Since all noses are unique, BijouFIsh nose hoops are made to order in the metal, gauge and diameter you need for a custom fit.
GAUGE
Gauge (ga) refers to the thickness of the wire. Most piercing parlours use a 16 or 18 ga ring for your initial piercing. BijouFish carries 18 ga through 26 ga wire, with 26 ga being the thinnest and most delicate. If you are wearing an 18 gauge right now and order a thinner 22 gauge, it will be painful to stretch your piercing back out if you go back to the 18 gauge. Based on personal experience, I recommend only going up or down one gauge size.. for example, I wear 26 through 22 ga rings. If I've worn a 26 ga ring for awhile, I will size up to a 24 ga for a few days before trying to insert the thicker 22 ga wire.
- 26 gauge = .405 millimeters = .016 inches
- 24 gauge = .511 millimeters = .020 inches
- 22 gauge = .644 millimeters = .025 inches
- 20 gauge = .812 millimeters = .032 inches
- 18 gauge = 1.02 millimeters = .040 inches
- 16 gauge = 1.29 millimeters = .051 inches
DIAMETER
How high your piercing rests on your nostril determines the diameter you need. If you don't have a hoop to measure that fits you just right, you can measure your piercing with a metric ruler. Simply stand in front of the mirror and place the ruler on your nose to measure the distance between the piercing hole and the edge of the nostril where the bottom of the hoop would rest. Be sure to add a millimeter so the ring can move freely. I always recommend sizing up if you are unsure, since you can make the ring smaller if necessary...either by snipping it yourself or by sending it back to me for a free adjustment.
