The Ultimate Guide to Upper Conch Jewelry: Types, Styles, and Care

Conch piercings are popular, and upper conch jewelry is uniquely beautiful and sophisticated. At Pierced.co, we specialize in luxe and lovely jewelry for all types of piercings. We aim to be your favourite destination for online jewelry with spectacular pieces by acclaimed designers like Junipurr Jewelry and Maria Tash.

What Is an Ear Conch?

Picture a seashell. Chances are you thought of a conch—a spiral seashell with a flared lip. Stylists named ear conchs after these shells. Your ear conch is the inner cupped part of your ear comprised mostly of cartilage. You can get either the inner or outer part pierced, and the location of your piercing depends mainly on your ear shape and the type of jewelry you like best.

Different styles of jewelry look better on different parts of the ear. Studs look stunning on the inner conch, and hoop earrings are perfect for the outer conch.

What Is an Upper Conch Piercing?

An upper conch piercing is through your ear’s flat piece between the antihelix and helix, while a lower conch piercing is through the cupped portion near your ear canal. Often, people prefer to adorn their upper conch with a single, stylish hoop earring.

What's the Difference Between a Conch and an Orbital Piercing?

Orbital piercings aren't location-specific—they can be anywhere on the body where two pierced holes can be made an equal distance apart to accommodate a ring. A conch piercing can be part of an orbital piercing, but a second opening is necessary to complete the piercing.

In short, in a conch piercing, there is only one hole.

Both are unique and attractive. Talk to a professional at your piercing studio about which one is right for you. Upper conch jewelry that works for conch piercings will generally appear similar to orbital rings, but the two are not interchangeable.

What Gauge Is a Conch Piercing?

Most conch piercings are 16 gauge, but occasionally people will require 14 gauge. Since all ears are different, your piercer will help you pick the right gauge during your appointment.

Our Favourite Conch Jewelry

Does a Conch Piercing Hurt?

Everyone is different, but most people agree that conch piercings hurt. Conch piercings go through the ear’s cartilage, so they will naturally be a little more painful than other piercings. Expect a sharp pinch, at least.

The good news is that piercing is a relatively quick process, so the pain should go away reasonably quickly.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Upper Conch Jewelry

Cleaning Routine:

• Use a saline solution or sterile saline wound wash to clean your piercing twice a day.
• Avoid harsh cleansers or alcohol-based products, as they can irritate the piercing.

Avoiding Irritation and Infection:

• Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
• Protect your piercing from makeup, hair products, and sweat.
• Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water during the healing period.

Handling and Rotating Jewelry:

• Only handle the jewelry with clean hands.
• Rotate the jewelry gently during cleaning to prevent it from sticking to the skin.

Long-Term Maintenance:

• Regularly check the jewelry for any signs of damage or loosening.
• Visit your professional piercer if you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns.

Can You Wear Earbuds With a Conch Piercing?

It's challenging to wear traditional earbuds with a conch piercing, as they will almost certainly irritate your upper conch jewelry. You might wear earbuds after your piercing heals, but many people find it uncomfortable to do so.

Your best option is to use large headphones that fully cover your ears.

How Long Do Conch Piercings Take to Heal?

Conch piercings can take quite a while to heal. Generally, you can expect the process to take at least six months, but some people are still healing up to a year after their initial piercing.

Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or swelling and ensure that you follow proper maintenance and care instructions. Clean the piercing site with a recommended solution twice a day and remember to rotate your upper conch jewelry, as not to get stuck in one position.

Go to a Professional Piercer

Set yourself up for success by going to a professional piercing studio from the beginning. Although the best conch piercings are relatively straightforward, they can get infected if your piercer uses less than acceptable equipment or has unsanitary working conditions.

Once you find a studio that you like, make sure that you take a tour before getting your piercing done. Take a look at their working stations and note how they keep their equipment. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions.

Conch piercings are popular for a good reason—they look unique and sophisticated on just about everyone! For the best online selection of upper conch jewelry, make sure that you check out our store at Pierced.co. We have a massive assortment of options from renowned designers in high-quality materials like gold. We also have threadless jewelry and a variety of styles for all budgets and tastes.