Types of jewellery
for piercing.
Guide on the shapes, use, and selection of jewellery for septum, lobe, lip, nipple, navel, eyebrow, and other types of piercing.
What are the main types of jewellery for piercing?
The most commonly used shapes are labret, straight barbell, curved barbell, circular barbell, ring, Septum Retainer, and expander. The correct choice depends on anatomy, area, size, material, and healing stage.
The right shape matters.
Piercing jewellery is not chosen solely by appearance. Shape, thickness, length, diameter, and material must be adapted to anatomy, piercing type, and healing stage.
Shape. Material. Size.Three elements that influence comfort and healing.
The initial jewellery must be chosen by the piercer based on anatomy and the space needed for normal inflammation in the first days.
Main jewellery shapes.
Each model has a different use and is not suitable for every area or every healing stage.
Septum retainer.
The septum retainer, also known as Septum Retainer, is jewellery designed to keep the channel open without the piercing being visible.
It can be hidden inside the nostrils and is useful when wearing visible jewellery is not possible. Shape and material must be chosen together with the piercer.
See also information about septum piercing and piercing prices.
Expander.
The expander, also called taper, is used for the gradual enlargement of the channel, especially in the earlobe.
Enlargement must be done slowly, in stages, without forcing the tissue. Increasing the diameter too quickly can cause tears, scars, or deformation of the lobe.
For choosing the initial size, discuss with the team on the Contact.
Labret Monroe.
The labret consists of a straight bar with a flat disc on the inside and a decorative element that screws on the outside.
It is used for piercings such as Monroe, Madonna, labret, Medusa, Snake Bites, or other configurations in the lip area.
For cost and conditions, consult the lip piercing page.
Barbell and Nipple Shield.
For nipple piercing, a straight barbell, chosen according to anatomy and the space needed for healing.
After healing, decorative models such as Nipple Shieldcan also be worn, which surround the nipple and are fixed with the help of the bar.
Nipple piercing is available only to persons aged 18 or over. See piercing FAQ.
Twister.
The twister is a spiral bar, equipped at the ends with balls, cones, or other decorative elements.
It can be used in certain ear, eyebrow, or navel piercings, but compatibility depends on anatomy and the already healed channel.
Do not change the initial jewellery before the period recommended by the piercer.
Circular Barbell.
The circular barbell, known as horseshoe, is a nearly circular curved bar, open at the front.
It is found in piercings such as septum, daith, helix, eyebrow, lip, and other areas where the shape is suitable.
For a circular nasal piercing, see the page and price for circular nose piercing.
Banana Bell.
Banana Bell, also called Curved Barbell, is a slightly curved bar with two threaded ends.
It is frequently used for navel, eyebrow, rook, vertical labret, and certain intimate piercings.
The curved shape follows the anatomy of the area and can reduce pressure when the size is chosen correctly.
Captive Bead Ring.
The Captive Bead Ring is a ring closed with the help of a bead or a decorative element held by pressure.
It can be used for ear, septum, lip, nipple, or other healed piercings, depending on anatomy and diameter.
Assembly and disassembly may require professional tools.
Not all metals are suitable.
The initial jewellery must have a smooth surface, correct dimensions, and a material compatible with body use.
People with nickel sensitivity should discuss this before the procedure. The right material can reduce the risk of irritation and local reactions.
How to choose jewellery.
The final appearance is important, but the correct choice starts with anatomy and healing stage.
Anatomy.
The piercer checks the shape and thickness of the tissue, angle, and available space.
Size.
Thickness, length, or diameter suitable for the procedure and initial inflammation are chosen.
Material.
Material and finish must be suitable for contact with tissue.
Change.
Decorative jewellery is mounted only after the area is stable enough.
Dimensions of piercing jewellery.
Two pieces of jewellery that look similar can have completely different dimensions. Wrong choice can cause pressure, catching, migration, or irritation.
