Cartilage piercings are effortlessly cool and offer you more scope for dressing your ears with a variety of earrings. The earrings for cartilage come in various styles and materials, ranging from diamond studs to hinged hoops. Go through this guide to find the best earrings for your cartilage piercings.
A Quick History of Ear Piercing
Before we talk about cartilage piercings and their present-day popularity, let us take a look at the history of ear piercings. Ear piercings have been around for more than 5000 years. The mummy known as Otzi the Iceman, who lived during the late Neolithic Copper Age, was found with ear piercings. Also, the piercings found on the ears of King Tutankhamen’s mummy suggest that ancient Egyptians had ear piercings around 1334-1325 BC. Ear piercings have evolved so dramatically throughout the centuries that practically every part of the ear can now be pierced. That just means more bling for us!
What Are Cartilage Earrings?
Cartilage earrings refer to any earring that isn’t worn on the lobe. The higher regions of your ears are formed of cartilage, a sort of connective tissue. It’s tougher than muscle but softer than bone, and it’s thicker than your earlobes, so it’s not like a conventional ear piercing in many ways.
One of the best things about cartilage earrings is that they come in a variety of styles to suit any occasion or outfit. So you can go from looking like a rockstar to the belle of the ball with just a few tweaks.
Why Are Cartilage Earrings Becoming So Popular?
Cartilage piercings were once considered punk rock, but now you will see more and more people opting for multiple ear piercings. The earlobe is constrictive, but as you move upward, you will realize there is so much room for styling. Especially people with smaller earlobes can’t wear much jewelry there. Cartilage earrings give more possibilities if you enjoy wearing a lot of bling.
Wondering if multiple ear piercings are okay for working professionals? The answer is a resounding yes. You can wear simple and small cartilage earrings and they won’t look unprofessional at all.
What’s the Difference Between Cartilage and Regular Piercings?
Cartilage piercings differ from earlobe earrings in many ways.
- Cartilage piercings are performed on any portion of the ear with firmer tissue than the ear lobe, which is often softer and supple.
- Cartilage piercings are always done with a needle, not a gun.
- Since these piercings might take up to a year to heal, keep your earring clean and avoid changing it until it is completely healed.
- Cartilage earrings will be thinner and shorter than ordinary earrings due to the limited space around the upper part of your ears.
Which Are the Best Sites for Cartilage Piercings?
The helix is located on the upper cartilage that curls in and is the perfect site for a piercing. In comparison to an outer conch piercing, these piercings are higher and closer to the ear’s edge. The rook is the inner ear’s highest ridge. It links the inner ear’s bottom to the conch. The tragus is the most painful to pierce, but it’s perfect if you want a more edgy aesthetic. Depending on where your cartilage piercings are located, you can choose the perfect cartilage piercing earrings that suit your personal taste. Let’s take a look at some of the trendiest designs…
Types of Cartilage Earrings
Studs
A classic earring style, as well as one of the most versatile, are studs. Whether studded with diamonds or color gemstones, studs are the best cartilage earrings, which can be worn anywhere around the outer ear cartilage. Choose a smaller gauge size for a modern, edgy twist on a classic stud.
Ball Rings
Captive ball rings are popular for those looking to pierce the flat section of cartilage between the ear and the side of the head. They come in various sizes and designs, but the small metal ball that closes the ring and secures the earring in place is what sets them apart from studs.
Barbells
Barbell earrings are studs that are designed to be visible on both ends. On one end, there is a gemstone, and on the other, there is a threaded ball. They might be straight or curved as well. Barbells are suitable for most types of ear piercings. They can be worn in both the lobe and cartilage. But make sure your piercing is healed before putting in your barbell earrings.
Hoops
Hoop earrings for cartilage piercings are smaller than regular hoops. Some hoops have small danglers for that extra bit of bling. Most cartilage piercings are well-suited to hoop earrings. Cartilage hoops can be worn alone or with other small hoops. They’re light and easy to put on.
Also Read: Different Types of Earrings
How to Choose Cartilage Earrings to Suit Your Style
Cartilage earrings have become popular among the fairy core, streetwear, grunge, hypebeast, and E-girl aesthetics, as well as on tbe runways. The versatility of these accessories makes them a staple for those who love to experiment with their looks. Although cartilage earrings are generally thought of as alternative or edgy, the diversity of earrings available has made them well-suited to a wide range of styles.
Also Read: Black Friday Earrings Sale
Minimalist Style
Minimalist designs are harder to pull off than you think. The bulk of the piercings can make your ears look cluttered. To avoid going overboard, choose one dangle earring for your earlobes and two to three cartilage earrings. Keep them cohesive by selecting the same metal or complementing gemstone hues. Simple bar studs or solid gold hoops will offer just a bit of extra bling to your outfit without overpowering it. Minimal cartilage earrings are also lighter and smaller, making them an excellent option for first-timers who are particularly sensitive to pain.
Boho Style
Cartilage earrings are ideal for bohemian fashion since they are layered, unique and unusual. If you don’t like hoops, the best cartilage earrings to try would be danglers, wide studs, or a pair of whimsical earrings. Nature-inspired earrings such as butterfly stud leaf-shaped earrings or organic pearl studs complement boho-chic aesthetics.
Sophisticated Style
A single cartilage earring with a diamond or a precious stone such as ruby is recommended for those who desire an understated look with their earring stack. This is just enough to make a fashion statement while still maintaining a refined appearance.
Also Read: Cyber Monday Earrings Sale
What’s the Best Way to Style Cartilage Earrings?
Cartilage earrings are designed to be mixed and matched with your everyday earlobe earrings and to add a pop of color when necessary. With a couple of cartilage piercings, you have enough room to stack your earrings and express your personal style in a unique way. All you need is to have a remarkable collection of cartilage earrings.
FAQ
Barbell earrings have a straight bar that goes through the piercing and a ball or bead at each end that secures the earring. Most cartilage piercings are compatible with barbells.
Yes, traditional earrings can be worn in cartilage piercings. In addition, some earring styles, like studs and small hoops, can be worn on the cartilage. But, before relocating earrings to a different territory of the ear, make sure they’re clean.
In some cases, any form of an earring, such as hoops and studs, can be used for cartilage piercing. It all depends on the location of the piercing and how comfortable you feel with traditional earrings. However, cartilage earrings are often more comfortable for the cartilage.
