Cartilage Piercings and Jewellery Guide at GoldAge

Cartilage piercings open up a world of possibilities for expressing your unique style. Whether you're drawn to a classic helix piercing or a bold rook, the options are endless. Beyond the earlobe, cartilage piercings have gained immense popularity beyond the earlobe among working professionals and trendsetters. They allow you to make a statement at work or in casual settings.

The latest trend? Ear parties—a mix-and-match approach to earrings that lets you create a personalized look. Combine studs, hoops, and cartilage rings to showcase your flair. From daith piercings to helix and beyond, each piece adds a touch of personality to your ensemble.

 

Types of Cartilage Piercings

Helix Piercing

A helix piercing, also known as "the rim," is a stylish and versatile way to enhance your look by piercing the upper ear cartilage. This piercing is usually done using a freehand technique by professional piercers to ensure precision and comfort. Popular jewellery options include hoops like seamless rings, captive bead rings (CBRs), and cartilage studs. The standard gauge size is 18G, although many prefer 16G for its compatibility with a broader range of jewellery since cartilage does not stretch easily. Placement is flexible, with the helix typically positioned just beyond the highest rim point opposite the forward helix. However, it can be placed anywhere along the upper cartilage rim. Healing takes approximately 6 months to 1 year, depending on your aftercare routine. To ensure proper healing, maintain a consistent cleaning schedule and avoid unnecessary irritation.

  • Jewellery Options: Seamless rings, captive bead rings (CBRs), and cartilage studs.
  • Gauge Size: The standard is 18G; 16G is often preferred.
  • Placement: Typically, it is just beyond the highest rim point but customisable along the upper cartilage.
  • Healing Time: 6 months to 1 year with proper care.

(Helix Piercing Photo)

 

Tragus Piercing

A tragus piercing is a popular and stylish choice involving piercing the small cartilage flap directly in front of the ear canal. The tragus has limited nerve endings despite its location, making the piercing process relatively painless. A small gauge hollow needle is typically used for precision and comfort. Jewellery options for this piercing commonly include cartilage studs with flat disc backings, though small hoops and captive bead rings are also popular. GoldAge offers a stunning selection of 14k gold tragus earrings to complement your style. The tragus is generally pierced through its centre using a straight or curved low-gauge needle depending on the piercer's technique. Healing time can range from 12 weeks to 12 months, depending on the aftercare routine and individual factors. Consistent cleaning and avoiding irritation are key to ensuring a smooth healing process.

  • Jewellery Options: Cartilage studs with flat disc backings, tiny hoops, and captive bead rings.
  • Placement: Typically pierced through the centre of the tragus with a straight or curved low-gauge needle.
  • Healing Time: 12 weeks to 12 months with proper care.

(Tragus Piercing Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Piercing

An industrial piercing, also known as a scaffold piercing, is a bold and striking choice that connects two piercings with a single piece of jewellery. This piercing is typically done with a hollow needle to ensure precision and accuracy. The standard jewellery for industrial piercings is a 14G 1-inch industrial barbell, though 16G barbells can also be used. Many start with cartilage studs for faster initial healing and later switch to a barbell; however, aligning the piercings for the barbell can be more challenging with this method. Industrial piercings often span the helix and anti-helix, with the most common placement running diagonally from the forward helix to the lower helix near the auricle. The barbell is inserted behind the ear, passing through both piercings and secured with a screw-on bead. Healing can take 6 months to 1 year, depending on individual aftercare practices. Proper cleaning and avoiding pressure on the piercing are essential for successful healing.

  • Jewellery Options: 14G or 16G industrial barbells, with cartilage studs as a starter option.
  • Placement: Commonly runs diagonally from the forward helix to the lower helix near the auricle.
  • Healing Time: 6 months to 1 year with consistent care.

 

(Industrial Piercing Photo)

 

Daith Piercing

daith piercing (pronounced "doth") is a unique and stylish piercing that involves perforating the crus of the helix, the small flap of cartilage located just above the ear canal. This piercing uses a curved needle to avoid damaging the surrounding cartilage. A receiving tube may also guide the needle safely through the cartilage. The daith piercing is admired for its bold yet elegant placement and ability to showcase intricate jewellery designs.

