We all have different preferences when it comes to our jewelry. Some prefer simple and subtle pieces, while others love ear parties that are bold with a bit of edge. If you’re in the latter category, plugs for stretched ears (also known as gauges) just might be the perfect addition to your style.
Read our complete guide on plugs and gauges, including a gauges size chart and our favorite styles for stretched ears on our Avanti online store.
What are Ear Gauges? Meaning + Definition
Stretched ears, also commonly called “gauging,” is when the ear lobe is stretched out to fit larger-sized piercings. This process is far from new. In fact, according to Healthline, ear stretching started thousands of years ago by communities like the Maasai in Kenya and the Huaorani in the Amazon.
Historically, ear gauges symbolize everything from beauty and maturity to discipline and patience. Nowadays, the look is also common for those who want a statement look and the ability to wear earring styles like plugs and tunnels/eyelets.
Gauges vs. Plugs: Is there a difference?
Yes! Gauges and plugs are often used interchangeably, however, they are distinct.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the terms:
- A gauge is a measurement. It’s the system used to measure the jewelry for the stretched ears.
- Stretched ears describes the actual process of ear stretching
- Plugs refer to the actual jewelry that someone with stretched ears could wear
In other words, if you’re referring to the jewelry itself, you’d use the word “plugs” - not gauges. All that said, if you say “gauges” people will very likely know what you’re talking about!
Gauges Sizes Chart
Generally, there are two systems of measuring body jewelry sizes: Gauges (g) and Millimeters (mm). See the below chart, which goes from largest hole to smallest hole.
|
g/mm |
Inches |
|
25.0mm |
1” |
|
22.0mm |
7/8” |
|
19,0mm |
3/4" |
|
16.0mm |
5/8” |
|
14.0mm |
9/16” |
|
12.7mm |
1/2" |
|
11.0mm |
7/16” |
|
00g/ 9-10mm |
3/8" |
|
0g/8.25mm |
1/3" |
|
2g/ 6-6.5mm |
1/4" |
|
4g/5.0mm |
3/16” |
|
6g/4.0mm |
5/32” |
|
8g/3.2mm |
1/8" |
|
10g/2.44mm |
3/32” |
|
12g/2.0mm |
5/64” |
|
14g/1.6mm |
1/16” |
|
16g/1.2mm |
3/64” |
|
18g/1.0mm |
5/128” |
|
20g/.88mm |
1/32” |
Shop Online: Ear Plugs for Every Style
From silver beaded eyelets to gold plugs, our Avanti online store is home to a variety of earrings for stretched ears. No matter what style speaks to you - we have something for you and your look.
Vibrant and striking, the stone plugs are awesome for dead stretching and have a longer wearable surface
These gold-plated eyelets are handcrafted and polished with love.
Add texture to your look with these unique Sabrina Eyelets that are made of steel, and the beaded outer rim is cast from silver.
Ultra simple, the singing bowl plugs are timeless. Each one is handcrafted and polished with care to combine bold lines and geometric shapes while drawing inspiration from tribal cultures.
Add a little color and sparkle with the Super Gem Plugs that are machined from a solid piece of material and hand-polished to a mirror finish.
Ready to add statement pieces to your look? Shop our full collection of plugs for stretched ears!