As piercings are in trend and people are buying them online regularly, the gauge size is pretty understandable. Most people don’t find it complex to order the ideal-sized jewellery; however, if you are new to these measurements, it can be pretty challenging to find the right fit, which is important for comfortable wear. So now the big question is how we should measure ideal body jewellery.
What Are Gauge Sizes?
When we talk about the “gauge” of jewellery, we’re actually referring to how thick the jewellery is, not how long it is. The gauge size tells us how big the hole for the piercing needs to be to fit the jewellery. Here’s a fun fact: The gauge system for jewellery is based on the same system used by electrical workers for measuring wire thickness.
Instead of using actual measurements, gauge sizes are usually represented by a number followed by the letter “g” or the word “gauge.”
The tricky thing about gauge sizes is that they work in reverse. So, the higher the number, the thinner the jewellery. For example, a 16 gauge is thinner than a 6 gauge. When someone mentions a “larger gauge,” they are actually referring to a wider size, not a bigger number. In other words, if you’re told you need a larger gauge than 14, you should consider sizes like 12 or 10, which are wider instead of 16.
Gauge Range for Body Jewellery
Let’s talk about body jewellery gauges. Basically, a gauge measures how thick the jewellery is and how big the hole needs to be for it to fit. The size of the gauge starts at 18g and increases all the way up to 00g. Fun fact: once it gets bigger than that, we start measuring it in inches or millimetres, like 1/2-inch plugs.
Now, the size of the gauge can vary depending on a person’s body and where they want the piercing. Usually, 18g to 16g is the most common for piercings, while genital piercing jewellery or navel piercings might be a bit bigger at 14g to 12g. But if you’ve got stretched ear lobes, you’re looking at starting around size 8 and going up from there.
To help visualize it, here’s how gauges compare to sizes in inches and millimetres:
- 18 gauge = 0.04 inches or 1.0 millimetres
- 16 gauge = 0.05 inches or 1.2 millimetres
- 14 gauge = 1/16-inch or 1.6 millimeters
- 8 gauge = 1/8-inch or 3.2 millimeters
- 2 gauge = 1/4-inch or 6.5 millimeters
- 0 gauge = 5/16-inch or 8.3 millimeters
- 00 gauge = 3/8-inch or 9.3 millimeters
Going for a smaller one, like 18g or 16g, might cause pain and annoyance like the jewellery moving around. It’s better to opt for a larger gauge since it will be more stable. And don’t worry about the pain too much; whether it’s a 12 or 16, it’s not going to feel great.
Why Is It Important to Know Your Gauge Size?
Finding the right size for your piercings is most important because you are going to purchase something online, and the perfect snug can be a bit challenging. Take it as finding new shoes, except if you mess up, it is gonna hurt and leave a mark. You don’t want that. If the jewellery you use is too thin, it can shrink or tear your piercing. Ouch!
On the other hand, if the jewellery is too thick, it won’t go in smoothly and could cause tearing, bleeding, and a whole lot of pain. So, be sure to choose the correct gauge size for your piercing to avoid any of these not-so-fun consequences. It’s better to be safe and comfortable than to risk hurting yourself.
How to Find the Gauge of Your Body Jewellery
When you go to get a body piercing, most piercers have a go-to size that they like to use for the starter piercing jewellery. But what if you can’t make it to the piercing studio to find out your gauge size? No worries! You can actually order this cool tool called a gauge wheel online.
A gauge wheel is like a flat disk with little notches cut out. Each notch represents a different gauge size. All you have to do is slide your jewellery into the notches until you find the perfect one. And guess what? The size is right there next to the notch, so you won’t have to second-guess anything.
The Final Takeaway
Finding the perfect gauge size for your piercing can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many sizes and measurements to think about. But don’t sweat it. Think of it like going on a treasure hunt; you just need the right tools to help you uncover the hidden gem. So, arm yourself with knowledge, seek guidance from professionals, and don’t hesitate to do a little digging.