Popular jewellery for daith piercings includes hoop styles such as captive bead rings, seamless rings, and clicker rings. Clicker rings are an excellent choice for their ease of use and decorative appeal. The piercing is consistently placed within the fold of cartilage directly above the ear canal, making it distinctive and eye-catching. Healing typically takes between four months and one year, depending on individual aftercare and maintenance. Proper cleaning and avoiding unnecessary movement are crucial to smooth healing.

  • Jewellery Options: Captive bead rings, seamless rings, and clicker rings for ease and style.
  • Placement: Positioned within the fold of cartilage above the ear canal.
  • Healing Time: 4 months to 1 year with diligent care.

(Daith Piercing Photo)

 

Lobe Piercing

lobe piercing is the most common and versatile ear piercing, perfect for beginners and jewellery enthusiasts. The lobe is the most significant and softest part of the ear, making it ideal for accommodating multiple piercings—often three or four, depending on its size.

Jewellery options for lobe piercings are highly diverse and include earring studs, hoops, dangles, and open hoop dangles. For those with sensitive skin or metal allergies, 14k gold earrings are an excellent choice as they are nickel-free and hypoallergenic. GoldAge’s collection of 14k gold earrings is specially designed for comfort and style, making them perfect for lobe piercings.

The placement of lobe piercings is entirely customizable, allowing you to create unique arrangements that suit your style. Healing is relatively quick due to the soft tissue of the earlobe, with most piercings healing fully in 1 to 2 months. Regular cleaning and gentle care will ensure a smooth healing process.

  • Jewellery Options: Studs, hoops, dangles, and open hoop dangles, with 14k gold, ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Placement: Highly customizable based on your preference and lobe size.
  • Healing Time: 1 to 2 months with proper aftercare.

(Lobe Piercing Photo)

 

Conch Piercing

conch piercing is a bold and stylish choice. There are two distinct variations: the inner conch and the outer conch. The inner conch is in the cup-shaped area of cartilage near the ear canal, while the outer conch is positioned on the flat cartilage below the helix. This versatile piercing allows for various jewellery styles, making it a favourite for those seeking a statement look.

Popular jewellery options for conch piercings include barbells, large-diameter captive bead rings (CBRs), other hoops, and studs. A 14G barbell is the standard recommendation, but a 16G is also suitable for a healthy, well-healed piercing. The placement highlights the central cartilage of the ear, creating a striking focal point.

Due to the density of the cartilage, healing can take 12 to 18 months. Proper aftercare, including regular cleaning and avoiding unnecessary pressure or movement, ensures successful healing and long-lasting comfort.

  • Jewellery Options: Barbells, large-diameter hoops, captive bead rings, and studs.
  • Placement: Inner conch (cup-shaped cartilage near the ear canal) or outer conch (flat cartilage below the helix).
  • Healing Time: 12 to 18 months with diligent aftercare.

(Conch Piercing Photo)

 

 

Rook Piercing

A rook piercing is a striking and unique choice, located in the anti-helix of the ear. Known for its distinctive placement and bold appeal, the rook piercing is also considered one of the more painful procedures due to the thickness of the cartilage. However, the result is a stunning and versatile addition to your style.

Piercers typically use a 14G or 16G needle, starting with jewellery like captive bead rings (CBRs) or curved barbells. Once the piercing has healed, you can explore a wide variety of elegant 14k gold options for your rook, offering comfort and style. Placement depends on your ear’s anatomy, as the piercer must carefully select the ideal location to ensure a clean and healthy piercing.

Like other cartilage piercings, healing can take 12 to 18 months. Maintaining a consistent aftercare routine is essential to avoid irritation and promote proper healing.

  • Jewellery Options: Captive bead rings (CBRs) or curved barbells are the starter pieces, and 14k gold jewellery is a luxurious upgrade.
  • Placement: Located in the anti-helix, with placement depending on individual ear anatomy.
  • Healing Time: 12 to 18 months with regular aftercare.

