In any ear styling, conch piercings easily stand out. Nestled in the inner shell of the ear, the conch piercing is captivating for its unique placement and the potential for creative styling. It's not as common as standard helix or lobe placement, however, it is one that works on nearly every anatomy! They are not difficult to pierce and generally are smooth sailing as far as healing. If you're looking to step up your ear piercing curation, a conch piercing is definitely one to be considered. Join us as we delve into the details of conch piercings, including the procedure, aftercare, and jewelry options!
Anatomy and Placement
Located in the center part of and named after the spiral and shell-like shape that ears resemble, this piercing offers plenty of room to be pierced. Depending on what jewelry that is intended to be worn, as well as future plans for additional piercings, will help determine the placement of the piercing. You should discuss your goals with your piercer to ensure that you leave happy and excited with your new piercing and its placement!
Cost and Jewelry
Prices can vary on price and location, but in general, you can expect to pay around $35 for a cartilage piercing from a reputable studio. Jewelry is typically charged separately -- so plan to pay at least an additional $25 for your piercing jewelry (depending on the type of jewelry you choose of course).
For your initial jewelry, you will most likely be fitted with a threadless flat back stud. These are ideal for healing because they are small, comfortable, and least likely to be accidentally snagged. Threadless pieces are also easy to change out once your jewelry is healed!
Healing and Aftercare
This piercing is naturally protected by the shape of your ear, and unlike helix piercings, are less prone to being hit or caught. Nonetheless, it is best to avoid ear buds, as well as sleeping on that side of your ear for the first few months of healing.
Like most cartilage piercings, the healing process takes about 6-9 months. As your conch heals, make sure that your ear remains clean. This means your entire ear, paying close attention to the entire conch area. Rinse your ear with saline solution and avoid touching or rotating your piercing during the healing process.
Jewelry Options
The most exciting aspect of conch piercings is the range of jewelry options available for showcasing your person style. From large ornamental gems to intricate hoops and captive bead rings, the versatility of this piercing is expansive and easily elevates ear projects.
To help, we've put together a collection of our favorite conch jewelry pieces. We especially love threadless studs as well as hinged segment rings because of how easy they are to change.
