A Quick Guide to Earring Sizes: Understanding Gauge & mm 📏✨
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Choosing the right size earrings for your child can feel confusing - especially when you see words like gauge and mm. Don’t worry - we’re here to make it super simple!
🔍 What Does “Gauge” Mean?
Gauge is a way to measure how thick the post of the earring is - in other words, how big the hole in the piercing needs to be.
👉 Fun fact: The higher the gauge number, the thinner the post!
So:
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20G and 18G (gauge) are the standard earring size for most kids’ ear piercings but we stay away from 20g and we will explain why below!
📐 What Does “mm” Mean?
mm means millimeters and tells you the length of your earring post.
When you see:
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Post length (mm): How long the part is that goes through the ear is.
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Ball or top size (mm): How big the decorative part is.
💡 Why Size Matters
Getting the right size means:
✔️ Earrings sit nicely on the ear - not too tight, not too droopy.
✔️ There’s enough room for swelling if the piercing is new or sometimes irritated.
✔️ They’re comfy enough to sleep in.
🧒 What Size is Best for Kids?
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Gauge: 18G.
👉 Going smaller can actually increase the risk of your body rejecting the jewellery — your body might treat it like a splinter and try to push it out. So, sticking to implant-grade titanium at the correct gauge means happy, healthy ears.
While health is the top priority, gauge and length also play a role in how your piercing looks and feels. Years ago, 20G was standard for lobes and if you get your ears pierced at places such as Lovisa with staff who do not specialize in piercings you may still get 20g — but for your child's health and safety you want 18g — but older teens and adults sometimes choose thicker 16G or 14G piercings for a bolder look.
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Post length:
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6mm: Best for well-healed piercings.
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8mm: Great for extra room if the piercing is new or sometimes sensitive.
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10mm: Perfect if you know your child’s ears swell a bit more, or for thicker lobes.
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✨ A Quick Example
Our Orb Studs come in 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm lengths:
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6mm: Snug, neat fit for healed ears.
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8mm: A bit of wiggle room for easy cleaning.
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10mm: Extra length to allow swelling or if you just want a looser fit.
🫶 Tips for Choosing the Right Size
✔️ If in doubt, size up - it’s better to have a tiny bit more room than too little!
✔️ Check your child’s current earrings - measure the post with a ruler to see what they’re used to.
✔️ Always wash hands and check for irritation if changing jewellery.
📌 Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help!
We know choosing kids’ earrings can be a bit of a learning curve — if you’re not sure which size or gauge is best, just message us! We love helping you find the perfect comfy, safe fit.
✨ Ready to find your child’s perfect size?
👉 Shop our hypoallergenic earrings here!