As body piercings have become more popular and more widely accepted in our society, we have seen astounding growth in the selection of jewelry and jewelry types. It’s difficult to keep up with all the exciting new products on the market! From holidays to superheroes, you can find a piece of jewelry that expresses everything you stand for – your likes, dislikes, hobbies, beliefs, hopes and dreams.
But with so many options out there, choosing the right type of jewelry can make your head spin! So, if you’re thinking of getting a piercing, or if you already have a piercing and would like to know what options are out there for your specific piercing type, here’s a condensed guide to measuring body jewelry and selecting the right kind to fit your unique piercing and personality.
Straight Barbells
Straight barbells are most commonly used in tongue, nipple, eyebrow, septum and industrial ear piercings. The length of a straight barbell is the distance between the two balls, along the length of the wire, and is usually expressed in millimeters or inches. These items are also measured by the gauge, which indicates the thickness of the metal wire. Gauge measurements are reversed, so the larger the number, the thinner the wire. While most piercings tend to be 14 or 16 gauge, there are a wide variety of sizes available, ranging from 20 gauge to 00 gauge in most metals. Gold jewelry (14K) is available in 22 gauge as well.
Curved Barbells
Curved barbells are most often seen in belly button rings, nipple rings and eyebrow jewelry. To properly measure these, use a straight line from the inner length between the two balls. Just like the straight barbells, curved barbells – also known as bent barbells – are measured in gauges, which indicates the thickness of the metal wire. These items are available in gauges 16 through 00, and are most common in 14 or 16 gauge.
Captive Bead Rings
Commonly known as CBRs or Ball Captive Rings, these come in many forms and are used in a wide variety of piercings, including earlobe, eyebrow, navel, nipple and nose piercings. To accurately measure CBRs, simply take the largest inside diameter of the circle. Gauge sizes indicate the thickness of the metal, and are available in 18 through 00 gauge (for most materials) and in 22 gauge for 14K gold CBRs.
Circular Barbells
Circular barbells, also known as Horseshoe Barbells, are used in belly rings, nipple rings, eyebrow rings, earplugs, earrings, and some genital piercings. To measure these correctly, take the largest inside diameter from either side of the horseshoe. As most other piercings, gauge is used to measure the thickness of the metal. Gauge options for these barbells range from 18 to 00 gauges. As is the case for straight barbells, circulars also come in 22 gauge for 14K gold jewelry.
Nose Rings
Nose twists or nose screws are designed in a twisted format to comfortably fit in nose piercings. These are measured from the base of the charm or ball to the beginning of the twist and as most other piercing jewelry, the measurements are expressed in millimeters or inches. These products are most commonly seen in 18 gauge or 20 gauge, although you should check with your piercer to be sure about the size of your specific measurement. Also available are nose bones, which are measured to the small ball at the end of the barbell (similar to the twist), and the straight fishtail (or L-shape), which is measured from the setting to the end of the barbell.
Ear Plugs
These products are available in many different materials and designs, and are measured in a straight line from the inside edges of the item. Most commonly available in gauges 14 through 2+ inches, they are used as ear plugs, hangers, and tunnels. The gauge measures the diameter of product.
Labrets
Labrets are primarily used for lip rings, and are measured in inches or millimeters, from the base of the ball to the start of the disc. The standard size for these products is 5/16”, but other sizes are also available. Labrets can be found in various styles, so check out the selection to pick the product that is right for you.
For your convenience, FreshTrends offers a comprehensive guide to measuring body jewelry, which can be found here. As always, you should only use materials that are approved for body piercings in order to reduce the possibility of infections or adverse skin reactions. Please keep in mind that, while there are standard sizes that are most commonly used in the various types of piercings, each piercer has his or her own preferences. When in doubt, check with your piercer to find out your specific measurements. You’ll always look great as you display your beauty and style with body piercings, but remember to be proactive and responsible for the best results. Check out the wide range of products that are available to you, and go ahead and choose the items that best fit your piercing and personality.
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