Conch Jewellery

Thinking about getting a conch piercing? We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about conch jewellery to help you decide whether it’s right for you! 

What is conch jewellery, and how is it different from other ear piercings?

Conch piercings are named after the conch-like curl of the ear fold where they’re typically done. They’re different from other ear piercings because they pierce the cartilage, not just the loose skin at the edges of the ear. 

Inner conch piercings are in the cupped part of the ear, closer to the ear canal. Outer conch piercings are done closer to the edge of the ear and typically pierce less cartilage.  

What is the healing time for a conch piercing, and how should I care for it?

Conch piercings take much longer to heal than other ear piercings because cartilage is harder for your body to rebuild than the loose skin of an earlobe. Most conch piercings take between 4 and 12 months to fully heal and are often much more painful than other ear piercings. 

Clean your conch piercing with a commercial saline solution throughout the healing process, and always wash your hands before and after touching it. Avoid getting hair or clothes tangled in the piercing, as this can injure the spot and make it more painful. 

Above all, don’t use harsh chemicals like alcohol or iodine, as this can make your piercing worse. If you notice any signs of infection, seek medical help as soon as possible. 

Can I wear hoops or studs in my conch piercing?

Absolutely! Most piercers recommend waiting the full 12 months before you wear hoop earrings in a conch piercing to ensure it’s fully healed. Stud earrings with flat backs are best for conch piercings, as they’re less likely to dig into the side of your head when you wear them. 

Stick to hypoallergenic materials like 14k solid gold, titanium, gold vermeil, and platinum, and use nickel-free alloys whenever you can. 

Once your piercing has fully healed, you can experiment with other metals, like rose gold and sterling silver. But if you notice any sign of rashes, swelling, or discolouration, stop wearing that metal immediately. 

How do I choose the right size conch earring?

Comfort should always come before style, as you don’t want to cause permanent damage to your ear. Most conch jewellery comes in two main sizes: standard (14g, or 1.2mm) and large (16g, or 1.6mm). If you have a thicker piercing, you might be able to wear the larger size. 

Most conch hoop earrings have a diameter between 10mm and 14mm. If you have a smaller ear or your piercing is closer to the edge of your ear, pick a smaller hoop. 

You can also ask your piercer for advice. All conch piercings should be done by a professional with a clean needle. Most professionals are happy to advise you on what size you should get and what metals and designs to avoid.

What are the latest conch jewellery trends for 2026?

Conch piercings and statement pieces (like our Celestial Teardrop Barbell Cartilage Earrings) are more popular than ever. From two-tone designs to unique shapes and heavy yellow gold pieces (like our Bar Sapphire Barbell Stud Cartilage Earrings), statement jewellery has taken centre stage in 2026 fashion trends. 

Vintage-inspired designs and daith piercings (done on the inner flap of cartilage above your ear canal) are also becoming increasingly popular, as well as colourful gemstones and intricately detailed pieces. 

Customers are also drawn to simpler, more sustainable designs and ethically sourced materials. Lab-grown diamonds, ethically sourced pearls and gemstones, and recycled materials have become staples in the jewellery industry. 

What’s the best way to style conch jewellery with other piercings?

The most important factor to consider is whether your earrings will catch each other or knock against each other frequently, as this can cause many problems over time. 

For a cohesive look, use matching metal colours (like yellow gold with yellow gold or white gold with sterling silver). You can layer multiple piercings and pair them with other matching jewellery like necklaces and bracelets. 

Or, for a more distinctive look, consider mixing your metals: pair a silver conch earring with a pair of gold hoop earrings in your earlobes, for example. 

How do I care for and clean my conch jewellery?

Clean your conch jewellery regularly with warm, soapy water and pat it dry with a soft microfibre cloth. Do not leave it damp, as this can cause it to corrode over time. Sterilise your jewellery regularly, and check it for defects and damage. 

Any gemstones or semi-precious stones should be checked regularly by a professional who can clean and restore them as needed. 

Does Camile and Stone offer hypoallergenic conch jewellery?

Yes! At Camile and Stone, we believe that everyone deserves to wear beautiful jewellery, so all our fine jewellery is nickel-free and naturally hypoallergenic. 

We use 18k gold vermeil, 18k gold plating, 14k solid gold, and sterling silver plated with rhodium to reduce the chance of tarnish or corrosion over time. 

If you have any questions about the materials we use in our conch jewellery, feel free to contact our friendly customer service team for advice! 

Explore our range of conch jewellery today!

Whether you’re still considering a conch piercing or adding to your collection of conch jewellery, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect piece in our selection of conch jewellery. 

Our fine jewellery comes with a 12-month warranty on manufacturing defects for your peace of mind. 

Explore our range of conch jewellery today!