The gauge of a piece of piercing jewellery refers to how thick the jewellery is (see figure C in the graphic below). In many parts of the world, the gauge system isn't used, and the thickness of piercing jewellery is measured in milimetres, so here's some information to show you what the different gauges mean in milimetres.

It's important to find the right measurements for your piercing jewellery, and your piercist will be able to advise you on which types of jewellery, and what sizes are going to work best with your piercing. Different people have slightly different requirements due to us all being physically different, but there are some standard sizes and jewellery-types usually used for specific piercings.

Some of the most common gauges are as follows :

Navel, Tongue and Nipple jewellery - 1.6mm (or 14 Gauge)

Eyebrow - 1.2mm (16 Gauge)

Nose - 1.0mm (18 Gauge)

Labret piercings are usualy either 1.2mm (16 Gauge) or 1.6mm (14 Gauge)

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