The conch piercing is one of the cartilage piercings that allow you to make a fashion statement with the jewelry you adorn it with. It is in the center portion of the ear and you can play it down with a simple stud or dress it up and make it flashy with a decorative ring.
We talked to piercing experts and got their advice on the best jewelry for a conch piercing, and a few tidbits of helpful advice for those wanting to know more about this bold ear-piercing style.
Top 5 Best Conch Piercing Jewelry
#1. Surgical Steel Piercing Rings from JOFUKIN Store
These rings are perfect for multiple styles of piercing. They work for septum piercings, Helix piercings, conch piercings, Rook piercings, Daith piercings, Tragus piercings, lobe piercings, and more. They are an all-around earring that everyone with piercings should have in their jewelry box.
They are stainless steel so they are not likely to cause any allergic reactions. They are easy to care for, and they come in a variety of sizes so you can get the perfect gauge for the piercing hole that you have. This is important with cartilage piercings because they do not stretch like the lobe piercings and trying to insert the wrong gauge can be painful.
Although these pieces are made from stainless steel, they come in a variety of colors that make them appear to be other metals. You can choose between gold, rose gold, and black, rainbow, or blue colors.
Pros:
- Will never rust or corrode
- Does not cause redness and itching
- Can be worn by men or women
- Tasteful and expressive
Cons:
- These earrings are slightly heavier than some people like.
#2. Curve Seven Stud CZ Stainless Steel Conch Earrings from ZS Store
These studs are not ordinary or typical. They are stainless steel so they are sturdy and they are less likely to cause any allergic reactions. Most allergic jewelry reactions are prompted by gold, rose gold, and the occasional real silver.
The front section of the earring makes a dramatic curve with seven CZ settings properly spaced along the edge of the curve. They are brilliant and stunning.
These earrings do have a 16-gauge stud, which is the typical conch piercing hole created at a professional piercing salon.
These are the perfect pieces of ear jewelry when you want to dress up a bit. They are beautiful, and they glimmer with a brilliant sparkle. They are so delicate people will think you paid 100 times more than you did for them.
Pros:
- Beautiful design accents the curve of the ear
- Lightweight and does not cause a lot of pulling on the ear
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- Very dainty earrings may not be suitable for male wearers.
#3. 16G Clear Lip Ring Studs by QWALIT
I know the name of the product describes them as tongue lip ring studs, but they are perfect 16-gauge studs that can be used in any piercing that has a 16-gauge opening. Most conch piercings are 16 gauge so these are perfect for you. They come in a variety of styles so you can mix and match different ones for each ear.
They are not likely to cause any allergic reactions like metal studs can. They are made from a flexible clear Bioflex material that is non-toxic and hypoallergenic in nature. They can even be worn with people who have sensitive skin issues.
They are lightweight. They are easy to clean and maintain. They are super affordable. They are stylish and they are the perfect accessory for any day and any occasion.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and can be worn by most people
- Versatile and can be worn in several piercing locations
- Non-toxic materials are safe for the environment
- Attractive and alluring
Cons:
- These lightweight earrings may not be as durable as some heavier pieces are.
#4. 16G Cartilage Hoop Earrings by FIBO Steel
These earrings come in a package of 9 pieces so you can wear matching earrings in multiple piercing sites. They are stainless steel so they are hypoallergenic and safe even for people who have sensitive skin to wear.
They can be worn by men or women and they can be worn in a lot of locations. Tragus piercing sites, Daith piercings, lips, septum piercings, conch piercings, Helix, and more. You have a lot of options and they are perfect for people who have multiple piercings along with the outer ear.
The earrings have a flexible hinge that allows them to bend a little and be easier to close and easier to place in some of the hard-to-reach piercing sites. They are stylish and are complimentary to any outfit for any occasion.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver into difficult piercings
- Versatile for men or women
- Multiple pieces per package so you create the perfect combination
- Easy to sanitize
Cons:
- These hoops may cause some skin reaction in people with sensitive skin.
#5. 16G Forward Helix Earring-Stud Style- by MODRSA
These earrings are perfect for anyone who has a Helix or conch piercing. They are made from stainless steel and clear Bioflex to create a comfortable stud that is nickel and lead free. They are hypoallergenic and even people with sensitive skin can wear them with confidence.
This is a multi-pack of twelve earrings that have different head designs. They are all attractive and can be worn by both men and women. They are durable pieces and most people assume they cost a lot more than they actually do.
The earrings are easy to insert and they are easy to sterilize and clean so you do not introduce any bacteria to your cartilage piercing. They do not pinch or bind, and they do not discolor or get dull-looking after cleaning.
