Standing in front of the mirror trying to figure out why your new septum jewelry doesn't fit right? Or maybe you're scrolling through hundreds of gorgeous septum rings online but have no clue what size to order? We totally get it.
Septum sizing is honestly confusing – way more complicated than nostril piercings because you're dealing with TWO measurements instead of one. But here's the good news: once you understand the basics, you'll be shopping for septum jewelry like a pro.
This guide will walk you through everything from measuring your current piercing to choosing the perfect ring style, so you can stop guessing and start confidently building your septum jewelry collection.
Quick Answer: What Size Is My Septum Piercing?
Most septum piercings are 16 gauge (16g) with an inner diameter typically ranging from 8mm to 12mm. The gauge is the thickness of the jewelry, while the diameter determines how the ring sits on your nose. Both measurements matter for getting the perfect fit!
Understanding Septum Sizing: The Two Numbers That Matter
Unlike nostril piercings where you mainly worry about gauge, septum piercings have two crucial measurements:
1. Gauge (Thickness of the Jewelry)
- 18g = 1.0mm thick (thinner, more delicate)
- 16g = 1.2mm thick (most common, standard)
- 14g = 1.6mm thick (thicker, for bold looks or stretching)
2. Inner Diameter (Size of the Ring)
- 6mm-8mm = Snug fit, sits close to nose
- 8mm-10mm = Most popular, comfortable fit
- 10mm-12mm = Looser fit, hangs lower
- 12mm+ = Dramatic drop, statement look
Think of it like buying a belt: gauge is the thickness of the leather, diameter is the size around your waist. Both need to be right for a good fit!
What Gauge Should Your Septum Be?
The Standard: 16 Gauge
Most septum piercings start at 16g because it hits the sweet spot:
- Strong enough to support most jewelry styles
- Heals reliably in most people
- Huge selection of jewelry available
- Can handle weight of decorative pieces
When Piercers Choose 18 Gauge
Your piercer might go with 18g if you have:
- Very delicate septum anatomy
- Thin or sensitive tissue
- Preference for subtle, lightweight jewelry
- Concerns about healing with thicker gauge
Starting with 14 Gauge
Some piercers begin with 14g when:
- You plan to stretch larger eventually
- You have substantial septum tissue
- You want to wear heavy, elaborate jewelry
- You specifically request a bolder look
The Reality Check
Here's what most people don't realize: Your piercer chooses the gauge based on YOUR specific anatomy, not just your preferences. Trust their expertise – they can see things you can't!
How Inner Diameter Affects Your Look
Smaller Diameter (6mm-8mm):
- Sits snug against your nose
- More subtle, professional appearance
- Less likely to catch on things
- Can feel restrictive if too small
Medium Diameter (8mm-10mm):
- Most popular choice for good reason
- Comfortable for daily wear
- Shows off jewelry without being dramatic
- Easy to flip up when needed
Larger Diameter (10mm+):
- Creates that classic "hanging" septum look
- More room for decorative elements
- Makes a statement
- May not flip up as easily
Finding Your Perfect Diameter Size
The key is comfort without restriction. Your jewelry should: ✅ Not press against your nose when you smile
✅ Allow comfortable breathing
✅ Have slight movement without being loose
✅ Flip up easily if you need to hide it
How to Measure Your Septum at Home
Don't have calipers? No problem! Here's the paper strip method that actually works:
What You'll Need:
- Thin strip of paper (receipt paper works great)
- Pen or marker
- Ruler with millimeter measurements
- Good lighting
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Clean your hands and jewelry first
- Cut a paper strip about 1cm wide, 5cm long
- Position the paper so one edge touches the bottom of your piercing hole
- Wrap it gently around where a ring would sit
- Mark the spot where the paper meets the edge of your opposite nostril
- Measure the distance from the paper's edge to your mark
- Add 1-2mm for comfort (this is your minimum diameter)
Pro Tips for Accurate Measuring:
- Measure twice to confirm accuracy
- Don't pull tight – you want comfortable fit, not restrictive
- Consider swelling – if recently pierced, add extra room
- Account for jewelry thickness – thicker rings need slightly larger diameter
Common Septum Jewelry Styles & How They Fit
Seamless Rings (Continuous Rings)
- Best diameter: 8mm-10mm for most people
- Gauge options: Usually 16g or 14g
- Fit notes: Clean, minimalist look; easy to size
Captive Bead Rings (CBRs)
- Best diameter: 8mm-12mm (bead adds visual weight)
- Gauge options: 16g most common
- Fit notes: Bead can make smaller diameters look fuller
Clickers & Hinged Rings
- Best diameter: 8mm-10mm (decorative elements need space)
- Gauge options: 16g standard
- Fit notes: Decorative fronts may sit closer to face
Circular Barbells (Horseshoes)
- Best diameter: 10mm+ works best
- Gauge options: 16g or 14g
- Fit notes: Balls/ends need clearance; larger diameter recommended
Retainers
- Best diameter: 8mm-10mm for easy flipping
- Gauge options: Usually 16g
- Fit notes: Should flip up comfortably and stay hidden
Shopping for Septum Jewelry: Your Complete Guide
Before You Buy Anything
Know these three things:
- Your gauge size (most likely 16g)
- Your comfortable inner diameter
- Your preferred style and material
Red Flags When Shopping
❌ Jewelry without gauge specifications
❌ "One size fits all" septum jewelry
❌ Extremely cheap materials
❌ No return/exchange policy
❌ Unclear material descriptions
Where to Shop: Premium Septum Jewelry at Pierced Addiction
For the best septum jewelry selection, check out Pierced Addiction – they specialize in high-quality septum jewelry with all the sizes and styles you need:
🌟 Featured Septum Collections:
Novelty Septum Clickers
- Unique, eye-catching designs
