How To Measure Body Jewelry

Captive Bead Rings

Captive Bead Ring

How to measure
captive bead rings:

A. Ring Gauge
B. Interior Diameter
C. Bead Size

 

Straight Barbells

Tongue Barbell

How to measure
straight barbells:

A. Barbell Gauge
B. Barbell Length
C. Ball Size

 

Curved Barbells

Curved Barbell

How to measure
curved barbells:

A. Barbell Gauge
B. Barbell Length
C. Ball Size

 

Circular Barbells

Circular Barbell

How to measure
circular barbells:

A. Barbell Gauge
B. Interior Diameter
C. Ball Size

 

Labrets & Monroes

Labret

How to measure
labrets and monroes:

A. Barbell Gauge
B. Barbell Length
C. Ball Size
D. Disc Diameter

 

Plugs & Tunnels

Size is most commonly expressed as a gauge or fractional inch. Regardless of the flare style, all of them are measured squarely in the middle (A).

Plugs and Tunnels

How to measure
plugs & tunnels:
A. Gauge
B. Wearable Area

 

Flare Style:
1. Straight (2 o-rings)
2. Single Flare (1 o-ring)
3. Double Flare
4. Screw-on

 

(side views)

 

Internal vs. External Threads

Remove the ends from an internally threaded barbell, and you'll see a little hole in the very tip. The removable ends are attached to a threaded post that screws into the hollow barbell. Some people refer to this as a "female" barbell with "male" ends. These are usually a bit more expensive, but definitely the better choice for initial piercings.

Externally threaded jewelry will have visible threading on the exterior tips of the barbell shaft. The removable ends will have a little threaded hole for the shaft to screw into. Some people refer to this as a "male" barbell with "female" ends. This is almost always the more economical choice and better suited for a healed piercing.