Travel Jewelry Box

Sizing Piercing Jewelry

Choosing the right size ensures comfort, healthy healing, and a flawless look. Use this guide to understand gauge, length, and diameter, then confirm your fit with the conversion charts below.

What Is “Gauge”?

The gauge of your piercing is the thickness of the bar that passes through your piercing—i.e., the barbell’s thickness. Note the system is inverse: a lower number = thicker bar. For example, a 12G barbell is thicker than a 20G barbell.

Piercing Jewelry “Length”

The length of your piercing jewelry refers to the wearable span of a straight or curved barbell—the section that sits inside the piercing. It’s measured end-to-end on the bar and excludes any ends, balls, or charms.

Piercing Jewelry “Diameter”

The diameter is used for circular styles—hoops, captives, clickers, seam rings, and circular barbells. Measure from the innermost, widest point across the inside of the hoop.

Standard Piercing Sizes

Check the chart below for typical starting sizes. Like clothing, anatomy varies—your ideal size may differ.

💡 Tip: Measure a comfortable piece you already wear to confirm your fit.