(Rook Piercing Photo)

 

 

Forward Helix Piercing

A forward helix piercing is a stylish variation of the helix piercing located in the upper ear cartilage closest to the head. This piercing is often done using a free-hand technique and can be customized with single, double, or triple piercings for a bold, layered look. Due to its precise placement, the forward helix piercing can be slightly more complex than other cartilage piercings, which may affect the cost depending on your piercer.

Everyday jewellery for forward helix piercings includes captive bead rings (CBRs), seamless hoops, and small helix studs with flat disc backings, offering comfort and style. The standard gauge size is 18G, providing a secure fit for various jewellery options. The placement spans from the apex of the helix to where it meets the head, allowing for a subtle or dramatic look based on your preferences.

Healing time for forward helix piercings ranges from 3 months to 1 year, depending on individual aftercare practices. Regular cleaning and avoiding pressure or movement are key to smooth healing.

  • Jewellery Options: CBRs, seamless hoops, or small helix studs with flat disc backings.
  • Placement: Between the apex of the helix and where the helix meets the head.
  • Healing Time: 3 months to 1 year with proper aftercare.

(Forward Helix Piercing Photo)

 

Anti-Tragus Piercing

An anti-tragus piercing is a bold and distinctive choice. It is located in the small flap of cartilage opposite the tragus, near the ear canal. This piercing is an excellent option for those seeking a unique alternative to the tragus piercing or for individuals whose tragus is too small to pierce. The anti-tragus offers a striking yet subtle way to showcase your style.

Ideal jewellery for the anti-tragus piercing includes small gauge studs, barbells, and captive bead rings (CBRs), all of which complement the piercing's compact size and placement. The piercing is carefully positioned within the cartilage opposite the ear canal, ensuring a clean and precise result.

Healing can take 6 to 12 months, depending on your aftercare routine. Consistent cleaning and avoiding pressure or irritation are crucial for successful healing.

  • Jewellery Options: Small gauge studs, barbells, and captive bead rings.
  • Placement: Located in the cartilage opposite the tragus, near the ear canal.
  • Healing Time: 6 to 12 months with diligent aftercare.

(Anti-Tragus Piercing Photo)

 

 

Snug Piercing

snug piercing is a unique and stylish choice. It is placed in the middle fold of the inner ear cartilage toward the rim. True to its name, this piercing nestles neatly within the folds of your ear, creating a snug and eye-catching look that stands out.

Due to its location, snug piercings are best suited for small jewellery, such as curved barbells or small hoops, complementing compact placement. The piercing is situated near the lower-mid portion of the ear’s outer rim, just above the anti-tragus, passing through the cartilage for a secure and precise fit.

The initial recovery time for snug piercings typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but complete healing may take up to 1 year. Proper aftercare, including gentle cleaning and avoiding pressure or snagging, is essential for a smooth and successful healing process.

  • Jewellery Options: Curved barbells and small hoops.
  • Placement: Located in the middle fold of the inner ear cartilage above the anti-tragus.
  • Healing Time: Initial recovery in 2 to 4 weeks, with complete healing taking up to 1 year.

(Snug Piercing Photo)

 

Transverse Lobe Piercing

A transverse lobe piercing is a distinctive and unconventional style that features a horizontal piercing through the earlobe. This unique variation allows for a bold, eye-catching look and can be customized to suit your ear's anatomy, making it a versatile choice for those looking to stand out.

Jewellery options for transverse lobe piercings include curved or straight barbells and captive bead rings (CBRs). The choice of jewellery depends on the anatomy of your earlobe: curved barbells are ideal for attached earlobes, while detached earlobes are better suited for straight barbells. The placement typically runs horizontally from the edge of the lobe closest to the cheek to the middle edge of the earlobe. For attached earlobes, the piercing is placed slightly lower. Variations such as vertical and diagonal transverse lobe piercings offer even more options for personalization.

Healing times vary, with most transverse lobe piercings taking 2 to 10 months to heal fully. Proper aftercare, including gentle cleaning and avoiding pressure on the piercing, ensures successful healing.

  • Jewellery Options: Curved or straight barbells and captive bead rings, chosen based on earlobe anatomy.
  • Placement: Horizontal piercing across the earlobe, with variations including vertical or diagonal placements.
  • Healing Time: 2 to 10 months with appropriate care.

(Traverse Lobe Piercing Photo)