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The initial jewelry used for the piercing is usually a labret stud, which has a flat back, or a barbell, which has a ball on the back. There are a lot of different jewelry styles that you can wear in your helix. What kind of earring do you use for a helix piercing? The hoop in the example picture has an 8mm (approx. Can I measure the diameter of a cartilage hoop I already have?Ībsolutely, it’s even easier than directly measuring your piercing! Just place your hoop on top of a ruler and count how many millimeters are inside of the hoop. These are the possible thicknesses you may encounter (sizes are approximate): 20 gauge (0.81mm) 18 gauge (1.0mm) 16 gauge (1.2mm) 14 gauge (1.6mm). If you have a caliper, you can measure how thick an existing piece of jewelry is by using the bottom jaws intended for taking outside measurements. Remember, you should never attempt to forcefully put in a piece of jewelry that’s too thick if you end up purchasing the wrong gauge. You will need to use a caliper (or a micrometer) to take this measurement if you want to do it accurately at home. Although you can easily find out which inner diameter you wear at home with just a ruler, you cannot measure the gauge of an existing earring with a ruler. If you don’t know which gauge your ear was pierced with, then I would highly recommend asking your piercer for help. The gauge refers to how thick the metal is on your jewelry. It also includes an example of what a hoop with a 10mm inner diameter would look like. The pictures on the right of the example shows how the same piercing measured diagonally would end up being 10mm. In my example picture, the straight measurement (on the left) was 7mm from the piercing hole to the edge of the ear and you can see how closely a hoop with a 7mm inner diameter fits. Alternatively, if you measure in a diagonal line, then the measurement you get will give you a loosely fitting hoop. If you measure in a straight horizontal line, then the measurement you get will be equivalent to the smallest inner diameter that you can comfortably wear and it will fit your piercing closely. The way that you angle the strip of paper will influence the way that the hoop fits. When you're done marking the paper, hold it up to a ruler and count the milleters: Using a piece of paper like this is more accurate than just holding up a ruler to your ear in front of the mirror. Now, mark where your piercing is on the paper and measure the marked portion against a ruler. Line up the edge of paper with the outside of your ear. You will need a small strip of paper, a fine tipped marker, and a ruler. How do I measure a helix piercing?ĭon’t worry if you don’t know which inner diameter you wear in hoops! It’s an easy measurement to take at home. I highly recommend taking the time to measure your piercing, or at least the inner diameter of a hoop that already fits well, in order to make sure that you’re buying the correct size when you pick out jewelry online. When it comes to cartilage piercings there is no one size fits all approach, which is why I never give a “standard” size when asked. It’s important to keep in mind that the initial piercing jewelry is always longer (or in the case of a hoop, has a larger inner diameter) than you will actually wear once it’s healed because there has to be enough room to accommodate any swelling afterwards. The starter jewelry typically used for helix piercings is usually a stud for easier aftercare and healing. For example, it isn’t uncommon to find someone that wears 20 gauge or 18 gauge jewelry in their upper cartilage piercing because they had it done at the mall. If you did not go to a piercer to have it professionally done, and instead had your ear pierced anywhere that uses a piercing gun, then the gauge you wear may be smaller than the standard size. The most common gauge for a helix piercing is 16 gauge, although some are done at 14 gauge instead. What size helix ring do you get pierced with? What is the best metal for sensitive pierced ears?.Can I put a regular earring in my cartilage earring?.What kind of earring do you use for a helix piercing?.Can I measure the diameter of a cartilage hoop I already have?.What size helix ring do you get pierced with?.The actual term for a cartilage piercing on the upper ear is a helix piercing.
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Before purchasing any jewelry you will also need to know which gauge you wear as that most likely isn’t something that you’ll be able to measure on your own.
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If you have a caliper you could also use that instead. To measure your cartilage earring you will need a ruler and a piece of paper. If you’re wondering what size hoop you should get for your cartilage piercing, then you’re not alone! All you need are some simple supplies to take the measurement at home.
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