The Best Cartilage Earrings
If your outfit could use an instant upgrade, try adding a cartilage piercing into your jewelry rotation. With pieces ranging from minimalist to bold, there’s sure to be a style that suits you perfectly. Options include the classic hoop, studs, barbells, or horseshoe shapes, along with non-traditional shapes and earrings with colorful gems for more individual flair. If the idea of getting your cartilage pierced makes you shudder, or you just want to try out the look, never fear — removable ear cuffs offer a stylish and temporary option. To help you find a new favorite or two, we’ve compiled some of the best cartilage earrings available.
Epirora Silver Hoop Cartilage Earrings
Sleek and simple
These silver hoop earrings are the perfect balance of sweet and edgy, ideal for a decorative cartilage piercing that doesn’t overwhelm your ear. The set includes six individual pieces, so you can wear them in your lobes as well your cartilage for an all-over coordinated style. Each ring opens and closes with a segment hoop, which hides the thinner part of the jewelry comfortably in your ear and creates a smooth, seamless look when it is closed.
Pros:
- Free of nickel and lead, two common allergens
- It is easy to open and close the segment hoop design
- Premium sterling silver is long-lasting and hypoallergenic
Cons:
- You may need to polish the sterling silver occasionally to keep it shiny
- The hoops are 20 gauge metal, which will fit into larger gauge piercings but may be slightly loose
Gorgeouser 14K Gold Plated Cartilage Stud Earrings
Go for the gold
If your ears could use a bit of an upgrade, these simple stud earrings are a beautifully chic solution. Each stud is plated in 14 karat gold and features a small ball at the end of the post. The surgical-grade steel won’t irritate your piercings, nor will it tarnish over time. Because the design is so understated, these cartilage earrings pair wonderfully with many styles of lobe earrings without looking cluttered. They also add a subtle dash of gold when worn alone, making them a versatile addition to your jewelry box.
Pros:
- Surgical-grade steel base
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Package includes twelve pieces
Cons:
- Because they’re plated, the 14 karat gold may wear off over time
Sloong Sparkling Ear Cuff Pack
Fake it 'til you make it
If you want to try out how a cartilage piercing looks or you just want to avoid the ordeal of getting a hole punched out of your upper ear, these ear cuffs are for you. The curved design comfortably hugs the helix of the ear without pinching or causing pain, so they’re great for children and teens as well as adults. The variety pack contains ten different designs, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content, either wearing them with other earrings or on their own for a minimalist look.
Pros:
- Wraps around the ear and doesn’t require a piercing
- Great for kids and teens
- Ten different options for variety
Cons:
- May fall off if not properly tightened
- Can slip down the ear and need re-adjustment
Mayhoop Surgical Steel Horseshoe Cartilage Jewelry
Color me impressed
Variety is the spice of life, and this set of horseshoe cartilage earrings ensures that you’ll never run out of options for your piercings. The hoops are made from surgical steel, while the ball attachments are made of shaped surgical steel or brightly colored acrylic. Finally, these versatile earrings are suitable for both men and women, and they also fit in septum and eyebrow piercings if you have them.
Pros:
- High-quality surgical-grade steel with bioflex acrylic
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gender-neutral style
Cons:
- The hoop is externally threaded, which can make it more difficult to insert into piercings
- The balls can come loose over time, so be sure to check them periodically to keep them from falling off
Sluynz Sterling Silver Ear Cuff Chain Earrings
Stay connected
Chains are always fashionable, and this stylish earring provides the perfect balance of delicacy and boldness. The bottom of the earring threads through a lobe piercing, and the chain attaches to a cuff that fits snugly against the edge of the ear, no cartilage piercing required. The set includes two pieces, so you can wear one on each ear for a dramatic look or wear them one at a time or paired with a different earring for a chic asymmetrical style.
Pros:
- You don’t need a cartilage piercing to wear this earring
- Ear cuff won’t get lost because it is attached to the lobe piercing
- You can wear the adjustable cuff at different heights on the ear
Cons:
- You must have an earlobe piercing
- The chain is thin, but it may be uncomfortable when putting the earring on
Frequently Asked Questions
What metals are best for cartilage earrings?
To ensure that your earrings will last, choose a strong, high-quality, material like stainless steel or sterling silver. If you have sensitive ears or metal allergies, choose nickel-free jewelry and solid metal earrings rather than plated jewelry. Good hypoallergenic choices include gold, titanium, platinum, and sterling silver because they are nonreactive and will not cause irritation or redness.
What gauge cartilage earring should I get?
The most common gauge for cartilage piercings is 16 gauge. Of course, 18 gauge is smaller, so this size jewelry will also fit if you were pierced with a 16 gauge needle. Piercing guns are usually a smaller gauge, so if you got your cartilage pierced at the mall you may have a 20-gauge hole and should choose slimmer jewelry accordingly. If you’re unsure of what size piercing you have, you can ask a professional piercer for confirmation.
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