All You Need to Know About Cartilage Hoop Earrings
Whether you need jewelry to incorporate into your next fit pic or you’re looking to add some more flavor to your look, the best thing about cartilage piercings is that they’re versatile. Not only can you pierce your ear cartilage in many different locations, but there are so many jewelry options as well.
One popular choice is the cartilage hoop earring, which comes in different sizes, styles, and materials. Keep reading on to learn all you need to know about them.
Different Sizes of Cartilage Hoop Earrings
When you buy jewelry, one of the first things you’ll want to check is that you’re buying the right size.
As you’d expect, cartilage hoop earrings come in many different sizes. This is for multiple reasons:
- Different cartilage piercings require different sizes
- No two people have the same anatomy
- Some jewelry needs to be longer to account for initial swelling
- Some jewelry needs to be larger in size for the piercing to heal properly
That being said, there are two ways cartilage hoop sizes are measured.
Gauge
This is how the thickness of a cartilage hoop is measured. The smaller the number, the less thick it is. Typically, cartilage hoop earrings range from 18g to 12g. The number gauge refers to the thickness in millimeters.
Diameter
This measures the distance between the two internal sides of the hoop. Depending on the location of the piercing and your anatomy, you will either want a wider or smaller hoop. Diameter is measured in inch increments.
Different Types of Cartilage Hoop Earrings
Once you determine the size of the jewelry you need, next you will need to pick out the type of hoop you want. But trust us, you’re going to want to indulge in way more—choosing just one is way too difficult.
The different types of cartilage hoop earrings include:
Seamless Rings
These are great for helix, snug, conch, and daith piercings. Made to look seamless, these hoops have a tiny opening so you can fit them through your piercing.
Segment Rings
Segment rings look just like seamless rings. However, instead of a tiny opening, there is usually a hinged segment that opens or a segment that can be removed for easy jewelry installation. These are great to wear in helix, snug, conch, and daith piercings.
Captive Rings
There are two types of captive rings. One involves a fixed bead and malleable material that twists into the shape of a hoop for you to wear. The other involves a hoop where you need to place a captive bead or screw one on. Captive rings are great for daith, helix, snug, conch, and orbital piercings.
Circular Barbells
These hoops look like wide horseshoes. On each side, there’s a beaded end. These ends can either be internally or externally threaded. They’re great for helix and daith piercings.
Different Materials for Cartilage Hoop Earrings
While the hoops can have many additions, like CZ gems or stone beads for ends, they are generally made out of one of the following metals:
- 316LVM Stainless steel
- Gold
- Niobium
- ASTM f136 Titanium
These metals are all biocompatible and known to be tolerated well by piercees. This is because they generally do not contain common allergens, such as nickel.
The Main Point
Cartilage hoop earrings come in many different styles, sizes, and materials. But not only that, they come in different colors and/or with some beautiful stones, shiny gems, or unique beads.
From pink opalite teardrop titanium captive rings to stainless steel heart-shaped hoops for daith piercings, when you browse through our collection you’re guaranteed to find something that matches your exact style.
Written by Jackie Rachel
