Body Jewelry Guide

General Piercing Guide:

Below you'll find commonly asked piercing questions, including descriptions, gauge sizes, average healing times and recommended piercing care instructions.

Healing times can vary from person to person. If you have any questions or concerns, you should consult with your licensed piercing professional. Wash your hands prior to cleaning or touching your new piercing. Avoid rotating or twisting jewelry while cleaning during the healing process.

Ear Lobe

Commonly placed in line with the curve of the ear.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Stud, captive, horseshoe

Gauge sizes: 20, 18, 16, and 14 gauge

Healing time: About 3-5 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Ear

Eyebrow

Can be pierced anywhere along its length, though the outer corner above the eyebrow is most popular. It should not contain a lot of skin past the actual brow hair.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Captive ring, curved barbell

Gauge sizes: 18, 16 gauge

Lengths: ¼", 5/16", 3/8"

Healing time: About 2-3 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Nostril

Very common piercing, best located in the crease of the nose.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Nose pin, nose Lbend, nose screw, hinge hoops, seamless hoops or half hoops

Gauge sizes: 22, 20, 18 gauge

Lengths: 5/16"- 1/2"

Healing time: About 2-3 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Septum

Located high inside the nostrils in the “sweet spot," the thin area between the thick cartilage and tip of the nose, resulting in placement high and tight to the front of the nose.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Captive ring, horseshoe, hinge hoop, clicker

Gauge sizes: 16 and 14 gauge,

Diameters: 12mm/1/2", 10mm/3/8", 8mm/5/16"

Healing time: About 2-3 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Eyebrow and Nose

Cheek

Can be located anywhere opposite the mouth cavity. Also known as dimple.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Labret, barbell

Gauge sizes: 16, 14g

Lengths: 3/8" 1/2" 7/16" to 1in

Healing time: About 2-3 months, can be up to 6-12 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Lip

Located on the side of the mouth on the upper or bottom piece of the lip.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Captive ring, flat back labret with a 3/8" or 7/16" diameter/length initially to accommodate swelling; can be downsized by your professional piercer later.

Gauge sizes: 18, 16, or 14 gauge

Diameters: 12mm/1/2", 10mm/3/8", 8mm/5/16"

Healing time: About 2-3 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Lip

Tongue

Located approximately one inch from the tip along the centerline to avoid large veins.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Barbell

Gauge sizes: 14 gauge

Lengths: 3/4', 5/8', 9/16", 1/2"

Healing time: About 4-6 weeks

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Tongue

Nipples

Located through the nipple.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Captive rings, horseshoes, barbells, curved barbells

Gauge sizes: 16g, 14g, 12 gauge

Lengths: 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", ½"

Healing time: About 9-12 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Navel

Only available for innies, not outies. Located about 3/8" above the navel's edge.

Jewelry for healed piercing: Curved barbell, captive ring, horseshoe

Gauge sizes: 14 gauge

Lengths: 5/16"- 5/8"

Healing time: About 6-9 months

Piercing Care: Clean at least twice a day as needed using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or Pierced Nation Aftercare Spray.

Sizes and Charts

Size Chart

How to Measure Your Piercing

To ensure that you select the best and right size body jewelry for you, please use this guide to cross-reference the length, diameter, and gauge size of your jewelry (refer to the illustration above).

Common Measurements

Although not every piercing is the same, most piercings have a couple of different gauge sizes. If you're looking for new body jewelry and aren't sure which gauge size is right for you, reference this average gauge sizing chart. However, your piercer will always know best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're buying body jewelry for the first or the hundredth time, you likely have questions about how to clean your new product or how to figure out which size is right for you. At Spencer's, we know jewelry inside and out. Read on for all the answers to your most pressing questions and customer support options.

What's the difference between externally and internally threaded barbells?

Simply put, the difference is in how the balls are screwed onto the bar. For internally threaded pieces, the ball screws into the bar. For externally threaded pieces, the ball screws onto the bar.

What's the best way to store my jewelry?

The most proper way to store jewelry is by keeping it in a fabric-lined box. Some jewelry storage cases even use a special anti-tarnishing fabric that will help keep your favorite pieces looking new for longer.

How do I know what gauge size I need?

