put too much pressure on the tissue.
Determining the gauge: To determine the correct gauge for your piercing , you can measure the diameter of the bar or ring using a caliper. If you're unsure about the right gauge, a piercer can often help you, as they know the standard gauges for different piercing locations and can provide an appropriate recommendation.
5. Tips for buying the right jewelry
When buying piercing jewelry, it can be helpful to pay attention to a few details to avoid making bad purchases.
Check the material quality: High-quality materials such as titanium, surgical steel or PTFE are not only safe but also particularly durable.
Consider the closure: Some piercing jewelry, such as compression rings, can be harder to close than screw-in balls. Consider what will be more comfortable for you when inserting and wearing them.
Spare jewelry: Especially with newer piercings, it can be helpful to have spare jewelry in the same size on hand in case you lose or need to change the original jewelry.
6. Adjustment after the healing process
During the healing phase of your piercing, the tissue may swell. To accommodate this swelling, a slightly longer or larger piece of jewelry is usually used. Once the piercing is fully healed, the jewelry can be resized. Your piercer can assist you with this and check that the swelling has completely subsided.
7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Some common mistakes when choosing piercing jewelry are:
Jewelry that is too tight: Choosing a piece of jewelry that is too tight can lead to inflammation and pain.
Wrong material choice : Cheap materials can trigger allergies or negatively impact healing. Make sure to use only hypoallergenic materials.
DIY adjustments : Avoid adjusting the jewelry yourself by shortening or bending it. There's a high risk of damaging the jewelry—and the material could lose its strength.
Using stretching jewelry without experience : If you want to stretch a piercing, only use jewelry specifically designed for that purpose and proceed step by step.
8. When should you seek professional help?
If you notice that your jewelry isn't fitting properly or that your piercing is becoming infected, it's advisable to consult an experienced piercer. Your piercing may need adjustment or the jewelry may need replacing. Piercers can often also clean or sterilize your jewelry if necessary.
Conclusion: Your perfect piercing jewelry
The right piercing jewelry not only looks good, but also contributes to your well-being and the health of your piercing. When choosing jewelry, pay attention to the diameter, length, and thickness, and if in doubt, seek professional advice. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and focus entirely on the beautiful appearance of your piercing.
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