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Sizing

Earring Weight Guide

What our weight classes mean, how they compare to US coins and how to choose earrings you can wear all day.

We weigh one earring, not the pair, and give every earring a weight class. US coins weigh a fixed amount, so they make an easy reference: a dime weighs 2.27 g, a nickel 5 g and a quarter 5.67 g.

Weight & comfort

  1. Featherlight0–2 gLighter than a dime (2.27 g). Our lightest pieces.
  2. Lightweight2–4.5 gAbout one or two dimes. Easy to wear for most of the day.
  3. Medium4.5–7 gAbout a nickel (5 g) or a quarter (5.67 g).
  4. Substantial7–10 gAbout a quarter and a dime, up to two nickels.
  5. Heavyweightover 10 gMore than two nickels. Among our heaviest.

We weigh one earring, not the pair.

Post thickness

  • 22G0.64 mmFine post for most pierced ears
  • 20G0.81 mmThe most common post
  • 18G1.02 mmSlightly thicker
  • 16G1.29 mmThicker, often for cartilage

What you should know

What makes an earring heavy

  • Size — larger hoops use more metal.
  • Thickness — chunky and domed hoops weigh more than fine ones of the same diameter.
  • Material — solid shapes weigh more than hollow ones, and stone-set designs add weight.

Choosing a weight for all-day wear

Featherlight and Lightweight earrings are the easiest to wear from morning to night. Medium earrings are comfortable for most people for a day out. Substantial and Heavyweight pieces make a statement—wear them for an evening or a few hours at a time.

Tips for heavier earrings

  • Make sure the closure is fully closed so the earring sits straight.
  • Take heavier earrings off before sleeping.
  • If your lobes feel tired, alternate heavier styles with Featherlight ones.

Post thickness

Post thickness is measured in gauge (G): the higher the number, the thinner the post. Most of our earrings use 18G or 20G posts, which fit most pierced ears. The product page lists the post of each earring.

FAQ

Is the listed weight for one earring or the pair?

One earring. Multiply by two for the weight of the pair.

What is a lightweight earring?

In our classes, Lightweight means more than 2 g and up to 4.5 g per earring—about one or two dimes.

Are chunky hoops heavy?

Many chunky hoops are Medium or heavier, but some are hollow and much lighter than they look. Check the weight class on the product page.

Which gauge is right for me?

20G (about 0.8 mm) is the most common post size and fits most pierced ears; 18G (about 1.0 mm) is slightly thicker. If your piercing is sensitive, choose a thinner post.

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