Choosing a nose jewelry gift can feel tricky, because the piece has to suit both the person’s style and the size they wear. A few quick checks make it much easier.

This guide walks through what to find out before you order, and how to choose a style they’re likely to enjoy. Size can’t be guessed, so it helps to start there. Our Size Guide explains each measurement.

The short version

• Where it’s worn: find out whether it’s for the nostril or the septum.
• Size: find out the gauge, plus the post length for a stud or the inner diameter for a ring.
• Style: think about whether they like subtle, sparkly, colorful or bold.
• Material: check the material on the product page, especially if they’re sensitive to certain metals.
• Policies: read our shipping and returns details before you order.

Step 1: Find out where and what they wear

Nose jewelry sits in different places, and each place suits different pieces. Nostril jewelry is worn on the side of the nose, and septum jewelry is worn through the centre. If you’re not sure which they wear, a photo or a casual question can tell you.

• Studs are small pieces that sit close to the nostril. Browse Nose Studs.
• Rings, also called hoops, circle the nostril. Browse Nose Rings.
• Septum jewelry is worn at the centre of the nose. Browse Septum Rings.

Many people wear different styles at different times, so it’s fine to choose something different from what they wear now, as long as the size works.

Step 2: Get the size right

Size is the part that can’t be guessed. Three measurements matter:

• Gauge is the thickness of the post or wire. It should match the piercing they already have.
• Post length matters for studs. It’s the length of the post that passes through.
• Inner diameter matters for rings. It’s the width of the opening.

A few ways to find out:

1. Ask them, or someone close to them who might know.
2. Check the packaging, receipt or product listing for a piece they already own.
3. Compare what you find with our Size Guide.

If you can’t find the size out, it may be better to wait, or to choose another kind of gift for now, because a piece in the wrong size may not fit. If their piercing is new, they may prefer to choose with their piercer’s advice, so it can be nicer to ask first.

Step 3: Choose a nose jewelry gift they’ll enjoy

Once you have the size, style is the fun part. Think about what they already wear and what they seem to like.

If they like	Consider
A small, understated look	Small studs, such as flat back labrets
A little sparkle	Studs or rings set with cubic zirconia (CZ) stones
A touch of color	Pieces with synthetic opal in a color they like
A bolder look	Rings or septum rings
Something less noticeable	Retainers or very small studs

Notice whether they usually wear silver tone or gold color jewelry, and choose a finish to match. Not sure how studs, rings and septum rings differ? Our comparison of nose studs, nose rings and septum rings sets them side by side. Product photos and details show how each piece looks, since appearance can vary a little.

Step 4: Check the material

Some people are sensitive or allergic to certain metals, and what affects one person may not affect another. If you don’t know whether they are, ask them before you order, and check the material listed on the product page. Stainless steel may contain nickel, and titanium alloys are made from titanium combined with other metals. You’ll find more in our Materials & Care guide. We can’t predict how any one person will respond to a material.

Step 5: Check shipping and returns

Before you order, take a look at our Shipping Policy and Returns & Refunds pages, so you know what to expect, including what’s possible if a size or style doesn’t work out. In busy gifting seasons, it helps to order early.

Closing call to action

Ready to choose? Browse our Nose Studs, Nose Rings or Septum Rings, or check measurements in the Size Guide.