Guide to Different Ear Piercings
Ear piercings have been around for thousands of years and there are many places on the ear which can be pierced. There is a huge range of body jewellery which can be worn depending on the individual's taste, anatomy and personal style. We've put together a brief explanation of the most popular types of piercing and body jewellery available.
The lobe piercing is the most popular area of the ear to be pierced and traditionally jewellery worn in the lobe includes Silver Hoops, or Silver Studs. Alternatively, a horseshoe or BCR can also be worn in a lobe piercing.
The pinna or helix piercing in the soft cartilage of the outer ear rim is currently very popular and versatile as you can wear many different types of jewellery including BCRs, spirals, studs, curved barbells and studs.
Another popular ear piercing is the rook or anti-helix piercing which is a cartilage piercing between the daith and the rim of the ear. The most common jewellery to wear in these piercings are BCRs, horseshoes or curved barbells.
A piercing in the anti-helix along the lower half of the inner ear rim is called a snug piercing. BCRs or horseshoes are the best option for this piercing but Spirals and curved barbells can also adorn this piercing.
An orbital piercing is one that enters and exits the same part of the ear. A BCR or a cartilage bar is best suited to this piercing.
A daith piercing is done on the fold of cartilage closest to the ear canal. This piercing is only possible if the anatomy of the ear allows - there should be sufficient room for a bar or ring. Curved barbells or BCRs are best for this type of piercing.
Barbells, labrets or horseshoes are best suited to a conch piercing which is done in the centre concave part of the ear.
Tragus piercings are located in the hard section of cartilage that sticks out from the ear canal. They are a popular and versatile piercing as many types of body jewellery can be worn here including labrets, curved barbells, BCRs or horseshoes.
A scaffold piercing is a cartilage piercing consisting of two ear rim piercings connected by one long barbell. The piercing usually goes across the ear but can indeed be done at any angle and where there are two or more piercings done in the same ear, this is known as a cage piercing.