- All standard gauges available (14g, 16g, 18g)
- Professional-grade materials only
Titanium Hinged Rings
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Easy-open hinged design
- Available in multiple inner diameters
Gold Hinged Segment Rings
- Luxury 14kt and 18kt gold options
- Smooth, seamless look when closed
- Investment pieces that last forever
Titanium Captive Bead Rings
- Classic CBR style in premium titanium
- Multiple gauge and diameter combinations
- Hypoallergenic and lightweight
Popular Product Categories for Septum:
- Steel Hinged Segment Rings - Affordable quality options
- Seamless Rings - Clean, minimalist look
- Threadless Ends - For circular barbells and custom looks
Why Choose Pierced Addiction for Septum Jewelry:
✅ Complete size selection (all gauges and diameters)
✅ Premium materials (titanium, steel, gold)
✅ Detailed sizing information on every product
✅ Professional body jewelry standards
✅ Excellent customer service and returns
Sizing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
"My Ring Is Too Tight"
The problem: Diameter too small, causing pressure and discomfort The fix: Go up 1-2mm in diameter while keeping the same gauge Prevention: Always measure before buying, don't guess
"My Jewelry Keeps Falling Out"
The problem: Wrong gauge (too thin) or poorly fitting jewelry The fix: Confirm your gauge size with a professional Prevention: Stick to your original piercing gauge
"I Bought the Wrong Gauge"
Going thicker: Can cause tearing – see a professional Going thinner: May allow piercing to shrink The fix: Exchange if possible, or consult your piercer
"My Ring Hangs Too Low"
The problem: Inner diameter too large for your preference The fix: Choose smaller diameter, same gauge Prevention: Consider your lifestyle and aesthetic goals
Best Materials for Septum Jewelry
Implant-Grade Titanium
- Hypoallergenic and lightweight
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Available in natural and anodized colors
- Industry standard for healing piercings
Solid Gold (14k-18k)
- Luxurious and biocompatible
- Great for special occasions
- Available in yellow, white, and rose gold
- Investment pieces that last
Surgical Steel (316L)
- Affordable and durable
- Good for healed piercings
- Wide variety of styles available
- Easy to care for
Niobium
- Excellent for metal allergies
- Can be anodized in beautiful colors
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Less common but high quality
Materials to Avoid
❌ Plated jewelry (coating can wear off)
❌ Mystery metals (unknown composition)
❌ Cheap "surgical steel" (often not medical grade)
❌ Anything that turns skin green
Professional vs. DIY: When to Get Help
Always See a Professional For:
- Measuring your current piercing size
- Stretching to a larger gauge
- Removing stuck jewelry
- Any signs of problems or irritation
- Initial jewelry fitting after healing
You Can Handle:
- Changing jewelry once fully healed (6+ weeks)
- Basic cleaning and maintenance
- Switching between same-gauge jewelry
- Simple troubleshooting
Healing and Aftercare by Size
All Gauges: The Basics
- Clean 2-3 times daily with sterile saline solution
- Don't move jewelry unnecessarily during healing
- Avoid harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Sleep carefully to avoid snagging
Smaller Gauges (18g)
- May heal slightly faster
- More delicate – handle gently
- Less jewelry weight capacity
Standard Gauge (16g)
- Reliable healing timeline (6-12 weeks)
- Good balance of strength and comfort
- Widest jewelry selection
Larger Gauges (14g)
- May take longer to heal completely
- Can support heavier jewelry
- More dramatic aesthetic options
Advanced Sizing Topics
Stretching Your Septum
If you want to go larger:
- Wait until fully healed (3+ months minimum)
- Stretch gradually (1mm at a time maximum)
- Use proper stretching techniques only
- Consider professional help for best results
Downsizing Considerations
Reality check: Once stretched, septums rarely shrink back to original size. Smaller jewelry will fit loosely in a larger piercing.
Custom Sizing
Some jewelry companies offer custom inner diameters for unusual anatomy. This costs more but ensures perfect fit for difficult-to-fit septums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I measure my septum with a ruler?
A: Not accurately. The paper method or professional measurement gives better results than trying to eyeball it with a ruler.
Q: Why does my septum jewelry look different than online photos?
A: Inner diameter dramatically affects appearance. The same jewelry looks completely different in 8mm vs 12mm diameter.
Q: Can I wear nostril jewelry in my septum?
A: Usually no – nostril jewelry is typically 18g-20g and designed for different anatomy. Stick to septum-specific jewelry.
Q: How do I know if my septum is stretched?
A: If thinner gauge jewelry fits loosely or falls out, your piercing may have stretched. See a professional to confirm current size.
Q: Should I buy multiple sizes to try?
A: If the retailer has a good return policy, this can work. Otherwise, get properly measured first to avoid waste.
Q: Can I sleep with my septum jewelry in?
A: Yes, once healed. Choose comfortable diameters and avoid elaborate pieces that might catch on pillows.
The Bottom Line
For most people: Start with 16g gauge and 8-10mm inner diameter. This combination offers the best balance of comfort, jewelry selection, and healing success.
Remember: Your anatomy is unique. What works for your friend might not work for you. When in doubt, consult with a professional piercer who can assess your specific needs.
Pro tip: Buy quality jewelry from reputable sources like Pierced Addiction. Cheap jewelry isn't worth the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or poor fit.
Ready to find your perfect septum jewelry? Know your measurements, choose quality materials, and enjoy expressing your style with confidence!