How do sizes in "mm" relate to gauge sizes?
British body jewellery diameter sizes are usually measured in millimetres.
In the American body jewelry trade, sizes are normally expressed in gauges.
They are directly related, as follows:
- 2.4mm = 10 gauge
- 1.6mm = 14 gauge
- 1.2mm = 16 gauge
- 1.0mm = 18 gauge
However, if only it were that simple ...
Cannula needles are designed to provide access for a "flow" of the relevant diameter ... therefore they allow for the external measurement of a tube to arrive at the required internal diameter ... so ...
- 14 gauge, (Orange top) give a hole diameter of 2.1mm ... we don't use them!
- 16 gauge, (Grey top) give a hole diameter of 1.7mm ... we use them for 1.6mm jewellery.
- 18 gauge, (Green top) give a hole of 1.3mm diameter ... we use them for 1.2mm jewellery.
- 20 gauge, (Pink top) give a hole of 1.1mm diameter ... we use them for 1.0mm jewellery.
