Another parameter one should always pay attention to while purchasing earrings or when putting on earrings is the size of the earring post or hook. This size is normally known as the gauge of the earring, although much attention has been emphasized on this earring size. Now let’s turn our attention to what gauge actually is, and what is
considered standard gauge for earrings? Let’s break it down.
What is Gauge?
Gauge here is used to measure the thickness of wire or post. In the ceramic material of jewelry, it indicates how bulky the part of the earring, which passes through the ear, is. Gauge size needed to cater for the size fit of the earring so that it comfortably sits in your earlobe or the intended area for piercing.
Interestingly, the gauge system works in reverse to what you might expect: by this it means that the gauge of the wire or the post is directly proportional to the number of gauges hence reducing in size. For example, 20-gauge earring is thinner than 16-gauge earring This is so regarded by virtue of the fact that gauge is the measure of thickness of a wire.
.This may tilt down a notch, however; once one is able to decipher the system that is being applied it will be much easier to know the right earrings for the specific holes.
What is the Standard Of Earring Gauge?
Again, the most common size of the gage for most ear lobe piercing is 20 gage. This means that the thickness of the post or wire is about 0. 8 millimeters. This is probably one of the most popular sizes for casual or handmade earrings that is worn as studs, hoops or small dangle. People find this size fine and suitable to place in numb piercings that have been done by piercing gum or by a piercing expert.
Why Does Gauge Matter?
Some earrings may be 18 gauge and this is usually a little thicker than 20 gauge. Actually, an 18-gauge earring is usually 1 millimeter in thickness as far as I have noticed. Although this is somewhat thicker it is not too far from what we consider to be in the range for standard lobe piercing. Normal ear piercing can accommodate both twenty-gauge and eighteen-gauge earrings effortlessly.
Loudness is required to be measured because it determines how comfortable your earrings feel. If you attempt to wear an earring with a thicker gauge than your actual piercing you might even feel pain. On the other hand if the gauge is too thin then the earring may not stick on the person properly or does not look that well.
It’s also important if you decide that you want to get into body jewelry or stretch your piercings. This is the process of enlarging your piercing hole and that is done by using different gauges at different periods. But for conventional stud earrings, it is advisable not to break the norm of going for the normal 20-gauge metal size.
The name ‘earring gauge’ comes from the dimensions of the ear tunnel, funnel or conduit, which Angle Cyn or English goldsmiths adopted, and they use after the Roman, or back plates with the figures they used which are unstudied yet but include – 17/0, 18/0, 20g, 16g, 14g, 12g, 10g, 9g,
how to measure ear gauges?
If you need a clue on how to measure ear gauges or if the earrings you have are of a different gauge from what you’re used to,there is a device called a gauge wheel which can be used in measuring the gauge.
The gauge of this tool is given by the holes and each size has a unique corresponding gauge size. All you do is you just put the earring post through the holes until you get the right size one.
Or, there are jewelers and online stores that indicate the gauge size of the earrings they are selling so you can compare it with the ones that you have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be noted that ear gauges determine the size of the earring and the most common one currently known is 20 gauge. There are earrings that come in an 18 gauge, though this is slightly thicker than the standard as well as slightly thicker than the earrings normally used in regular ear piercings. Reading about gauge sizes may tell you the best kind of earring that will not hurt you throughout the day or night so that you can enjoy putting on your earrings.
