my favorite gauges :)

It's so exciting when you finally reach a new gauge size, especially after waiting patiently! I totally get that feeling of wanting to refresh your collection with some gorgeous new ear gauges, and 00g opens up so many possibilities. After being at 0g for what felt like ages, seeing all the stunning 00g options is a whole new world. When I started my ear stretching journey, which has now been over three years, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of healthy stretched ears. It's not just about reaching your desired gauges size; it's about getting there safely. My advice, from personal experience, is always to go slow. Like, really slow. Your ears need time to adapt between sizes. I waited a full year before deciding to jump from 0g (which is about 8mm) to 00g (around 10mm). Using good quality jewelry, like glass or surgical steel, is key. I always make sure my ears are super clean before changing out my tunnels or plugs, and I gently massage them daily with jojoba oil to keep them supple and healthy. If you ever feel sharp pain, see redness, or any discharge, it's a huge sign to stop and let your ears heal! Don't rush it, your ears will thank you. Now, let's talk about the fun part: finding pretty 00g gauges! The variety available once you hit sizes like 0g and 00g is incredible. I’ve been building up my collection, and I'm constantly amazed by the different materials and designs out there. For everyday wear, I love simple black tunnels or classic black crescent gauges. But for special occasions, that's where the fun really begins! I've been eyeing some gorgeous purple glass spiral gauges, which have such a unique twist, and I also have some stunning black ear weights with delicate silver moons and sparkly crystal points that make such a statement. I even have some vibrant blue crescent designs and dark wood spiral gauges that offer a more natural, earthy vibe. You can find everything from elegant stone plugs to intricate carved wood and even some mesmerizing glass designs in pretty much any gauges size you could dream of. When picking out new jewelry, especially for 00g ear gauges, I consider the material, how comfortable it will be for extended wear, and of course, the aesthetic! For my boyfriend's birthday dinner, I'm torn between those elegant crystal dangly ones and the unique twisted purple spirals. Both are so beautiful and would definitely elevate my look. It’s always a good idea to have a few staple pairs and then several fun, expressive ones for different moods or events. I’ve found some amazing pieces online, sometimes even from smaller crafters who make custom designs – like the 'Moonlight Gauges' I've seen, which offer really unique styles. What are your go-to tips for maintaining healthy stretched ears, or your favorite places to find super pretty 00g gauges? I'd love to hear your recommendations!