Bar thickness
Thickness is the diameter of the portion that passes through the piercing channel. It must be compatible with the procedure and the jewellery previously worn.
Bar length
For labret, barbell or Banana Bell, the length must allow for inflammation without the jewellery being excessively long after healing. In many cases, after the area stabilises, a shorter piece of jewellery is recommended.
Ring diameter
For septum, nostril, helix, daith or other ring piercings, the diameter influences the position, pressure and final appearance.
Internal thread and external thread
For jewellery with internal thread, the part that passes through the channel is smooth. Jewellery with external thread has the thread on the bar, and fitting it can be more aggressive for a sensitive channel.
For information about procedures, costs and minimum ages, consult the complete piercing price list, the page of frequently asked questions about piercing and the guide about pain caused by piercing.
Choosing the right jewellery in Bucharest.
At 2nd Face Tattoo & Body Piercing, in Magazinul COCOR, near Piața Unirii, the shape and size of the jewellery are chosen according to anatomy and the type of procedure.
The studio is located at B-dul I.C. Brătianu 29–33, basement, Sector 3, Bucharest.
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers about choosing and changing jewellery.
Can I come for a piercing with my own jewellery?
In certain situations, yes, but the jewellery must be evaluated beforehand. Size, material, shape and the possibility of sterilisation must be suitable for the procedure.
When can I change the initial jewellery?
The timing varies depending on the type of piercing and the healing progress. Do not change the jewellery too early and ask for the piercer's assessment before replacement.
What is a Septum Retainer?
It is a piece of jewellery for the septum that can be hidden inside the nostrils and helps keep the channel open.
Is it safe to stretch the lobe with an expander?
Stretching must be done progressively, without intense pain and without forcing. Too rapid stages can damage tissue and cause scarring.
What jewellery is used for navel piercing?
A curved bar of the Banana Bell type is frequently used, chosen according to anatomy and the space needed for healing.
Can I wear a ring immediately after a nostril piercing?
The choice of initial jewellery depends on anatomy and the technique used. The piercer decides if a ring is suitable or if a labret is initially recommended.
Why is jewellery size important?
A piece of jewellery that is too short can compress tissue, while one that is too long can catch and cause excessive movement. The correct size supports healing.
Discover other useful information.
Related pages about procedures, care, materials and appointments.
Positioning, jewellery and healing.
See SeptumStud, labret or ring for the nose.
See NostrilInformation about the nasal ring.
See Circular NoseJewellery for the upper cartilage.
See HelixDiscrete jewellery for tragus.
See TragusHorseshoe or ring for the inner fold.
See DaithCurved barbell for the upper fold.
See RookLong barbell for two piercings.
See IndustrialBanana Bell and other compatible options.
See NavelLabret, Monroe, Medusa and similar configurations.
See LipStraight barbell and correct sizes.
View tongue piercingProper care after the procedure.
Read the guideTitanium, gold, niobium and steel for body jewellery.
See materialsQuestions about changing, healing and appointments.
See FAQComplete list of services and labour.
See pricesAddress, phone and WhatsApp.
See the contactHow to choose the right jewellery.
2nd Face Tattoo & Body Piercing is a studio in Bucharest, opened in 2010, located in the COCOR Store, basement level, near Piața Unirii.
The shape and size of the jewellery are determined according to anatomy, type of procedure and healing stage.
An appointment is required for piercing. Call 0724 669 330 or write on WhatsApp.
Consult the page of piercing prices for costs, labour and age conditions.
Do not change or rotate the jewellery before the recommended period. For questions, consult piercing FAQ.
Content updated in July 2026. The information is general and does not replace anatomical assessment at the studio.
Important: do not change the initial jewellery before the area is sufficiently stable. An unsuitable shape or size can cause pressure, catching, irritation or migration.
Choose the right shape.
Schedule a piercing consultation and find out which jewellery is suitable for your anatomy and style.
