The helix piercing is one of the most elegant ear placements for wearing fine 18K gold jewelry. Located on the upper cartilage of the ear, it can be styled with a delicate labret stud, a precious decorative end, a ring, or a more elaborate ear composition depending on your anatomy.
But for your jewelry to feel comfortable, stable and beautifully positioned, choosing the right labret length is essential. A labret that is too long may move, catch on hair, or tilt forward. A labret that is too short may compress the ear and cause discomfort.
In this guide, we help you choose the right labret size for your helix piercing before ordering your SÉBASTIENNE JEWELRY piece.
What is the standard labret size for a helix piercing?
For a healed helix piercing, the most common labret length is usually between 5 mm and 8 mm, depending on the thickness of your cartilage, the angle of your piercing and the shape of your ear.
At SÉBASTIENNE JEWELRY, helix jewelry is supplied by default with a 6.5 mm labret.
This length suits many anatomies, but it cannot be universal. Every ear is different, and two helix piercings may require different lengths, even on the same person.
Important: if you would like a length other than 6.5 mm, simply write it in the order comment at checkout.
Quick helix labret size guide
| Labret length | Best for | Desired fit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | Thin cartilage, fully healed piercing, very close fit | Very snug look against the ear |
| 6 mm | Thin to medium cartilage | Close and comfortable fit |
| 6.5 mm | Standard size supplied by default | Suitable for many anatomies |
| 7 mm | Medium cartilage or a little extra room | More comfort if 6.5 mm feels too tight |
| 8 mm | Thicker cartilage, angled piercing or need for more space | Less tight, more secure feeling |
This guide is general. For the most accurate fit, we always recommend asking your piercer for advice, especially if your piercing is recent, sensitive or still healing.
How do I know if my helix labret is too long?
A labret that is too long can cause small everyday discomforts.
It may stick out behind the ear, move when you sleep, catch in your hair or clothing, or make the decorative end tilt forward. With fine jewelry, it can also affect the overall look: the design may appear less neatly positioned against the ear.
You may need a shorter labret if:
- your jewelry moves a lot;
- the post visibly sticks out behind the ear;
- the decorative end tilts forward;
- the labret often catches in your hair;
- your piercing is fully healed and no longer swells.
In this case, a 5 mm, 6 mm or 6.5 mm length may be more suitable depending on your anatomy.
How do I know if my helix labret is too short?
A labret that is too short can put pressure on the cartilage. It may cause a feeling of tightness, redness, discomfort, or leave very little space between the jewelry and the skin.
You may need a longer labret if:
- the jewelry feels too tight against the ear;
- you feel pressure around the piercing;
- the skin is marked around the jewelry;
- your piercing tends to swell easily;
- your cartilage is naturally thicker.
In this case, a 7 mm or 8 mm length may feel more comfortable.
Use our printable labret size guide
To help you visualize the different lengths, you can download our printable labret size guide.
Before printing, make sure your printer settings are:
Scale: 100%
Fit to page: disabled
Format: actual size
Once printed, you will be able to compare the different labret lengths and better understand the difference between 5 mm, 6.5 mm or 8 mm.
Download the printable labret size guide
This guide does not replace the advice of a professional piercer, but it can help you better understand proportions before placing your order.
What size should I choose for a SÉBASTIENNE helix jewel?
For our 18K gold helix jewelry, we generally recommend:
6.5 mm if you do not know your exact size.
This is the default length supplied with our jewelry.
5 mm or 6 mm if your piercing is fully healed, your cartilage is thin, and you like a very close fit.
7 mm or 8 mm if your cartilage is thicker, if your piercing is angled, or if you prefer to keep a little extra room.
If you already know your size, simply write it in the order comment.
Example comment:
“Hello, I would like to receive this piece with a 5 mm labret instead of the standard 6.5 mm.”
What if I don’t know my size?
If you do not know the ideal length for your helix piercing, the safest option is to keep the standard 6.5 mm length or ask your piercer to measure your current jewelry.
You can also measure a labret that you already wear comfortably. The length is measured only on the straight part of the post, without including the flat back disc or the decorative end.
For a precious 18K gold piece, comfort matters just as much as aesthetics. The right size allows the jewelry to stay properly in place, follow the natural curve of the ear and create a more refined look.
Discover our 18K gold helix jewelry collection
The SÉBASTIENNE JEWELRY Helix collection brings together precious pieces handcrafted in France from solid 18K gold. Each jewel is made to order with careful attention to proportions, comfort and fine jewelry details.
Diamonds, pearls, luminous gemstones and sculptural gold lines: our helix jewelry is designed as miniature fine jewelry, to be worn alone or as part of a curated ear composition.
