The decorative top is the part of a labret piercing that the world sees. A single internally threaded bar can hold dozens of different tops a 3mm opal on Monday, a floral cluster for the weekend, a plain gold ball for the office. Building a top collection is one of the most cost-effective ways to create the illusion of a wardrobe of piercings from a handful of bars.
Decorative tops are the interchangeable front ends of internally threaded flat-back labrets. They screw onto the threaded pin at the front of the bar. A single bar can hold any top of the matching gauge and threading. Common top types: gems (clear, coloured, CZ), opals, florals, geometric shapes, plain balls. Sizes range from 2mm (minimal) to 6mm (statement).
How Tops Work with Internally Threaded Bars
An internally threaded bar has a small hole at the front end with threads inside. A decorative top has a tiny pin at the back with matching threads. The pin screws into the bar's hole, securing the top firmly.
This means: any top that matches your bar's gauge and threading system can be used on any bar of the same gauge. A 16G top fits any 16G internally threaded bar, regardless of bar length. This is the core flexibility that makes collecting tops so practical.
Read more: Flat-Back Labrets: The Complete Guide and Internally Threaded vs Externally Threaded
Top Types: A Complete Reference
| Type | Description | Best placement | Popular sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain gem (CZ) | A single cubic zirconia in a bezel or prong setting | Universal helix, flat, tragus, nostril, medusa | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm |
| Opal | Synthetic opal with characteristic colour-play; iridescent | Flat, helix, medusa, nostril | 3mm, 4mm, 5mm |
| Floral / cluster | Multiple small stones arranged in a flower or starburst pattern | Flat piercing (most visible here); helix | 4mm, 5mm, 6mm |
| Plain ball | Simple sphere; the most minimal option | Any piercing; perfect for work/formal settings | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm |
| Flat disc | A flat circle flush with the skin; barely visible | Nostril (very discreet); medusa; any placement | 2mm, 3mm |
| Star | Five or six point star shape | Helix, flat, forward helix | 3mm, 4mm |
| Moon / crescent | Crescent moon shape | Forward helix, flat, lobe | 3mm, 4mm |
| Triangle / geometric | Clean geometric shapes | Flat, helix editorial look | 3mm, 4mm |
| Coloured gem | Gems in blue, pink, green, purple CZ | Any piercing; colour coordinated stacks | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm |
Choosing the Right Top Size
| Size | Diameter | Visual impact | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mm | 2mm | Barely visible; skin-level | Forward helix (triple), very subtle nostril, minimal look |
| 3mm | 3mm | Clearly visible; clean point of light | Standard helix, tragus, nostril, medusa, lobe |
| 4mm | 4mm | Visible and decorative; noticed at conversation distance | Flat piercing, helix statement piece, medusa |
| 5mm | 5mm | Bold; reads as jewellery rather than a dot | Flat piercing feature piece, large conch |
| 6mm+ | 6mm+ | Statement; major focal point | Feature flat piercing only; too large for most placements |
Building a Top Collection: Where to Start
A practical starter collection for someone with 3-4 ear piercings:
• 3x plain 3mm gem tops in silver, gold, and rose gold the versatile everyday base
• 2x 3mm opal tops in white opal and one coloured for dressed-up occasions
• 1x floral or cluster 4-5mm top for the flat piercing the statement piece
• 2x plain 2mm ball tops for work or formal settings where minimal is needed
From this base of 8 tops, you can create dozens of distinct looks across 3-4 piercings by mixing placement and finish.
How to Store and Organise Tops
• A small jewellery tray with compartments keeps tops organised and prevents loss
• Label by size if you have tops that look similar (2mm vs 3mm are hard to distinguish by eye)
• Keep one spare of your most-used tops small tops are easy to lose
• Rinse tops with saline before use if they have been stored for a while
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any top on any internally threaded bar?
Yes provided the gauge matches. A 16G top fits any 16G internally threaded bar, regardless of bar length or brand. A 18G top will not fit a 16G bar.
What is the most popular piercing top size?
3mm is the most popular size for everyday wear clearly visible as a jewel without being oversized. For flat piercings where the top is the feature, 4-5mm is more popular.
What is the difference between a gem and an opal top?
A gem top contains a faceted cubic zirconia that reflects light as sparkle. An opal top contains a synthetic opal that diffracts light to show shifting colours (iridescence). Gems read as sparkle; opals read as depth and colour-play.
Do tops come off during sleep?
Tops can loosen if not screwed in firmly. Make sure the top is tightened before sleeping. Once properly seated, an internally threaded top is very secure during normal activity.
Are all Piercepective tops compatible with all Piercepective bars?
Yes all Piercepective labrets and tops use the same internal threading system, in 16G or 18G. A 16G top is compatible with any 16G bar in the collection.
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