What’s the difference between gauge earrings and plug earrings?

While the terms gauge and plug earrings are often used interchangeably in the world of body jewelry , there are some differences between the two. Gauge refers to the size and thickness of earrings or the diameter of your stretched earlobe piercing. Ear gauging is another commonly used term to describe the process of stretching earlobes using disks, tunnels , or tapers —long, thin cone-shaped rods with flared ends. Plug earrings are a type of jewelry worn in stretched earlobes. They can be decorative—usually with a solid cylindrical or teardrop design—and help stretched piercings retain their size and shape.

How do you choose earring gauge sizes?

There are several earring gauge sizes to choose from to achieve the look you want—ranging from 20 g, the smallest, to 00 g, the largest. To determine an earring gauge size, try using a gauge wheel. Measure your current earring or plug jewelry by matching their post with gauge wheel’s cutouts. A measuring tape is another easy way to get an idea of your jewelry’s gauge size.

What materials are gauge and plug earrings made of?

Gauge and plug earrings can be made from a wide range of materials to suit any style and personal taste. Here are a few popular options to consider: Stainless steel: Durable, easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, stainless steel plug earrings are a popular choice for wearers with sensitive skin. Acrylic: Among the most commonly used materials in gauge and plug earrings, acrylic plug earrings are hypoallergenic and lightweight for comfortable all-day wear. Glass: Non-porous and easy to clean and sterilize, glass plug earrings come in a variety of colors and designs. Wood: Wood gauge and plug earrings offer a natural, earthy vibe, and they’re comfortably lightweight. Stone: Like wood, stone gauge and plug earrings are popular for those who prefer a natural, organic style. Stone is also highly durable and available in a variety of colors and textures.

What styles of gauge and plug earrings are popular?

Jewelry shops on Etsy sell all sorts of creative and unique styles of gauge and plug earrings for men and women. Spiral tunnel earrings with a whimsical design are perfect for those who want an eye-catching look. Or if you like something understated, choose minimalist plugs or tubes made of stone or metal. Add a touch of elegance with dangle plug earrings designed with gemstones, tassels, or charms. Or opt for plugs carved with shapes like hearts, flowers, snakes, skulls, or dragons to express your style. Go retro with vintage gauge and plug earrings for a classic look. You can even work with a shop on Etsy to create customized gauge and plug earrings in the color, material, and design of your choice to match your one-of-a-kind personality.

Gauge & Plug Earrings

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Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Kayla

5 out of 5 stars

"I really like these, they make wearing cheaper dangle earrings possible."

Brass Dipped in Gold Blanks With Loop Plug Gauges
Cadence

5 out of 5 stars

"They are my everyday wear earrings now! Thank you so much!!! I lost the backing to my previous pair and needed these! <3 :-;"

Up To 2" Helios Gold Surgical Steel Ear Plugs Gauges Tunnels Pair 14g 8g 6g 4g 2g 0g 00g 1/2"5/8" 11/16" 3/4" 7/8" 1" 30mm 40mm 46mm 50mm
Jordan Lepore

5 out of 5 stars

"Beautifully crafted items! I gave the earrings as a gift, and the person who received them absolutely loved them. Would highly recommend to anyone who might be thinking of buying."

Real Mushroom plugs and tunnels Mushroom gauges Rainbow plugs earrings Fairy Magic Forest plugs Moss Resin 0g plugs 00 gauges 2 inch plugs
earthandmirth

5 out of 5 stars

"I bought these earrings on the 1st and received them today on the 18th. I appreciate that each earring was wrapped so that they did not rub against each other and scuff in transit. I chose to get these in size 2g, as my ears are in between a 2g and a 0g. The large flare backing keeps them in your ears, but may be hard to push in if you get these in your exact size. These earrings are brilliant! Their sparkle in the right light is beautiful and prismatic. Thank you!"

Zircon Wedding Plugs,Crystal Wedding Ear Gauges,8g,6g,4g,2g,0g,00g,1/2",9/16",5/8", Silver Wedding Plug Gauges
sarahtucker543

5 out of 5 stars

"These are beautiful earrings and arrived in beautiful packaging. I love them and I’ll be wearing them every day. They are perfect!"

Real Heather plugs and tunnels Wedding gauges Floral gauge 2g 0g 00g 1'' 2'' Nature Resin plugs Lilac flower plug for women for men Ear plug

Gauge & Plug Earrings

Wear Any Earring! PAIR of Plugs with hole for hook earrings, 0g - 3"! 8mm - 76mm 3D printed wood pla gauges, Earrings NOT included!

