Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage Jewelry Shopping Guide
Cartilage piercings are some of the most popular piercing types. There are so many different jewelry pieces suitable for a cartilage piercing that they have been divided into several subcategories.
In this shopping guide you can find information about the most common cartilage jewelry and general information about sizes, aftercare, and more.
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Cartilage Jewelry Sizes
The standard thickness for cartilage piercings is 1.2 mm, but there are also some other size options available if you need a different bar thickness.
For cartilage studs, the most common bar length is 6 mm. However, this can vary between individuals and piercings. Some cartilage studs come with different bar length options to choose from. If the bar is interchangeable, you could also swap it for a bar with a different length.
Piercing or Earring hole?
Cartilage jewelry and earring jewelry are different from each other. A cartilage piercing should be done in a piercing studio, using a special piercing needle to pierce the cartilage. An earring can sometimes be done by a jeweler using a piercing gun. Shooting earrings can only be done in the softer tissue of the earlobe. For the cartilage, a needle is the only acceptable option to get a piercing done.
There is a difference in the bar thickness of piercings and earrings. Cartilage jewelry can be too thick for an earring hole. Earring holes most often have a thickness of 0.8 mm or 1.0 mm. Cartilage piercings usually have a thickness of 1.2 mm. For normal earring jewelry you can also shop the category for earrings on the website.
Cartilage Ring Diameters
The diameter you need for your cartilage piercing ring depends on the type of cartilage piercing and the position of the piercing. The illustrations help with choosing the right sizes for your new cartilage ring, but we also recommend measuring your current piercing to make sure you choose the correct sizes.
The standard sizes might fit your cartilage piercing perfectly, or you might need a slightly bigger or smaller size. Whether you prefer a tighter or a looser fit for your new piercing ring, there are multiple sizes available.
Fragile Cartilage Jewelry
Some cartilage jewelry is more fragile than others. Cartilage studs with a figurine or a wide top are often glued to the bar. This to prevent your skin from tearing if it would catch on something or if there would be too much pressure on it.
We advise not to wear such jewelry while sleeping to avoid pressure and damage to the cartilage jewelry.
Cartilage Jewelry Materials
Cartilage jewelry is available in various materials. Learn more about the differences below.
316L Surgical Steel
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316L Surgical Steel
316L surgical steel is used to make the majority of cartilage jewelry. There are often many colors to choose from. This material contains trace amounts of nickel.
Titanium
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Titanium
Titanium cartilage jewelry is of the highest quality. It is also the material used for first piercings as it's hypoallergenic and doesn't contain nickel. Titanium jewelry won't discolor and doesn't require much maintenance.
14 Kt. Gold
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14 Kt. Gold
The most luxurious cartilage jewelry is made of 14 kt. gold. It is a great material that is also 100% free of nickel when you get Yellow or Rose Gold. It only needs little upkeep to stay beautiful. Note that White Gold usually is not nickel-free.
.925 Sterling Silver
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.925 Sterling Silver
Piercings made of genuine silver are less common, but popular. This material has a beautiful glimmer, but it is sensitive to discoloration. For those who love .925 sterling silver, there are also a few options available.
Cartilage Piercing Aftercare
No cartilage piercing can go without appropriate aftercare. Clean your piercing regularly with a saline solution like our Salt Spray. Piercing bumps are unfortunately a common phenomenon during the healing process. They might appear regardless of your cleaning routine, and can definitely be annoying.
You could try our Piercing Care Package to help with getting rid of a piercing bump. The care package is also helpful in dealing with minor irritations and protecting the piercing area from bacteria.
Get a Cartilage Piercing
Thinking of getting your cartilage pierced? You might be looking for some more information first. How long is the healing time and does it hurt to get pierced?
Check out our guide about getting pierced before making the decision.
New Cartilage Jewelry
