Conch Piercing Jewelry

A conch piercing is located in the inner, bowl-shaped depression of the ear made of cartilage. The area resembles a conch shell, which is where the name comes from. The exact shape and size of the conch can vary depending on your anatomy. Learn more in our complete guide to conch piercings.

Most conch piercings are done at either a 16 gauge or a 14 gauge. Your piercer will choose the best gauge based on your ear anatomy and the type of jewelry you plan to wear. Initial jewelry is usually a labret stud with a longer post to allow room for swelling. Our conch piercing guide covers gauge sizes and initial jewelry in more detail.

Conch piercings are cartilage piercings and take longer to heal than lobes. On average, healing takes at least nine months. Dermal-punched conch piercings can take a year or longer to fully heal. For a full breakdown of the healing process, check out our conch piercing healing guide.

Pain levels vary from person to person, but conch piercings are often rated around a 6 out of 10. They tend to hurt more than lobe piercings because the needle passes through thick cartilage. Dermal punches are typically more painful since tissue is removed. Read more about conch piercing pain levels and what to expect.

Flatback labret studs are the best option for a healing conch piercing. The flat back sits comfortably against the ear and helps reduce irritation. Implant-grade titanium is a popular choice because it lowers the risk of allergic reactions and supports easier healing. Explore jewelry options in our conch piercing jewelry guide.

Hoops and rings can be worn in conch piercings, but it's best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before switching from your initial jewelry. Changing jewelry too early can cause bumps, irritation, or scarring that slows down healing. Our guide to conch piercing jewelry styles covers hoops, studs, and more.

An inner conch piercing is placed in the center of the inner ear's cartilage bowl. An outer conch piercing sits on the flat ridge above the conch and is highly dependent on anatomy. While rings are often worn in outer conch piercings, wearing a ring does not automatically make it an orbital piercing. Get the full picture in our guide to conch piercings.

Conch piercings require consistent aftercare and patience during healing. If you are unable to keep up with cleaning routines or are unsure whether your anatomy supports this piercing, it may not be the best option. A professional piercer can help determine if a conch piercing is right for you. Our complete conch piercing guide can help you decide if this piercing is right for you.