Natural moss mushroom gauges, real plug, mushroom plug, Real mushroom plugs, mushroom tunnels

Brass Dipped in Gold Blanks Plug Gauges 4g, 2g, 0g, 00g, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4

Silver Blank Plug Gauges 0g, 00g, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4

50mm Gold Hoops Plug Gauges Earrings 4g, 2g, 0g, 00g, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4

Ear Plugs "Pearl" Sold as Pair, High Quality Stainless Steel Metal Gauges, Wedding Jewelry, Last Minute Valentines Day Gift for Friends

Stud Plugs - clear, black, white, gold, silver - allows you to wear earrings (pair)

Tiny prong setting stud crystal stainless steel plugs / tunnels for gauges / stretched ears Sizes: 14g, 12g, 10g, 8g

Real Heather plugs and tunnels Wedding gauges Floral gauge 2g 0g 00g 1'' 2'' Nature Resin plugs Lilac flower plug for women for men Ear plug

Gauge Earrings, Saddle Ear Plugs, Ear Tunnel Plugs, Stainless Steel Earring Gauges, Stretched Ears Earrings, Rose Gauge Ear Expander Flower

Aqua Glowing Quartz Wood Plug, Custom Unique gauges, gauges, 8mm - 65mm Real Stone Ohrstöpsel, Cool plug Tunnel earring, wood gauge earring

Recycled Skateboard ear Plug, Wooden black blue ear gauge, handcrafted tunnel

Beautiful crystal dangle gauges dangle plugs Bridal holiday special occasion

Up to 2" Raspberry Love Heart Shaped Ear Plugs Gauges Hearts Berry Pink Jello 2g 0g 00g 1/2" 9/16" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1" 30mm 36mm 45mm 50mm

Black Blank Plug Gauges 4g, 2g, 0g, 00g, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8

Cute Honeybee Dangle Plugs /8g ,6g ,4g ,2g ,0g ,00g ,1/2, 9/16 , 5/8 ,11/16 ,3/4 ,1 inch Earrings Gauges

Brass Dipped in Gold Blanks With Loop Plug Gauges

Pairs Gold Leaf Plug Earrings/Vintage Dangle Gauges/Plug and Tunnels/Gauge Earring/Double Flare Tunnels/Ear Stretchers Expander 2g, 0g, 00g

20pcs Soft Silicone Flesh Tunnels/Glow in the Dark Plug Earring/Unique Design Silicone Ear Gauges/Double Flare Tunnels/Flesh Gauge Plugs 0g

8g (3mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Beaded Colorful Daisies Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Hider Plugs

Stained Glass Black Rose - Plugs Gauges Earrings (Pair) (Faux Stained Glass)

Ear Stretching 14G-00G Kit 37pc Screw Fit Plugs Aftercare Gauges Expander Set Surgical Steel Tapers Tunnel Body Jewelry Piercing Multi Color

20PCS Silicone Ear Plugs and Tunnels/Flesh Tunnels/Glow in the dark Silicone Gauges/Plug Gauge Earrings/Ear Expander Stretchers 2g 0g 00g

Night Love Black Heart Shaped Ear Plugs Gauges Tunnels Hollow Hearts Cute 8g 6g 4g 2g 0g 00g 1/2" 9/16" 5/8" 11/16" 3/4" 7/8" 1" ALIEN BABE

Hammered 925 Silver ear tunnel, gauge earrings for stretched ears, plug gauges 6mm (2g)-28mm (1.10”), Tribal plugs and tunnels gauge jewelry

Triangle Geometric Dangle Plugs /8g ,6g ,4g ,2g ,0g ,00g ,7/16,1/2, 9/16 , 5/8 ,11/16 ,3/4 ,1 inch Earrings Gauges

Elegant Stone Geometric Dangle Plugs /8g ,6g ,4g ,2g ,0g ,00g ,7/16, 1/2, 9/16 , 5/8 ,11/16 ,3/4 ,1 inch Earrings Gauges

2g (6mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Strands of Faux Crystals Saddles Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Plugs

Versatile Water drop Ear Plugs with Freshwater Pearl Dangle ,Sizes Available from 0g- 30mm, Wedding Ear Plugs ,Ear Gauges for Prom

Crystal plugs stainless steel plugs / tunnels for gauges / stretched ears Sizes: 6g, 4g, 2g, 1g, 0g

8g (3mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Large Brushed Gold Lightweight Hoop Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Hider Plugs

Forget me not blue flower plug earrings resin ear plug wedding plugs pressed flower wedding gauge ear tunnel terrarium jewelry 19mm 4g 2g 0g

8g (3mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Gold Hoop w/Gold Bar Lightweight Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Hider Plugs

Bohemian feather shoulder duster plugs gauges tunnels 8g 6g 4g 2g 1g 0g 00g 7/16" 1/2 9/16" 5/8" 3/4" 7/8" 1"

