When you get your piercing there are general gauges and sizes you may be pierced with. Your first piercing for that body part is called an initial piercing. Included here is a list of common piercings. This information is derived from The Piercing Bible: The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing by Elayne Angle. This is a thorough book I recommend reading for those curious about piercings.
GENERAL INITIAL PIERCINGS
Helix/Scaphia
18 gauge, 16 gauge, 14 gauge
Ring
8mm (5/16") to 12mm (>1/2")
Barbell
8mm (5/16") or 10mm (<1/2")
Tragus
18 gauge, 16 gauge
Ring, Straight Barbell, Mini Barbell, Flatback
8mm (5/16"), 9mm (3/8"), 11mm (7/16")
Post
8mm (5/16")
Conch
16 gauge, 18 gauge, 14 gauge
Ring
12mm (1/2") to 15mm (5/8")
Barbell
8mm (5/16") to 11mm (7/16")
Rook
18 gauge, 16 gauge
Ring, Curved Barbell, Mini Barbell
8mm (5/16") or 10mm (3/8")
Daith
18 gauge, 16 gauge, rarely 14 gauge
Ring, Curved Bar
8mm (5/16"), 9mm (3/8"), possibly 11mm (7/16")
Snug
18 gauge, 16 gauge, 14 gauge
Curved Barbell
10mm (3/8")
Industrial
14 gauge
28mm to 40mm - varies widely person to person
Nostril
20 gauge, 18 gauge
Rings - 8mm (5/16") to 11mm (7/16")
Posts with Nostril Screws, Flatback, L Bend
8mm (5/16") to 11mm (7/16") with room for swelling
Septum
16 gauge, 14 gauge, 12 gauge
Ring, Circular Barbell, Septum Retainer
10mm (3/8"), 11mm (7/16"), 12mm (1/2")
Eyebrow
18 gauge, 16 gauge
Ring, Curved Bar, Mini Curved Bar
10mm (3/8") minimum
Tongue
14 gauge, 12 gauge
Straight Barbell
Length varies significantly person to person
Navel
14 gauge
Curved Bar, J Curve
10mm (3/8") to 12mm (1/2")
Ring
11mm (7/16") or 12mm (1/2")
Men's Nipple
14 gauge, 12 gauge
Barbell, Ring
12mm (1/2") to 14mm (9/16")
Women's Nipple
14 gauge
Barbell, Ring
16 (5/8") to 19mm (3/4")
VCH/HCH
14 gauge, 12 gauge
Straight Barbell, Curved Barbell, Ring, C Ring, U Ring
10mm (3/8") to 12mm (1/2")
Clitoris
16 gauge
Ring, Bar
10mm (3/8") to 12mm (1/2")
Keep in mind these are only general gauges and sizes for initial piercings and may not fit your piercing exactly. You will need to consult your piercing professional to be reminded of your specific needs. I am not a piercing professional and cannot offer specific advice on piercing gauges and sizes.
If you have any other questions about piercings for hand made body jewelry, sizing, or recommendations for my unique designs, send me an email at info@highpassbodyjewelry.com
Kind Regards,
K. Marie Lane
High Pass Body Jewelry
Quality Care