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What is Gauge?
Gauge is a term commonly used in body jewelry to describe the thickness of a piece of jewelry, such as earrings or plugs that fits into a piercing. The gauge system helps to measure and classify the width of jewelry, which is crucial for ensuring the right fit for your piercing. In this system, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the jewelry. For instance, a 14-gauge piece is thinner than a 10-gauge piece. Understanding gauge sizes is essential for anyone considering stretching their piercings or looking to wear specific types of body jewelry.
Ear Gauge Sizes
Ear gauges are measured in a unique system where the size of the gauge decreases as the diameter increases. This system, originally used by the British wire industry, is now standard in the body jewelry world.
- Gauge (g): A numerical system where higher numbers represent smaller sizes (e.g., 20g is smaller than 0g).
- Millimeters (mm): The metric system used for precise measurements.
- Inches: The imperial system, commonly used in the US.
Ear Gauge Size Chart
Why Is Knowing Gauge Sizes Important?
Understanding gauge sizes is essential for several reasons:
- Preventing Injury: Incorrect sizing can cause pain, tearing, and other complications.
- Ensuring Proper Fit: The right size ensures that your jewelry fits comfortably and securely.
- Achieving Your Desired Look: Knowing the sizes helps you plan your stretching journey and achieve the look you want.
Ear Gauge Sizes in Millimeters and Inches
Most gauge sizes are measured in millimeters, but you'll often see sizes in inches too. Converting between the two can be tricky, but knowing both measurements is helpful when shopping for jewelry
| Gauge Size (G) | Inches (in) | Millimeters (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 20G | 0.032" | 0.81 mm |
| 18G | 0.04" | 1.0 mm |
| 16G | 0.05" | 1.2 mm |
| 14G | 0.064" | 1.6 mm |
| 12G | 0.081" | 2.0 mm |
| 10G | 0.102" | 2.5 mm |
| 8G | 0.128" | 3.2 mm |
| 6G | 0.162" | 4.0 mm |
| 4G | 0.204" | 5.0 mm |
| 2G | 0.258" | 6.5 mm |
| 0G | 0.325" | 8.0 mm |
| 00G | 0.365" | 9.3 mm |
| 1/2" | 0.5" | 12.7 mm |
| 9/16" | 0.562" | 14 mm |
| 5/8" | 0.625" | 16 mm |
| 3/4" | 0.75" | 19 mm |
| 7/8" | 0.875" | 22 mm |
| 1" | 1.0" | 25 mm |
Choosing the Right Gauge Size
When selecting the gauge size for your piercing, it’s important to consider the following:
- Piercing Type: Different piercings may require different gauge sizes. For example, lobe piercings typically use a 20G or 18G, while cartilage piercings might use 16G or 14G.
- Comfort: Thicker jewelry can be more comfortable for some people, but it’s essential to start with a size that fits the piercing well to avoid complications.
- Healing: Smaller gauge sizes (thicker jewelry) can sometimes help reduce the risk of the piercing closing up, but they may also take longer to heal.
- Stretching: If you plan to stretch your piercings to larger sizes, it’s crucial to do so gradually to avoid damaging the tissue.
Best Guage Sizes for Ear Piercings
| Piercing | Gauge Sizes |
|---|---|
| Helix | 20G, 18G, 16G |
| Forward Helix | 20G, 18G, 16G |
| Tragus | 20G, 18G, 16G |
| Conch | 18G, 16G, 14G |
| Daith | 16G, 14G |
| Rook | 16G, 14G |
Where to Buy Multiple Sizes of Earrings
If you're looking for a wide selection of earrings in various sizes, Erica Jewels online store is your go-to destination. We offer an extensive range of earrings suitable for all kinds of piercings, ensuring you'll find the perfect fit for your style. Whether you're searching for elegant studs, versatile hoops, trendy huggies, eye-catching drop earrings, chic chain earrings, or stylish ear cuffs, Erica Jewels has it all. Our collection is designed to cater to every preference, from minimalist designs to bold statements, making it easy to find exactly what you need for any occasion.
At Erica Jewels, we believe in offering the best value to our customers. That's why we provide fantastic offers and discounts throughout the year. Keep an eye out for our seasonal sales and special promotions to get your favorite earrings at unbeatable prices. We frequently run exclusive online discounts, making it even more affordable to expand your earring collection. Shop with us and enjoy the perfect combination of quality, variety, and savings, all from the comfort of your home.
