Cor Bloom Piercing Size Guide
Introduction
Finding the perfect jewelry size can feel confusing, especially if you're new to piercings. This guide explains everything you need to know about gauge, post length, and hoop sizing so you can confidently choose jewelry that fits your anatomy.
Please note that every one's anatomy is unique. The recommendations below are general guidelines based on the average healed piercing.
Part 1 — Understanding Piercing Sizes
1. Gauge (Post Thickness)
What is Gauge?
Gauge (G) refers to the thickness of the jewelry post or hoop wire.
The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the jewelry.
| Gauge | Thickness |
|---|---|
| 20G | 0.8 mm |
| 18G | 1.0 mm |
| 16G | 1.2 mm |
| 14G | 1.6 mm |
20G (0.8 mm) is the standard size for traditional lobe piercings. It is also the most common gauge for classic stud earrings with butterfly backs and many conventional hoop earrings sold by fashion jewelry brands.
18G (1.0 mm) is the most popular gauge for cartilage piercings and is widely used for flatback jewelry, offering an excellent balance of comfort, durability, and style.
16G (1.2 mm) is commonly used for a variety of cartilage and facial piercings, including the helix, conch, daith, rook, tragus, septum, and many lip piercings. Many professional piercers prefer 16G for these placements because the slightly thicker jewelry provides added stability and can support healthy healing.
14G (1.6 mm) is a larger gauge commonly used for industrial, tongue, navel, nipple, and some stretched or custom piercings. It is less common for standard ear piercings but may be recommended depending on your anatomy or your piercer's preference.
2. Flatback Length (Post Length)
What is Post Length?
Post length is the distance between the decorative top and the flat disc backing of a flatback stud, excluding the thickness of the flat disc itself.
Choosing the correct post length is essential for both comfort and fit. A post that is too short may feel tight or put pressure on the piercing, while a post that is too long can move excessively and catch on hair or clothing.
For most healed piercings, a properly fitted flatback should sit comfortably with a small amount of room for natural movement.
For new or healing piercings, professional piercers typically use a longer post to allow room for swelling during the initial healing process. Once the swelling has subsided, the jewelry is usually downsized to a shorter post for a more secure and comfortable fit. If your piercing is still healing, we recommend consulting your piercer before selecting a post length.
3. Hoop / Clicker Inner Diameter
What is Inner Diameter?
The inner diameter is the measurement of the empty space inside the hoop—not the outside of the jewelry.
A larger diameter creates a looser fit, while a smaller diameter sits closer to the piercing.
Part 2 — Flatback Size Guide
Flatback Jewelry Recommendations
Other piercing locations:
| Piercing | Gauge | Post Length |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Lobes | 20G or 18G | 6-8 mm |
| Flat | 18G or 16G | 4–6 mm |
| Anti-Tragus | 18G or 16G | 6-8 mm |
| Faux Rook | 18G or 16G | 6 mm |
| Nostril | 20G or 18G | 4-8 mm |
If you're unsure, consult your professional piercer before ordering.
Part 3 — Hoop & Clicker Size Guide
Other piercing locations:
| Piercing | Gauge | Inner Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Lobe | 20G or 18G | 6–8 mm |
| Forward Helix | 18G or 16G | 6 mm |
| Anti-Tragus | 18G or 16G | 6-8 mm |
| Septum | 18G or 16G | 8–10 mm |
| Nostril | 20G or 18G | 6–8 mm |
Part 5 — Which Size Should I Choose?
How to Choose the Right Size
✔ I already have jewelry that fits perfectly
The easiest way to find your size is to measure the jewelry you already wear comfortably.
- For flatback studs: Measure the post length (do not include the decorative top or the flat backing).
- For hoops & clickers: Measure the inner diameter (the space inside the hoop).
- For gauge: If you're unsure, ask your piercer or refer to your previous jewelry purchase. Most healed ear piercings are commonly 18G or 16G.
Once you know your measurements, simply choose the same size when ordering from Cor Bloom.
✨ I'm buying piercing jewelry for the first time
Don't worry—we've made it easy!
- Identify your piercing placement using the sizing guide above.
- Start with our recommended size for your piercing.
- If you're wearing jewelry from another brand, compare its measurements with ours before ordering.
- If your piercing is fully healed but you're between sizes, choose the size that most closely matches your current jewelry.
🤔 Still unsure?
Every piercing is unique, and anatomy varies from person to person.
If you're uncertain about the right size:
- Measure your existing jewelry with a ruler or digital caliper.
- Contact the piercer who performed your piercing for your original measurements.
- Reach out to the Cor Bloom team—we're always happy to help you choose the best size before you order.
Please note
Every body is unique, and recommended sizes are intended as general guidance only. Ear and nose anatomy, tissue thickness, and individual piercing placement vary from person to person.
A size that fits one person may not fit another.If your piercing is new, still healing, swollen, or was pierced with a custom size, we recommend consulting your professional piercer before purchasing your pieces from Cor Bloom Jewelry as we cannot guarantee fit based solely on these recommendations, and customers are responsible for selecting the appropriate size for their unique anatomy.