Main Menu:Accessories Captive Rings Circular Barbells Curved Barbells Eyebrow Jewelry Fancy Barbells Labret Jewelry Navel Dangles Nipple Jewelry Nostril Jewelry Pincers & Tusks Plugs & Earlets Spiral Barbells Straight Barbells Talons & Horns Tapers & Spikes Tongue Jewelry Unplug Barbells Pay us securely with any major credit card via PayPal!     [ Mailorder Form ][ Affiliates ][ Search ][ Questions ][ Links ][ Home ] General Body Jewelry Information: How is body jewelry measured?    We make every attempt to accurately describe the specifications of our jewelry in order to provide the appearance and fit that's best for your piercing.    Circular Barbells A. gauge size B. inner diameter of barbell C. ball diameter(s)     Curved Barbells A. gauge size B. barbell length C. ball diameter(s)     Captive Bead Rings A. gauge size B. inner diameter of ring C. bead diameter     Straight Barbells A. gauge size B. barbell length C. ball diameter(s)       How do I convert measurements into inches, millimeters or gauge size? Gauge 20 gauge 18 gauge 16 gauge 14 gauge 12 gauge 10 gauge 8 gauge 6 gauge 4 gauge   2 gauge   0 gauge 00 gauge                         = = = = = = = = =   =   = =                       Millimeters 0.812 mm 1.024 mm 1.291 mm 1.628 mm 2.053 mm 2.589 mm 3.264 mm 4.115 mm 5.189 mm 6.350 mm 6.544 mm 7.938 mm 8.252 mm 9.266 mm 9.520 mm 11.11 mm 12.70 mm 14.29 mm 15.88 mm 17.46 mm 19.05 mm 20.64 mm 22.22 mm 23.81 mm 25.40 mm   = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Inches .032 inch .040 inch .051 inch .064 inch .081 inch .102 inch .129 inch .162 inch .204 inch .250 inch or 1/4" .258 inch .313 inch or 5/16" .325 inch .365 inch .375 inch or 3/8" .438 inch or 7/16" .500 inch or 1/2" .563 inch or 9/16" .625 inch or 5/8" .688 inch or 11/16" .750 inch or 3/4" .813 inch or 13/16" .875 inch or 7/8" .938 inch or 15/16" 1.00 inch or 1"     What's the difference between various metals and materials?   .925 Sterling Silver:    Sterling silver is acceptable for nose and ear piercings, but prone to oxidation and not recommended for prolonged use or unhealed piercings. All of our "silver" jewelry features surgical grade stainless steel for the barbell with sterling silver used only in the settings and dangles.   316L Surgical Implant Grade Stainless Steel:    Surgical steel is made with a significantly lower level of carbon and nickel to eliminate corrosion of the metal in your body.   Gold Plate:    We had a difficult time deciding whether to carry gold plated jewelry because it gets such a bad rap, but would rather leave the decision to our customers. The chemicals involved in plating are pretty evil and trace amounts could cause a reaction. At the same time, many people wear it without any problem at all. Be advised that the thin layer of gold is prone to dings or scratches, and at best will eventually wear down. If the original barbell is revealed from wear, it's important to know that its not made from an inferior metal. All of our gold plated barbells are made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel.   Monofilament (Polymide):   Niobium:   Solid 14k & 18k Gold:    We don't recommend body jewelry under 14k gold because it contains a higher percentage of alloys that may react with your body. Purities above 18k gold are prone to scratch or bend, promoting bacterial growth and potentially damaging your piercing.   Titanium:    Surgical implant grade titanium is a lightweight alloy made from titanium, aluminum and vanadium.       Most Frequently Asked Questions:   Ordering & Payment Options Can I pay online with major credit cards or my PayPal account? Can I send you either a check or money order for payment? Do you accept International orders?   Shipping Information Shipping and handling is really free? How long will it take for my jewelry order to be delivered? Can you ship to P.O. Boxes? How are International orders shipped?   About Our Store & Policies Can I make an exchange or return merchandise for a refund? Do you have a privacy policy?     Body Jewelry Information How is body jewelry measured? How do I convert measurements into inches, millimeters or gauge size? What's the difference between various metals and materials?   Piercing & Aftercare Advice How do I select a particular body piercing studio or professional? How do I care for new piercings? How do I care for oral piercings? How do I solve piercing problems?   Linking & Affiliate Program How do I link to Navel-Rings.net and earn 15% of referred sales?   Digital Traffic Net 3807-GH South Peoria #291 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105-3128 Can't find the answer? Email us your questions with our online form...     Now you can search our site! Submit any words or phrases for the most direct results >>       All text, photos, and graphics within Navel-Rings.net are the property of Digital Traffic Net and may not be reproduced without permission.