Common Gauges and Sizes for Initial Piercings

Common Gauges and Sizes for Initial Piercings

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

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