Jewelry sizing for the body piercing industry is actually pretty simple. There are three types of measurements to determine the size of a piece of jewelry. You have gauges, inches, and metric units. I plan to break down all three of these methods of measuring your jewelry and hopefully it should all make a little more sense when we’re all done here.

First, let’s talk about plugs. You will usually find plugs measured in gauges up to a 00 gauge. Then the measurements will switch over to inches. Every gauge size is 1/16th of an inch. When measuring a plug, 12 gauge, or so, is the smallest size they start at. Every once in a while you’ll find some 14 gauge plugs. Then as the plugs get bigger the gauge size gets smaller, all the way up to 0 gauge. Every gauge size being a 1/16th of an inch jump in size. 00 gauge is after 0 gauge and is the last size a plug is measured in for gauges before switching over to inches. A gauge size is always an even number, although rarely odd numbered gauge sizes do exist (such as the 1G). After 00 gauge, your measurements are going to switch over to inches starting at 7/16” which is 1/16th bigger then 00g (3/8”). From 7/16” your sizing goes up with every 1/16” of an inch.

Now another way you’ll see plugs measured is in millimeters. Most jewelry made overseas will use millimeters to measure jewelry size. While most jewelry measured in inches is made here in the United States. Either form of measurement is fine, both can be easily converted from one to the other. At the end of this article I’ll include a conversion chart converting gauges and inches to millimeters.

When it comes to jewelry the sizing is also similar to plugs. The only difference is that with rings and barbells you have two measurements. One being the thickness and the other being the length or diameter. With a barbell the gauge is going to be the thickness of the jewelry. And the length is going to be the distance from ball to ball which is the measurement following the gauge and it is usually in inches. For example 14g, ½”. Meaning the barbell is 14 gauge thick and the wearing surface is ½” long. Now for a ring you have the gauge, which once again is the thickness of the ring, and the diameter which is the inside measurement of the ring. So, if you have an 18g, 3/8” ring, then the ring is 18 gauge thick, and the distance from one side of the inside of the ring to the other is 3/8” of an inch wide.

Fluorite is a mineral found primarily in South Africa, Mexico, and China. It derives its name from the Latin noun “fluo”, which means “stream”. Fluorite can have some very unique color patterns, so these handmade rainbow fluorite plugs are sure to be attention grabbing with their eye-catching shine. The larger their size, the more flash you’ll get!

Fluorite comes in a wide variety of colors, thereby earning itself the title “the most colorful mineral in the world”. The stone is usually purple, blue, green, yellow, or clear, but can in rarer instances features white, black, pink, red, and/or brown bands. Colors are usually banded across the stone, which means your plugs will likely be multicolored. Because of the mineral’s attractive nature, it has been used for both lapidary and ornamental intentions. Some ancient peoples, such as the Romans, used to carve designs into fluorite, creating statues and other decorative pieces. The stone has also been long used for jewelry, despite the fact that it is rather soft.

The stone is usually purple, blue, green, yellow, or clear, but can in rarer instances features white, black, pink, red, and/or brown bands

It’s important to note that because fluorite is a natural mineral, each stone is different. That means that each plug will also be different. But a discrepancy between your two jewelry pieces is what will make them even more appealing when you wear them, so don’t be afraid to experiment! They’re available in sizes 2G, 0G, 00G, 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1 Inch, 29mm, and 32mm. Double flare shaped with flat sites. These plugs are beautiful and definitely a style you want in your plug collection.

rainbow

Organic jewelry has been on an extreme rise as of lately, and this is much due to the fact that natural things have become extremely admired for their beauty. For a while, the world was only interested in futuristic fashion trends, with metallic shine and glitter. Now, however, nature has made a comeback. All of a sudden we’ve begun to pay more attention to nature and its attractiveness, and this is very clearly reflected in the body modification industry.

Organic body jewelry plugs are not just naturally beautiful, though. It’s also really healthy for mature piercings (Be careful not to wear organic jewelry in fresh or unhealed piercings! It is unsanitary, since organic jewelry cannot be properly sterilized, and can thus lead to infections or other healing problems). The porous nature of organic material allows piercings to breathe much better than other materials do. This ventilation allows for the removal of any foul odors as well as for improved moisture of the skin in many cases.

 The porous nature of organic material allows piercings to breathe much better than other materials do. 

Another great perk of organic jewelry is that it’s eco-friendly. By using natural materials, you avoid burning fossil fuels for the creation of plastics and glass, as well as for the smelting of metal. Cutting out an earring from wood requires much less energy than does manufacturing that of an acrylic plug, at least on an ecological level. Thus, by using organic jewelry, you can benefit not just your piercing, but the environment, too.

Organic jewelry makes use not only of wood. Other materials used for various piercings are stone, bone, and shells. Of course, some types of organic material may be a bit heavy for piercings, especially if you’re planning to wear a humongous piece. Nevertheless, organic jewelry also offers a great variety of light materials, such as certain types of wood, which can be excellent for all types of healed piercings. So don’t fear the thing that makes the world go round! Try out some of nature’s best products for your piercings.

