Measuring Jewellery

Printable Size Guides 

Below is a list of size guides for different types of jewellery which you can print out and use. All measurements on the page should be accurate enough to give you an idea of what to expect when you order. Click on image below to download .pdf file.

Download our jewellery size guides here:

How to use your tool & measure your piercing

To measure your piercing properly, we strongly recommend that you claim one of our free measuring tools and follow these instructions as given.

Claim your tool now from our online shop click here 

This tool will allow you to measure your piercing and jewellery in mm or USA inches. You can order by telephone or online now, by clicking the above link - Just send us an email including your contact details and delivery address. 

From the front base of one ball to the other in a straight line is the size of your bar. 

Step 1: To find out the size of your existing jewellery.

First carefully remove it from your piercing and clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Use the top internal ruler (fig 1) sliding the vernier out to the maximum internal edges of the item.

Be it a ring, (fig 2), banana bar (curved belly bar as in fig 1) or barbell (fig 3 straight tongue or nipple bar) the process is the same.

It is always the inside measurement i.e. where the skin will be, which we require. From the base of the large ball to the base of the other end or straight across from one side of a ring to the other at the longest point.

When using the tool, take the reading from the fixed, inside part in mm or inches (see fig 1) in-line with the 0 of the outer sliding part. Round up to the nearest mm or 1/16”.

Step 2: If the jewellery you have been wearing is too long for your piercing, you will need to estimate how much shorter your ideal size will be. Place the jewellery back into the piercing and hold the vernier next to it so you can deduct the measurement of the visible shaft, from your initial sizing.

Always add another 1mm or 1/32” (USA) to ensure you have room for stretching and cleaning whilst the jewellery is in place.

This image shows a belly bar being measured with a steel vernier. As you can see the bar is a bit too tight and there is no room for stretching.

The piercing is 7mm (USA 0.276") so the bar should be 8mm (USA 5/16") allowing 1mm (USA 1/32") of spare shaft. This would help to accommodate natural body movement and avoid friction from the top ball or navel capsule.

WE OFFER A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FOR ALL ITEMS RETURNED IN OUR UNIQUE TAMPER PROOF VIEW BAG. ALL ITEMS ARE CHECKED AND STERILISED BEFORE DISPATCH.

Please note: This device is not suitable for measuring the gauges (shaft width) of body jewellery.

YOU CAN ORDER CURVED BELLY BARS AND STRAIGHT BARBELLS FROM A CHOICE OF 10 LENGTHS, ON-LINE. WE WILL EVEN SHORTEN IT TO ANY SIZE, BY RETURN OF POST, SHOULD IT BE TOO LONG. 

Measuring Your Existing Ring

From inside edge across (at the widest point). Is the size of your ring. 

Buying As A Gift

If you are buying as a gift and have not managed to discreetly measure or find the recipients correct size don’t worry, order a 12mm or USA 1/2". If it is too long you can then just post it back to us via national or international recorded delivery, for shortening to any length.

Remember it is not easy and is more expensive to have the shaft extended. For hygiene reasons we are unable to exchange or refund any bar once removed from the view bag, unless they are faulty.

With a ring it’s down to personal preference, some like big, some like small, some say that size is not important. However don’t go too small as this may constrict your pierce. We recommend size 10mm (USA 0.4") or 12mm (USA 0.47") for most navels.

Nipples can vary immensely so use your common sense. You can always buy steel as this is a very cheap way to find out what size you are comfortable with.

Don’t forget to call us on UK - 01444 871369 or outside UK - +44 1444 871369 or e-mail us if you have any problems or questions.

How to change and take care of your gold jewellery

Gold Jewellery 

14 or 18ct Gold jewellery will act differently to any gold you may wear as finger rings etc. This grade of gold is a natural substance that will react with your body in different ways. The oils and sweat from your body may over a period of time discolor the section of the bar inside the piercing, making it appear darker or black. The dark colour is just tarnish and can be easily cleaned off with a gold cleaner or a non-abrasive pencil rubber or a non-abrasive nail buffer (not a file).

Remove the Jewellery from the piercing before using a gold cleaner and fully rinse out all traces of the cleaner before replacing. If you are unsure about removing the Jewellery yourself follow the simple instructions below or get your piercer to do this for you.

Swimming in chlorinated water will weaken the gold so protect the Jewellery by smearing it with Vaseline, unless your pierce is new.

Removing Your Jewellery

If your piercing is unsettled or under 10 weeks old, do not attempt to change it yourself.

To remove a banana/belly bar:

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap: Tightly hold the large bottom ball inside the navel. Turn the small ball at the top anticlockwise with your other hand, to remove the ball. You may find that wearing rubber gloves will help. Clean any dried matter off the tapped end before gently pulling is through the piercing.

To remove a ball closure ring:

With a ring push the ball out of the centre with your thumb whilst holding the ring tightly with both hands. If this proves difficult refrain from trying and get a professional piercer to show you how to do it. Rings can be very tight and sometimes it is difficult to remove them. A piercer uses a special tool, pliers which work in reverse, when the handles are squeezed the ends come outwards against the inside of the ring opening it up. These can be purchased from automobile and tool shops. Often they are called circlip pliers.

Replacing Your Jewellery

Wash your jewellery first with liquid antibacterial soap or a mild disinfectant. Then clean hot salty water (sea salt only), before thoroughly rinsing. Remove the small ball and smear some KY Gel or antiseptic cream on to the threaded end. (This is just a lubricant for changing jewellery; it should not be used at any other time.) Gently push the bar or ring through the piercing from the inside of the navel. Once the metal appears at the other end screw the ball tightly, or with a ring line up the indents of the ball with the ends of the ring and push into place. If you have problems changing your jewellery, do not disrupt your piercing get a piercer to help. Remember your piercing will begin to close very quickly if the jewellery is removed.