I have been wanting these earrings for a while and finally purchased them! I originally bought the 5mm for my third holes but they were too small around my lobe. I was able to exchange them for the 7mm with ease! Now the gage is quite thick for a lobe piercing and I definitely needed a guide tool to help push them through. But after 3 days with them in I no longer feel soreness from having to stretch the hole. I didn’t have too much difficulty screwing in the diamonds, but I do not have long nails. I do not plan on taking them out for a while so it was worth the 10min it took to put in. They are so pretty and light weight. I really want to get my rook pierced and use this piece!!! I also have the 5mm star u hoop in my forward helix and the Tobias hoop set in my first 2 holes. I love everything from this company!