Tips for Buying Septum Jewelry Online
If you’re going to buy septum jewelry online, then you will need to know which size you wear. There are several important size considerations to keep in mind for septum pieces.
Knowing which gauge and inner diameter you wear is crucial to finding a ring that fits well. The gauge refers to how thick the jewelry is, and the inner diameter is a vertical measurement that’s taken in a straight line from one inside edge to the other inside edge. The gauge will be written like this: 16G, 16Ga, or 16 gauge.
The inner diameter will usually be listed in millimeters or inches if you’re buying in the US. For example, if you’re buying a hoop you would see it listed like this: 8mm (5/16”). You will also need to take the size of the actual design into consideration. Some designs will take up part of the inner diameter. This is incredibly important to know because it will affect the way the ring fits. Others may just be too large to fit your personal aesthetic because the design hangs low enough to touch your upper lip.
What size septum ring do you get pierced with?
The most common gauge for septum piercings is 16 gauge (approx. 1.2mm thick). However, your piercer may decide to use a different gauge depending on your individual anatomy. While 16G is the typical starter gauge, some people choose to size down to 18 gauge (approx. 1.0mm thick) or size up to 14 gauge (approx. 1.6mm thick).
What is the standard septum ring size?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to inner diameter and piercings. You will need to learn how to measure your piercing, measure an existing piece of jewelry that fits well, or ask your piercer for help to ensure that you are buying the correct diameter ring. The inner diameter that you wear depends on how high up your septum piercing is placed. You cannot base the diameter you wear on how large or small your nose is.
How do you measure your septum piercing?
Although having your piercer help fit you is better, it is possible to measure your piercing at home using just a piece of paper and a ruler. Cut a small strip of paper, line it up with the bottom of the piercing hole, and mark where the edge of your nose is on the paper with a fine-tipped marker.
Then, measure the marked portion against a ruler that is marked in millimeters to get the smallest inner diameter that you can comfortably wear. If this is how you decide to measure, then make sure you take the measurement several times to make sure you get approximately the same size each time.
What gauge is my septum piercing?
The gauge refers to the thickness of your jewelry. You will need to have an existing piece of jewelry to determine this part of sizing at home, because gauge cannot be measured based on the piercing hole.
The gauge is important to know because you can damage your piercing if you try to force jewelry that’s too thick through it. Alternatively, it’s also possible to unintentionally downsize your piercing if you buy jewelry in a smaller gauge. If you don’t remember which gauge your septum was pierced with, then the best course of action is to ask your piercer prior to buying any new jewelry. Taking this measurement at home uses tools that you may not have.
It is not possible to measure the gauge of your jewelry accurately with a ruler. In a pinch, you could use a gauge card to compare your current jewelry to if you have one from a previous body jewelry purchase. However, this will only be accurate if the graphics on the card were properly sized by the designer.
If you would like to take the measurement at home you can do so with a caliper or a micrometer. Use the bottom jaws of the caliper that are intended for outside measurements, and make sure that you aren’t forcefully clamping the jaws down onto the jewelry. The following are the most common gauges: 18 gauge (1.0mm), 16 gauge (1.2mm), and 14 gauge (1.6mm).
How do you measure the diameter of a septum ring?
A septum ring is measured using the inner diameter. Unlike a nose hoop, the inner diameter is usually measured in a straight vertical line inside the jewelry. This is because a septum ring is typically not fully round. The diameter that will fit you properly is based on how far up the piercing was placed, as opposed to how wide the septum is between your nostrils.
An alternative to measuring your actual piercing is measuring the inner diameter of a septum ring that already fits you well. You can do this with just a ruler that is marked in millimeters, or you can use a digital caliper for the most accurate result.
Keep in mind that some jewelry designs will take up a portion of the inner diameter, so it’s very important to check for additional sizing considerations each time you buy from a new seller. The total size of the design is also important to check, otherwise you may end up with a design that hangs too low below your nose. If you don’t have a lot of space in between your nose and upper lip, then you may not like the way larger designs hang. The total height of the design may also matter to you if you have a philtrum (medusa) piercing.
Final Thoughts on Septum Jewelry Sizing
Buying jewelry for your septum piercing online doesn’t have to be a struggle as long as you understand how it’s measured. Keep in mind that your septum ring should never feel tight or constricting! A slightly looser fit is always better than one that places any pressure on your piercing. The best way to get a snug-fitting piece of jewelry that sits close to the bottom of your nose is to ask your piercer to help fit you in person.
