PageContent
Types of Nose Jewelry: Hoops, Studs, Screws & More
Twist, hoop, flat back? Find out what it means and how to pick...
New to nose piercings? Read our complete nose piercing guide → for pain level, healing time, and aftercare.
Nose piercings come in two main placements — nostril and septum — and each opens up a whole range of nose ring jewelry styles. Whether you want something subtle for the office or a statement piece for a night out, there's a nose ring that fits.
This guide walks you through every type of nose ring jewelry, how each style sits in the piercing, and how to pick the right gauge and length.
Gauge (thickness): Most nose piercings wear 18G or 20G jewelry. 20G is the most common size for nostril studs; 18G is slightly thicker and typical for hoops and clickers. Stick with the gauge your piercer sized you at — going thinner can cause the piercing to migrate or tear.
See our full gauge size guide →
Length (wearable size): Standard twist nose studs measure 1/4-inch. Hoops, captive bead rings, and circular barbells are usually 5/16-inch or 3/8-inch in diameter depending on nose anatomy.
Fast Facts
Shop Nose Piercing Collections
Nose Piercing Jewelry Styles: What to Wear
When shopping for a nose ring, size and material both matter. Look for 20G or 18G nose jewelry with a 1/4-inch wearable length for twist studs, or 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch diameter for hoops and captive bead rings.
Pick a solid metal. 14k gold, 18k gold, titanium, and platinum are the best options — they're hypoallergenic, comfortable for long-term wear, and hold up to daily wear without tarnishing. Avoid plated or nickel-based jewelry; it can irritate even a long-healed piercing.
Genuine stones are worth it. A real diamond nose ring or genuine birthstone stud is a worthwhile upgrade over cubic zirconia. Real stones don't cloud or scratch the way CZ does, and they hold their brilliance over years of daily wear.
Don't use a standard earring in a nose piercing. Earring posts are usually 22G — too thin — and too long for the nose channel. That mismatch can cause the piercing to migrate, tear, or scratch delicate tissue. Always buy jewelry sized specifically for nose piercings.
Nostril piercing jewelry styles
Twist Nose Ring
This type of nose ring stays securely in the nose while providing a flush fit against the nostril. It’s the most common type of nose ring for those reasons. There are a wide variety of styles available, which means that there’s something for everyone.
Flat Back Studs
The choice of the professional piercer. Interchangeable charms and gemstones connect with a push-pin to a comfortable flatback backing.
Nose Ring Bone
Nose bones consist of a post holding a charm or gemstone, and a tiny ball on the other side. When worn, the small ball keeps it in place. Like a twist nose stud, they have a flush fit. These are best for healed piercings. While not for everybody, nose bones have a loyal fanbase that swears by the look and the comfort.
L-Nose Rings
L-shaped nose rings have a post that is bent at a 90-degree angle. This is also a favorite nose ring backing for those that find the screw twist difficult to use since the L-Shape is easier to insert into the piercing than the screw and more secure than the nose bone.
Nose Pin
This is simply a straight post, but this nose stud style is not meant to be worn as-is; a piercer will have to custom bend your pin nose stud into an L-shape. These are perfect for those who don't quite fit a standard 1/4" wearable length.
Seam Ring Nose Rings
Unlike the nose hoop, seam rings wrap all the way around the nostril. The thickness of the hoop will depend upon the gauge of your piercing; larger gauges will make for a bolder hoop look.
Clicker Nose Ring
A step up from a seam ring, the clicker nose ring opens and closes with a sophisticated handmade mechanism. FreshTrends is one of the few companies to offer 18G handmade clickers, perfect for your nose piercing. Comfortable and secure, a staple in every piercing collection.
Hoop Nose Rings
Nose ring hoops are quickly becoming the nostril jewelry of choice. They give you a different look than stud nose rings and tend to be more noticeable. Captive bead rings are easy to insert, and the bead can be decorated for extra flair. You can also opt for a faux hoop, like the one shown, for the hoop aesthetic in an easy-to-insert format.
Faux Hoop Nose Rings
This style of nose ring gives you the look of a hoop with the easy insertion and comfort of an L-shape backing.
Piercing Advisor™ — Complimentary Concierge Service
Add Piercing Advisor™ at checkout for a personalized consultation — free with your order. Our jewelry specialists will help you choose the perfect size, style, and backing for your anatomy, ensuring a flawless fit from the start.
Diamond Nose Rings
Related Stories
The Septum Piercing: Pain, Healing, & Cost
Placement, pain level, healing time, and aftercare for the septum piercing.
Choosing The Perfect Diamond Nose Ring
How to pick diamond cut, setting, and size for your nose piercing.
Nose Piercing Guide: Pain, Healing & Aftercare
Everything to know before and after your nose piercing, from pain level to long-term care.