Pros:
- Stainless-steel design is durable
- Can be cleaned with no worry of rust or discoloration
- Hypoallergenic and can be used by people with gold or silver sensitivities
- Affordable
Cons:
- These earrings are not as durable as ones made from surgical stainless-steel are.
What is a Conch Piercing?
This is a “conk” piercing and it is created in the bowl of the ear that is called the concha. This perforation is usually made by a piercing professional, and both men and women wear them. They are usually adorned with studs but after they heal rings and other jewelry styles can be worn in the piercing.
What to know before getting a conch piercing?
If you have been considering a conch piercing then there are a few things you should know before you get one of these perforations.
A conch piercing is made through cartilage. That means the healing time for the piercing is going to be far greater than the healing time associated with a lobe piercing. You can expect to be healing after the piercing for 6 months or up to one year.
After getting this type of piercing you should not sleep on your side with the ear pressed against the pillow until it is fully healed.
A conch piercing is more painful than a lobe piercing. You do not need to twist or move the conch stud like you move a lobe stud.
Conch Piercing Aftercare Tips
Conch piercing is a perforation of ear cartilage. This piercing can be perfectly safe if you engage in the proper aftercare to prevent infection and other complications.
- Properly cleaning the newly pierced site is the key to protecting yourself from an infection or complication. Follow the instructions given to you by your piercer and be sure that you cleanse the area at least twice a day. You should continue this cleaning and aftercare for a minimum of three months after the piercing and longer if the piercing is not healed after a three-month period.
- Prior to touching the jewelry or the area adjacent to the piercing be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Do this every time you are going to clean or touch the piercing.
- Using saline solution to wash the piercing site is highly recommended. You can purchase saline solutions at the pharmacy or you can make your own saline solution. If you make your own solution mix about ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with about one cup of distilled water.
- Use pieces of paper toweling or gauze soaked in the saline solution to gently wipe the area around the piercing. Remember this is an open wound. Be gentle and watch closely for signs of infection like redness or swelling.
- The saline solution can be poured over the piercing once a day for a good rinse. If you tilt your head the solution can remain on the area and you should aim for keeping it on the area for about three minutes each time.
- Your stud does not have to be rotated like a lobe piercing
Pros and Cons of Conch Piercing
Conch piercing is a piercing of the cartilage of the ear. There are many reasons why people have this procedure done and many benefits that can be associated with it.
Pros
- Some conch piercings are done to help alleviate chronic pain
- The earrings look good and add a unique appearance to your style
- You can wear studs or hoops so the piercing is versatile
Cons
- They can take 6 months or longer to heal
- They are more painful than lobe piercing
- They should not be done at home but you should see a professional piercer for this
- Physical activities may be limited during the healing process
- Infections and irritations are a major risk with these piercings
Frequently Asked Questions About Conch Piercing
What kind of jewelry can you put in a conch piercing?
One of the best things about a conch piercing is the jewelry you can wear is versatile. You can wear a simple stud, a ring or hoop, or an elongated stud to create a climbing look. The important thing is to wear jewelry of the proper gauge so you do not injure the cartilage or lose the jewelry.
What gauge is a conch piercing?
The typical conch piercing is a 16 gauge. That is standard among piercing specialists so the majority of jewelry designed for a conch is also 16 gauge. If you try to wear a smaller gauge you risk losing the jewelry. If you try to wear a larger gauge you can hurt yourself. If you are uncertain of your gauge check with your piercer before buying more jewelry.
Where should a conch piercing be placed?
The conch piercing is placed in the cartilage in the center portion of your ear. It may be higher or lower or even placed more towards the center of the bowl depending on your personal preferences.
What size jewelry for conch piercing?
You will need 16-gauge jewelry for a conch piercing. Always check the gauge of the pieces so you do not injure or irritate the cartilage the piercing is made in.
Can you still wear headphones with a conch piercing?
The conch piercing will not interfere with the wearing of over-the-ear headphones or earbuds. If you feel any pressure or pain while wearing headphones check the conch site for signs of possible infection or irritation.
Final
Conch piercings can be medically helpful and they can even be unique statements when you choose the right jewelry pieces to adorn them. The most important thing you need to remember about this type of piercing is proper aftercare is a must for the entire length of time it takes to heal. This is your only defense against infection and irritation.
Never change the jewelry before your piercing professional gives you the go-ahead. Once you do have permission to change jewelry pieces you will find a wide variety of styles and unique designs to choose from.