A gauge is the diameter of the jewelry and the length is measured based on the insertable piece of the jewelry. It's also important to keep in mind that different types of jewelry can be used on various parts of the body. Spencer's carries a wide range of jewelry and gauge sizes to fit your piercings perfectly. Our jewelry clearly indicates gauge size in mm on all packaging, and online in our product descriptions, so you'll easily be able to find the perfect piece. If you're unsure about your gauge size, reference the chart above or ask your piercer for official sizing. When looking for new jewelry, we recommend ensuring that your piercing is healed before browsing for new jewelry. It's also important to know what type of body jewelry you're looking for and what types of materials you want to wear in your piercing to avoid sensitives or allergies.

What material is used to make your jewelry?

We carry a number of different materials in our body jewelry assortment, which are listed below. It is important to note that some of our metal styles may contain base metal alloys in their decorative features.

Surgical Steel - This metal has a low level of impurities but is not entirely nickel-free. This is commonly used for new piercings.

G23 Titanium - This metal is a better option for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to base metal alloys. It has a higher price point because of its quality. Titanium jewelry may have decorative features containing base metal alloys.

ASTM F-136 Titanium - This line of high-grade titanium is hypoallergenic and is featured in our body sensitive line. This line retails at a higher price point because it is internally threaded, features Swarovski gems and semiprecious stones, and the entire piece of jewelry is comprised of ASTM F-136 Titanium (including decorative features). This is the best option for customers with nickel allergies or sensitive skin.

Bio flex - This material is trademarked, hypoallergenic, medical-grade plastic that is flexible and can be sterilized. This is another great option for sensitive skin

Acrylic - This versatile, lightweight plastic is a great option for making a fashion statement. However, the plastic does not withstand prolonged wear and tear. Acrylic pieces should be handled with care and not over-threaded.

Silicone - This material is implant-grade, pliable, stretchable and good for sensitive skin.

Glass - A good and durable option for sensitive skin as it does not contain nickel. It should be handled with care.

Organics - Natural materials such as wood and stone that are naturally porous, which means they can hold onto bacteria - they should only be worn in healed piercings and are generally used for plugs and stretched ears.

How do I stretch my piercing?

There are many different methods for stretching your piercing, but we recommend that you reach out to your piercer for further assistance.

How long will it take my piercing to heal?

Everybody reacts and heals differently, so we can only provide a general timeframe for how long it may take for different types of piercings to heal. It is best that you speak with your piercer before getting pierced to discuss how to properly care for your new piercing and how long you should wait before trying to change your jewelry.

Some of your pieces state they are anodized. What does this mean?

An anodized item means that the metal has been treated to an electrolyte bath in order to change the color.

Have specific questions? Check out The Inspo Spot for more body jewelry content and tips.

Happiness Guarantee

At Spencer's, we take our customers' safety very seriously, and we believe that re-selling body jewelry may put that at risk. In order to protect your health and wellbeing, we do not accept returns on body jewelry. If you are unhappy with your jewelry for any reason, we will replace or exchange it. No questions asked. If the item is no longer available, we will replace it with an equally-valued piece of jewelry of your choice.

For easy exchange and other questions, contact us:

Call: 1-800-762-0419. Monday-Friday, 9am-5:30pm EST.

We also have late-night support 7 days a week! Simply click on the live chat option at the top of our webpage at spencersonline.com

or email us at GuestServices@spencersonline.com We will help with care and handling tips or ship you a replacement if necessary.

Pierced Nation

For every piece of qualifying jewelry (qualifying jewelry for purchases and redemptions excludes necklaces, bracelets, rings and free items) you buy, we'll give you one punch on your Pierced Nation Club Card ("Card").

Get your Card punched for your online jewelry purchases! Bring your packing slip that was mailed with your order to any Spencer's store and receive Pierced Nation Club Card punches on qualifying items. For additional questions or support, please email guestservices@spencersonline.com

When you have purchased 6 pieces of jewelry and your Card has been punched 6 times, you will receive one piece of body jewelry valued up to $14.99. The Card must be presented at a Spencer's store to receive the jewelry or when returning merchandise.

The Card is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or payment on a credit card. The Card cannot be applied to tax, shipping, gift cards, or prior sales. Spencer's Associates are eligible for this promotion. Spencer's is not responsible for lost or stolen cards. Spencer's reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time. The Card remains the property of Spencer Gifts LLC, 6826 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234.