Gauge Size
Jewelry is measured through a gauge system (conversion chart below). The higher the gauge number the smaller the wire is. For reference, a standard "earring" is usually 20 gauge. Jewelry gauges can vary between manufacturers. There is no universal regulation on companies to make a standard size in body jewelry. This is because some jewelry is made outside of the USA and measured in millimeters. And in the USA jewelry is measured in inches.
How to measure gauge size
Gauge | Millimeter | Inch |
---|---|---|
20g | .81mm | |
18g | 1mm | |
16g | 1.2mm | 3/64" |
14g | 1.6mm | 1/16" |
Ring Size
- Captive bead rings - These use tension to hold a bead in place.
- Clickers - These use a hinge to open and close the ring.
- Segment rings - These have a "segment" that comes completely out of the jewelry similar to removing a bead. But it looks like a completely seamless piece of jewelry.
- Seamless rings - These rings require bending to open & close.
How to measure rings
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the ring itself.
- Diameter/Length - Measure directly across the inside center of the ring.
Curved Barbells
How to measure curved barbells
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the post/bar itself.
- Length - Measure directly across the post between the ends.
Circular Barbells
How to measure circular barbells
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the post itself.
- Diameter/Length - Measure directly across the inside center of the circular.
Nosescrews
How to measure nosescrews
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the post itself.
- Length / Wearable area - Measure directly across the post right below where the main end starts and before the bend begins.
Nosebones
How to measure nosebones
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the post itself.
- Length / Wearable area - Measure directly across the post right below where the main end starts and before the bend small ball on the other side begins.
Belly Jewelry
How to measure belly curved barbells
- Gauge - This is the thickness of the post / bar itself.
- Length - Measure directly across the post between the ends.