Unsure of your favorite color? You may have found a solution. Make your mood known to all those around you by wearing these awesome color-changing double flare mood plugs! Although they’re made from plain 316L stainless steel, the special mood dome at the center of these plugs will change color according to the wearer’s mood. They have a 10mm wearable area and are available in any of the following many sizes: 4 gauge (5mm), 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), and 5/8 inch (16mm).

If you're into plugs that change color, you might like these single flare opalite stone plugs.

Carefully handcrafted from buffalo horn, these plugs are your perfect match if you’re looking for something unique. And if you are concerned with animal cruelty, don’t worry: no buffalo were harmed in the making of these double flare plugs. Aside from being animal-friendly, these horn plugs are comfortable to wear, since they have a smooth surface and come in many sizes, such as the following: 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm), 7/8 inch (22mm), and 1 inch (25mm). They also feature a cool, swirling tribal inlay that is sure to attract curiosity and positive attention. https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/plugs-and-tunnels/horn-plugs-with-tribal-swirl-inlay.html

If you like horn plugs, check out these begonia flower horn plugs we wrote about a few weeks ago

Owls have always been considered symbolic in some fashion. They often stand for knowledge or wisdom, and have recently become very popular in clothes and jewelry. These adorable double flare owl plugs are a must for those who love owls or who are night-owls themselves. They are made from black silicone and feature a 10mm wearable area with 1mm flares. On the front, they display a cute brown owl perching on a green branch. Get yours for a reasonable price in any of the following sizes: 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm), 7/8 inch (22mm), and 1 inch (25mm). https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/silicone-3d-owl-plugs.html

Check out the Silicone 3D Anchor Plugs we released a few weeks ago

Do you admire begonia flowers? Do you like prefer natural jewelry? Maybe these plugs are a perfect fit for you! Carefully handcrafted from black horn, these beauties feature a smooth surface for the most comfortable wear and an abalone shell begonia flower with white petals and a red center. The double flare plugs are available in all of the following sizes: 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm), 7/8 inch (22mm), and 1 inch (25mm).

Fancy more flowers? View the rosebud stainless steel plugs we released earlier this week

What’s more symbolic than roses made out of steel? Probably not many other types of plugs. But here they are, shiny and eye-catching, but at the same time not overly dramatic or showy. These plugs are ideal if you’re looking for something stylish yet not exceedingly bold. These cute single flare plugs are made of 316L stainless steel and feature screw on backs. They are available in the following sizes: 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 11/16 inch (18mm), and 3/4 inch (19mm). See them in the shop: https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/stainless-steel-rose-bud-plugs.html

See the owl heart plugs we put out last week

Owls have always been the symbol for knowledge and wisdom. And hearts have obviously always stood for love and passion. So what better way to show off your smarts and loveliness than by wearing these awesome owl heart plugs? Made from black acrylic, these single flare plugs feature a blue and purple owl whose torso resembles a heart.  Screw on backs to keep them securly fit in your lobes. They are available for a very reasonable price in any of the following sizes: 8 gauge (3.2mm), 6 gauge (4mm), 4 gauge (5mm), 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), and 3/4 inch (19mm).

Check out the Precious Peach Stone Plugs we released earlier in the week

Feeling peachy? Here are some plugs that will be sure to let everyone know! These stone plugs are a nice, eye-pleasing shade of light orange… a soft peachy tone that will look good with any skin tone. Polished and smooth, and with their neutral hue, these plugs are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add to their ear stretching collection. Double flare shaped plugs are also super easy to take care of; just keep them out of the sunlight. Get yours in any of the following available sizes: 8 gauge (3.2mm) , 6 gauge (4mm) , 4 gauge (5mm), 2 gauge (6mm) , 0 gauge (8mm) , 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm) , 7/8 inch (22mm) , and 1 inch (25mm). Shop here: https://www.urbanbodyjewelry.com/peach-precious-stone-plugs.html

Anchors have always been popular amongst sailors. They symbolized being tied or connected to someplace no matter where one was at the moment. Today, of course, anchors are no longer treasured as such a symbol; they are now worn by many different people all over the world. Despite this, anchors are still symbolic. Hence, so are these anchor double flare plugs. Made of black silicone, they have a 10mm wearable area and feature a white 3d anchor on the front. They are sold in all of the following sizes: 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm), 7/8 inch (22mm), and 1 inch (25mm).

No, green is certainly not everyone’s favorite color, but the gentle baby green of these double flare Aventurine stone plugs can make them a great addition to anyone’s ear stretching collection. Carefully handcrafted from the wonderful Aventurine stone, these plugs are sure to attract some positive attention. Because of the nature of the stone, each plug is unique, but we’ll do our best to give you a matching pair. Just choose from any of the following available sizes: 8 gauge (3.2mm), 6 gauge (4mm), 4 gauge (5mm), 2 gauge (6mm), 0 gauge (8mm), 00 gauge (10mm), 7/16 inch (11mm), 1/2 inch (12mm), 9/16 inch (14mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (19mm), 7/8 inch (22mm) , and 1 inch (25mm).