Shiny Sterling Silver Plugs ~ Gauged Earrings ~ Flesh Tunnels ~ Stretched Earlobes ~ Tube Earring ~ Sold As a Pair

A Pair of Tiger Ebony Wood Double Flared Tunnel Plug

Solid 14 Karat Gold Simple Gauges Tube Earrings ~ Hypoallergenic Stretched Lobes ~ Solid Yellow Gold Plugs ~ Sold as a Pair

Pair of tunnels, plugs and tunnels, gauges, wood tunnels, gauges, double flare plugs, resin plugs, 00g tunnels, gauges earrings, 00 gauges

Zircon Wedding Plugs,Crystal Wedding Ear Gauges,8g,6g,4g,2g,0g,00g,1/2",9/16",5/8", Silver Wedding Plug Gauges

4g-5/8" (16mm) Large Black Acetate Hoops Lightweight Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Hider Plugs

Stained Glass Bumblebee - Plugs Gauges Earrings (Pair) (Faux Stained Glass)

PAIR of Stunning Clear Lucifer Glass Spiral Taper Plugs - Expanders - Gauges 8g (3mm) thru 5/8" (16mm) available!

Sawo Wood Tunnels, Plugs, Crushed Turquoise, 0G, 00G, Ear Gauges, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, 25mm,

PAIR of Beautiful Lavender Opalite Glass Plugs - Gauges 2g (6mm) to 32mm available!

Surgical Steel Tunnel Gauges 14g-00g Ear Gauges Sold As A Pair Tunnel Gauges Silver Tone Tunnels Steel Tunnels Silver Ear Gauges

Goth Spike Plug Hoop Gauges Tunnels Ear Earrings dangle 4g 2g 0g 00g 7/16 1/2 9/16 5/8 3/4 7/8 1 inch silver alt hanger punk grunge unique

Green stone Pressed flower resin gold dangle plugs gauges.

8g (3mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Large Silver Lightweight Hoop Drop Dangle Earrings Gauges/Earplugs Hider Plugs

Up To 2" Bright Open Hearts Silver Steel Love Ear Plugs Gauges Tunnels Pair Earrings 0g 00g 1/2" 5/8" 7/8" 1" 30mm 34mm 38mm 45mm 50mm ALIEN

Custom Sized Pair Pokemon Inspired Gengar V2 Earplugs - Double Flare Ear Tunnel

Crushed Shell Hoop Dangle Plugs ,Gorgeous Hoop Gauges /8g ,6g ,4g ,2g ,0g ,00g ,7/16, 1/2, 9/16 , 5/8 ,11/16 ,3/4 ,1 inch Hoop Earring

Northern Light Quartz and Solid Wood Plug Earrings, 8mm - 65mm Custom Ear Plugs, Stone Ear Tunnels and Gauges Glowing White Quartz

Rose Gold Gauges 6mm - 16mm Tunnels 2g 0g 00g 8mm 10mm 12mm 14mm 1/2 inch Bride Gauged Earrings Leaf Leaves Crystal Wedding Bridesmaid Pink

2g (6mm) - 1 3/16 (30mm) Red Cherry Charm Saddle Earrings Lightweight Drop Dangle Gauges/Earplugs Plugs

2PCS Cubic Zirconia Petal Ear Plugs/316L Stainless Steel Tunnels/Screw Back Gauge Earring/Ear Tunnel Plugs/Expanders Stretchers 0g,00g, 5/8"

The Random Awesome Bag of Plugs

Ocean Love Turquoise Heart Shaped Ear Plugs Gauges Tunnels Hearts Teal Green Cyan 6g 4g 2g 0g 00g 1/2" 9/16" 5/8" 11/16" 3/4" ALIEN BABE

A Pair of Implant Grade Titanium Screw-Fit Tunnel Plug

Up To 2” Golden Age Hearts Gold Steel Flared Love Ear Plugs Gauges Tunnels Pair Earrings 0g 00g 1/2" 5/8" 7/8" 1" 28mm 30mm 36mm 40mm 45mm

PAIR of Unique Natural Black Labradorite Organic Stone Double Flare Plugs/Tunnels - Gauges 2g (6mm) up to 3/4" (19mm) available!

Gold Marquise Bridal Wedding Earrings Gauges - Wedding Gauges - Ear Gauges - Earrings - Ear Tunnels - Bridal Jewelry - Jewelry

Crescent Saddle PAIR of Plugs, 0g - 3"! 8mm - 76mm 3D printed wood PLA gauges

Ear Saddles "Mandala" Sold as Pair, High Quality Stainless Steel Metal Gauges, Wedding Jewelry, Last Minute Valentines Day Gift for Friends

White Crushed Shell Screw On Ear Gauges with Zircon Fan Hanger and Freshwater Pearl Drop - Perfect for Prom or Wedding, Size 8g up to 1 inch

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