Ear map

Where a piece sits changes what it has to be

The ear is not one material. The lobe is soft tissue with no cartilage in it. The helix and the upper ear are firm cartilage, thinner front to back. Those differences decide post length, back type and how much weight is sensible. This page describes the structure of each position and lists what we make for it.

We do not give medical advice. Questions about piercing, healing or aftercare belong with a professional piercer or a healthcare professional. Everything on this page describes materials and construction only.

Diagram of a right ear. The number on each marker is how many pieces we make for that position.

Choose by where it sits

Different parts of the ear are different tissue and different thicknesses, so they take different posts. Select a position on the diagram, or use the list below.

All positions

The five positions, in words

Everything below is anatomical and structural description. It is not guidance on whether or when to be pierced, or on aftercare.

Lobe

30 pieces

The soft fleshy lower part of the ear. It contains no cartilage, which is why it is the position most standard studs and hoops are sized for. Most lobe posts are 0.8–1.0 mm across.

See all 30 lobe pieces

Second lobe

23 pieces

A piercing sitting above the first, still in the soft lobe tissue. Because the two sit close together, pieces here are usually smaller in outer diameter so they do not overlap the one below.

See all 23 second lobe pieces

Helix

12 pieces

The upper outer rim of the ear. This is cartilage — firmer tissue than the lobe, and thinner front to back, which is why posts fitted here are typically shorter.

See all 12 helix pieces

Cartilage

6 pieces

The firm structural tissue of the upper ear generally. Cartilage takes considerably longer to settle after piercing than lobe tissue does, and flat-back fittings are the usual choice because they sit level against the skin.

See all 6 cartilage pieces

Non-pierced

6 pieces

No piercing involved. Clip-ons grip the lobe with an adjustable lever, cuffs slide onto the outer rim and hold by spring tension, and hooks rest over the top of the ear.

See all 6 non-pierced pieces

What we do not do

We do not offer a piercing service and we do not sell piercing tools, needles or guns.
We do not sell earrings intended for children under 12.
We do not advise on whether a piercing is healing normally, or on what to do if it is not. That is a question for a professional piercer or a healthcare professional.