So, you’ve gotten your adorable new nostril piercing, it’s all healed, and you’re ready to put in some cute new jewelry pieces.
You might be surprised to find that there are a wide variety of nose ring options to choose from. Besides deciding whether you want to sport a hoop or a stud, you need to figure out which stud type you prefer, the best gemstone size, the diameter of your hoop, and more. It can be a bit overwhelming.
To help you out, we’ve put together this guide covering the basics of nose jewelry. Here’s what you need to know.
You can wear a few hoop types in your nostril piercing: seamless hoops, captive bead rings, and segment rings.
Seamless hoops and segment rings are similar, but they are inserted differently. Segment rings have a segment that comes out of the hoop, making an opening that you insert into your piercing. You reinsert the segment to close the hoop.
Seamless hoops consist of one seamless piece of metal. To open, you gently twist the metal at the small opening, slip the jewelry into the piercing, then twist the metal shut. While the seamless finish leaves a clean look, seamless hoops can be difficult to change on your own, so often those who choose this jewelry type will have their piercer change it for them.
Captive bead rings have a bead that snaps over the opening of the hoop. The bead can be metal or you can choose pearls, opals, or even gemstones for a more unique hoop look.
Whichever hoop type you choose will depend upon your personal preference.
When it comes to hoop sizing, it depends on both your personal preference and your nose anatomy. Hoop sizes are determined by their diameter and measured in fractions of an inch. If you wore hoops for healing, you were likely fitted with a larger diameter to accommodate any swelling, so it might be possible to get a slightly smaller hoop than your starter jewelry. However, you want to be careful; if your hoop is too small, it will pull against the piercing holes which could cause issues.
In order to determine the right hoop size, first decide if you want a flush fit or a bigger, bolder look. Then, you can measure for yourself what the hoop might look light. For a more accurate reading, especially if you want a more flush fit, visit your piercer. They have special measuring tools, and they often sell their own jewelry so that you can see the size of the hoop in person before ordering one online.
Studs might seem like a simple jewelry option for your new nostril piercing, but you will need to choose between a few different prong choices.
The type of prong that you choose will come down to personal preference. The difference in the prong shapes is in their ease of use and how well they stay in your piercing.
The L-shape prong is shaped like an L. You insert it into the piercing by sticking one end of the prong through the hole, then twisting it at a 90° angle until the charm or gemstone sits snugly in your nose.
The twist prong looks a bit like a curl. As the name implies, you twist the jewelry into place until the charm or gemstone sits flush against the skin.
The bone consists of a straight prong with a bulbous end slightly larger than the gauge of your piercing. You push the bulbous end through your piercing, and the wide end keeps your jewelry from falling out. It might seem the least secure of the three-prong types, but those who prefer bone prongs swear by them.
If you’re unsure, start with either the twist or the L-shape prong. While the bone prong does stay secure, it can be pulled from you piercing if it gets snagged on clothing, so it might not be the best option if you’re still getting used to your piercing.
While flat back studs are usually reserved for lip or cartilage piercings, they can be worn in nostril piercings as well. Perhaps the most secure piercing type, they consist of an internally threaded back that you screw into the prong of the earring. These are great for those who are more active who need to make sure that their jewelry will stay snugly in place.
Keep in mind, however, that flat back earrings are also designed for ears and lips, so some of the charms you find might be too large for your nose. Pay attention to the size of the charm and whether or not they’re dainty enough for your nose.
As an online retailer, we often see questions about gemstone size in nose jewelry. It’s easy to misjudge the size of a gemstone when you can’t see it in person, and often people mistakenly order a gemstone that’s smaller or larger than they were picturing. We’re here to try and make your decision a little easier.
Our diamond nose ring sizes range from 1.5mm to 3mm. On paper, 3mm might not seem that big, but once it sits in your piercing, it could feel massive. Here’s a brief guide to illustrate the gemstone size you should expect.
1.5mm is teeny tiny. Even if you like daintier styles, this size might be too small for you. Choose the 1.5mm only if you want the subtlest sparkle in your nostril piercing.
2mm is also tiny, but it’s a little more noticeable than the 1.5mm diamond. This one is great for those who prefer super dainty styles that won’t stand out too much.
2.5mm is our most popular diamond size. It would probably be Goldilocks’ choice because it’s just right. Not too big, it will sparkle in your nose without being too bold, and not too small, it will shine bright enough that it won’t go unnoticed.
3mm is a bold diamond choice. At 3mm, it should still fit comfortably in your nostril piercing, but it will definitely stand out. Choose this option if you love sporting some amazing bling in your piercings.
Choosing a new nose ring can be overwhelming, especially if you’re buying it online, but we’re here to make things easier. When in doubt, visit your piercer for guidance. They can measure your nose to help you choose the right size, and they’ll often have jewelry on hand for you to look at in person to get an idea of what the jewelry you order will look like when it arrives.
Don’t let fear stop you. Be bold and shop for new nose jewelry today!
One Reply to “What Type of Nose Ring Should I Get?”
Anirudh, 11 Jul 2020
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