The best jewelry for shell ears

Piercing is on the rise, and conch piercings are leading the way. More young people are getting pierced than ever, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Experts expect this number to continue to rise as celebrities such as Rihanna, Ashley Benson, Keke Palmer and Dakota Fanning wear conch piercings.

Internal, external, and upper concha piercings include pinna perforations, also known as concha. The stylish and bold addition provides a visual flair, especially for people with multiple ear piercings. Here's how you can strategically place and decorate your conch piercing.

What size should a conch piercing be?

Most piercers follow standard guidelines when sizing a piercing. Most conch piercings come in 16G or 18G, although your specific gauge may vary in size. A 16G piercing is 0.40 inches (1.01 cm) wide, and an 18G piercing is 0.50 inches (1.27 cm) wide.

Each person's body is unique, so piercers should not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Changing body jewelry based on your body will ensure you get the best fit. If you have questions about the size of your conch piercing, contact your piercer and ask about their practice.

Which earring goes in the sink?

One of the main reasons to love a conch piercing is its versatility. You have a variety of ear jewelry options, from classic to modern and avant-garde. Here are some of the best options for your ears:

Stud shells

The shell rivet offers the perfect combination of nuance and class. The compact surface serves as a decorative nozzle for the internal and external sinks. Most people gravitate toward a flat back stud with a simple charm at the end.

If you opt for a shell stud, be sure to invest in non-threaded parts. The thread does not go through the conch piercing. This design means you don't have to worry about screwing or removing covers. Threadless options also allow you to change the look in seconds for added versatility.

Barbells

Take your piercing jewelry to the next level with a barbell. You can't go wrong with Junipurr Jewelry's 14k gold horseshoe, which stands out for its polished finish and luster without tarnish. Horseshoe barbells can serve a dual function as jewelry for orbital, lip, tragus, dite, septal, and snakebite piercings.

Barbells should not resemble a horseshoe; You can find both curved and straight piercing jewelry. Both options provide maximum wearer comfort and are easy to care for. The straight bars follow the flat back spike, with the main difference being the rounded ball at the back.

Rings

Beaded clicker rings are an attractive alternative to traditional shell ear jewelry. It is a hoop with a single bead held in place with tension on both sides of the ring. You can remove the bead to relieve tension before inserting the jewelry. Clicker rings are an easy-to-use accessory with a hinged closure for maximum convenience.

Not sure which ear piece is right for you? Visit your local body jewelry specialist to learn more about proper fit. An in-person visit allows piercers to determine the appropriate measurements and measurements for your body. You can also find a full range of shell ear jewelry at Pierced.co.

Our favorite shell jewelry

Can AirPods be worn with a shell piercing?

Before you pierce a sink, you should become familiar with the process of piercing and repairing. Conch shells fit most ear types and, like most ear piercings, cause some pain. It's impossible to put a number on the pain rating because everyone has a different tolerance. Although the piercing occurs in cartilage and not in the lobe, it should feel comparable to other perforations.

The key, especially when it comes to wearing AirPods, lies in the healing process. It takes up to nine months for a conch piercing to fully heal. The range depends on how well you maintain cartilage and overall health.

Once your ear is completely healed, you should have no problem wearing AirPods or other in-ear headphones. Make sure the headphones fit comfortably in your ears when you use them. You may experience minor discomfort or irritation if the earbuds rub against your body jewelry.

One way to get around the problem, even while your ear is healing, is to buy in-ear headphones. They wrap around the outside of the ear, eliminating the risk of unwanted friction. The price of in-ear headphones ranges from a few dollars to a couple of hundred.

How long does a conch piercing take to heal?

On average, a conch piercing takes three to nine months to heal. The exact duration depends on how you feel and how well you take care of your piercing after the procedure. By comparison, cartilage piercings take longer to heal than earlobe piercings, which take 1.5 to 2.5 months on average.

The reason conch piercings take longer to heal is because of the location. Your cartilage is a form of avascular connective tissue, which means the area does not receive a blood supply. Although this part of the ear can withstand stress and stress, it takes longer to heal.

Usually, after you have a conch piercing, your red blood cells and platelets work to stop the bleeding. Your body starts producing collagen fibers to form a new barrier that prevents unwanted bacteria or pathogens from entering the body. This reaction is what causes your other piercing to form a small crust after the procedure.

Cartilage does not contain blood vessels, so your body cannot send red blood cells and platelets directly. This area relies on adjacent connective tissue to repair the hole. The healing process takes time, but you can speed it up with proper care.

Better postoperative care reduces the chances of inflammation and infection. Pierced recommends wiping the area with sterile saline twice a day. Your ear will also thank you if you don't change or fiddle with your ear jewelry during the healing process.