Ear Gauges

Exploring Gauge Jewelry: A Comprehensive Guide

At Jewelry By Johan, we take pride in offering a diverse range of jewelry options, including unique and customizable gauge jewelry. Understanding the nuances of gauge jewelry is essential for both customers and our team to ensure the perfect fit and style. This guide provides an in-depth look at the key aspects of gauge jewelry, from styles and measurements to material limitations and stretching techniques.

Understanding Gauge Jewelry

Gauge jewelry is designed for stretched piercings and comes in various styles and sizes. Here's what you need to know to select the right piece for your needs.

Gauge Styles

Gauge jewelry comes in several styles, each suited for different preferences and healing stages. The primary styles include:

Basic Straight Plug: These are solid pieces of jewelry with the same diameter throughout, typically held in place by O-rings. Commonly made from acrylic.
Straight Plug/Tunnel with Threaded Backing: Similar to basic straight plugs but with a lip instead of O-rings and a threaded backing. Often made from stainless steel.
Single Flare Plugs/Tunnels: These have a straight back and a flared front, suitable for fully healed piercings. They use O-rings as backing.
Double Flared/Saddle Plugs/Tunnels: These have flares on both ends and stay in place without O-rings, but can be challenging to insert initially.

Measurements and Sizing

Accurate measurements are crucial for comfort and aesthetics in gauge jewelry. Here are the key measurement considerations:

Gauge Length: Our standard gauge length is 12.7mm. This does not change.
Gauge Center O.D (Outer Diameter): This measurement is critical for determining the overall size of the gauge jewelry. The style of the gauge will dictate the height of the lip or flare.

Material Limitations

Choosing the right material is essential for safety and durability. Here's a breakdown of materials we use and those we avoid:

Can Use: Wood, Titanium, Precious Metals.
Possibly Use: Lapidary materials (high cost), Mokume Composite
Cannot Use: Acrylic, Glass.

Stretching: The Basics

Stretching is the deliberate expansion of a healed piercing to accommodate larger gauge jewelry. It should be done gradually to prevent damage or scar tissue formation. In North America, the standard increments are even-sized gauges, with 00g (10mm) considered the point of no return, meaning piercings at this size or larger won't shrink back to a standard size.

Essential Components

Plug: Solid pieces of jewelry that match the width of the lobe.
Tunnel: Hollow jewelry that allows you to see through the ear.
O-Ring: Common backing made from rubber or elastic polymers, used to secure the jewelry in place.

Conclusion

Gauge jewelry offers a unique way to express personal style through body modification. By understanding the different styles, measurements, materials, and stretching techniques, you can make informed choices and enjoy your gauge jewelry to the fullest. At Jewelry By Johan, we are committed to helping you find the perfect piece that matches your individuality and comfort.