16G Cartilage Flat Back Earrings

16G is the cartilage workhorse, the gauge most helix, tragus, conch and plenty of lobe piercings are built on, and this is its home page. Flat back labret studs that sit flush, in surgical steel, implant-grade titanium and real 14k gold, from faux opals to CZ florals. Sleep in them. Live in them.

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16 Gauge Flat Back Fit Guide

Nearly everything here is exactly 16G (1.2mm). If your piercer used a standard cartilage needle, this is your gauge. Post lengths run 1/4" (6mm) for snug lobes and the tragus to 5/16" (8mm) for the helix and conch. The goal is a flush disc with a hint of breathing room.

Two closures. Internally threaded tops screw into the post, so the threads never touch your piercing. Threadless push-ins press-fit for the fastest swaps. Both pass smoothly through the piercing, and the product title says which one you're getting.

Shopping a different gauge? The ladder:

FAQ

Most cartilage piercings. Helix, tragus, conch and flat, plus plenty of lobes. 16G (1.2mm) is the standard cartilage piercing gauge, which is why this collection has its own page.

If a standard cartilage needle did the job, you're almost certainly 16G. The home test is that your current jewelry's post is a little thicker than a standard earring. When in doubt, ask your piercer. Never force a thicker post through a thinner hole.

1/4" (6mm) for the tragus and snug lobes. 5/16" (8mm) for the helix and conch, or thicker ears. The disc should sit flush with just a whisper of room. Too long wanders, too short presses. Lengths are on every product page.

Both keep threads away from your piercing, which is the quality marker. Push-in (threadless) is the ten-second swap. Internally threaded locks in for set-and-forget wear. The product title tells you which each piece is.

That's the flat back's whole point. The flush disc means no post stabbing your neck. For healed piercings these are the sleep-friendly choice. A healing cartilage piercing still prefers no pressure at all.

Implant-grade titanium if your ears are sensitive, since it's nickel-free. Surgical steel for everyday value. Real 14k gold for the forever pieces. Cartilage holds jewelry for months at a time, so the material matters more here than almost anywhere.