Gauge (G) measures the thickness of your jewelry post or hoop wire — it's also the size of the needle used for your initial piercing.

Remember: The smaller the number, the thicker the jewelry.

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.

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.

Chose the wrong size? No worries. At Cor Bloom, you don't have to replace the entire piece. Simply purchase an extra post in the size you need — and keep your favorite top. Because finding the perfect fit should be easy, not expensive.