Piercings are a decorative form of self-expression, which is why getting one is always a treat.
Typically, one would book into a salon, choose the placement and style from pre-selected pieces and let the piercer do the rest. Said pre-curated collection of earrings is often crafted from titanium or solid gold to ensure no irritation occurs post-piercing.
However, if you’re set on securing your dream earring before your appointment, then this is possible too. Whether opting for an easy lobe gem or braving a helix, there are certain boxes an earring for piercing needs to tick.
What types of earrings are best for piercing?
James Hook, Head Piercer at Monica Vinader, sheds some light on the best type of earrings for new piercings.
“For freshly pierced ears, it is recommended to pierce with certain types of jewellery: either a 1.2mm or 1.6mm labret bar or bar stud for the initial piercing, made from specific metals. Titanium and solid 14-karat gold are good options for healing, as both are hypoallergenic.
Certain other metals, for example silver, can contain trace elements of lesser metals like nickel which can cause agitation, set off certain allergies and in some cases can lead to infection or rejection.
A bar or stud is more suitable in comparison to rings/hoops, for the healing period due to rings/hoops both being easier to catch on things (such as hair or clothing) and they can spin and trap dirt in the area far easier.”
Does this change depending on the placement of the piercing?
“Generally speaking, no”, says Hook. “However, there are certain piercings whereby you would use different types of jewellery. For more complex ear cartilage work like scaffolds/industrials, you would use a 1.6mm bar, for things like rooks, snugs and daiths, you would use a 1.2mm curved bar or a circular barbell.”
He continues “For most ear piercings, like the lobes, helix, tragus and conch, a 1.2mm labret bar is perfect. One of the main advantages to a labret bar is the flat backs, which customers find a lot more comfortable over a traditional butterfly back stud. It is also essential that when being pierced, you will be pierced with a longer bar to accommodate the initial swelling and allow for the healing.”
What aftercare is involved when looking after a new piercing?
“This depends on the specific piercing and the individual. Generally speaking, we advise cleaning a fresh piercing twice daily with a saline solution. Ear lobes will generally take around 2-3 months to heal, whilst most cartilage piercings will heal in around 12-18 months.”
Hooks adds there are certain activities to refrain from while waiting for your new piercing to heal. “There are several other things to consider such as not being able to swim for the first month or so whilst healing.”
If you’ve chosen to pierce an area of the ear beyond the lobe like the cartilage, the expert recommends sleeping on the opposite side of the piercing for the first few months otherwise it can “affect the healing and alter the angle of the placement.”
Hook continues “to be especially careful with hair, hair products, make-up, clothing, hats and scarves, glasses and sunglasses, masks etc. It is also important to not over-clean your piercing as this can slow the healing time. Twice daily, morning and evening. You can also use a saline/warm water mix to use a hot compress/soak for any tender piercings, or if you've experienced any healing complications.”
Tempted by some new ear candy? Discover the best earrings for freshly pierced ears or earrings to incorporate into the piercing process below.
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Monica Vinader Linear Diamond Single Labret Piercing Earring
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, helix
Add a refined touch of elegance to your existing stack. Crafted in 14-karat white gold, this labret is simple yet sophisticated, set with a high-shine, ethically sourced diamond. A flat back allows for maximum comfort to enable a smooth healing process.
Buy now £128.00, Monica Vinader
Astrid & Miyu Topaz Marquise Piercing Stud
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, helix, conch
Having experienced a piercing session at Astrid & Miyu, we can safely say it’s one of luxury. The brand is brimming with dazzling designs such as the Topaz Marquise Piercing Stud. The gem is made from 14-karat recycled gold and can be used on multiple spots across the ear. Book your session with Astrid & Miyu and request the jewel upon arrival.
Buy now £120.00, Astrid & Miyu
Edge of Ember Trillion Diamond Piercing Earring
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe
We’d always recommend investing in a high-quality piece to keep in your ear forever. Edge of Ember’s Trillion Diamond Piercing Earring is a luxurious choice, featuring a recycled 14-karat gold construction to ensure no irritation occurs after piercing. This makes it a brilliant, beautiful option for those with sensitive skin.
Buy now £135.00, Edge of Ember
H.Samuel 14-Karat Yellow Gold 3mm Square CZ Studs For Ear Piercing
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe
Boasting a mid-range price point but unparalleled dazzle factor, H.Samuel’s 14-Karat Yellow Gold 3mm Square CZ Studs are primed for piercing. High-quality metal is married with iridescent cubic zirconias which will glitter under the lights. Book your piercing session in-store and select these gems for your fresh new ear bling.
Buy now £59.99, H.Samuel
PDPAOLA Diamond and Gold Ava Single Earrings
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, helix
Frost yourself in fine jewels courtesy of PDPAOLA. The brand’s Ava studs are available to buy as a single or as part of a pair, meaning you can double up the dazzle. The price point is reflective of the quality. 18-karat recycled gold encircles lab-grown diamonds to create an ethically-produced piece to covet. You’ll also find a threaded screw flat back and shorter post designed for the everyday secure fit and comfort.
Buy now £180.00, PDPAOLA
Orelia Metal Heart Labret
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, conch, helix, tragus
Bag yourself a romantic stud to help your ear curation shine. Orelia’s affordable heart-shaped treasure is made from surgical steel and 18-karat gold plating. Suitable for a range of placings from tragus to helix, the versatile gem is one to love for a long time.
Buy now £15.00, Orelia
Monica Vinader Linear Diamond Bar Single Labret Piercing Earring
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe
A modern piece to spark jewellery envy, Monica Vinader’s Linear Diamond Bar Single Labret Piercing Earring is sleek and sophisticated in the extreme. A tiny 14-karat gold bar frames a line of twinkling, ethically-sourced diamonds. A flat back promises oodles of comfort and is less likely to snag on hair or clothing, ensuring your piercing heals perfectly.
Buy now £150.00, Monica Vinader
Astrid & Miyu Cosmic Star Crystal Piercing Stud in Solid Gold
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, conch, tragus, helix
Create a stunning constellation with a sprinkle of celestial glamour from Astrid & Miyu. The beloved brand’s Cosmic Star Crystal Piercing Stud is set to ignite your ear candy with its 14-karat gold construction and twinkling four-point star silhouette. Slip yours into your lobe and let the compliments flood in.
Buy now £120.00, Astrid & Miyu
Edge of Ember Solitaire Diamond Piercing Earring
Suitable for: lobe, upper lobe, tragus
The go-to brand for the Duchess of Sussex and other stars, Edge of Ember is one to keep on your radar. The label is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly pieces, such as the Solitaire Diamond Piercing Earring. A concoction of 14-karat gold, one shimmering 2mm lab-grown diamond and a dainty design make for a beautiful constellation addition.
Buy now £115.00, Edge of Ember
Monster Piercing 14-karat Gold Internally Threaded Full Ball Top Flat Back Stud
Suitable for: helix, tragus
While the higher the quality the better, not all piercing studs need to be expensive. Monster Piercing’s Gold Internally Threaded Full Ball Top Flat Back Stud is a solid choice for those wanting to exude understated elegance. A rounded, 14-karat gold silhouette makes for a timeless cartilage piercing.
Buy now £34.79, Monster Piercing
