Ear Art! 25 Crazy-Cool Cartilage Piercing And Helix Piercing Ideas (PHOTOS)
Dress up those lobes!
instagram Ear piercings are one of the most common piercings known to women (and man) and for good reason: the ear is a small but complex structure, full of flat surfaces and piercable ridges.
But what is a helix piercing? According to Infinite Body Piercing, a helix ear piercing is any piercing which passes through "the ridge of cartilage running around the edge of the pinna, or [the] external part of the ear." In layman's terms, it is any piercing along the curvature of your ear.
That said, not all helix piercings are equal, and there are technically two types of helix piercings: outer helix piercings, and forward helix piercings.
So what's the difference? Well, outer helix piercings are piercings which go through the upper cartilage of the ear while forward helix piercings pass through the lip of cartilage which is nearest to your face. Pretty neat, right?
Well, if you like the aesthetic of the helix piercings, you may also love some of these other other amazing cartilage piercings.
1. Daith Piercing
This daith piercing highlights the curvature of the ear. Simple yet stunning.
2. Anti-Tragus Piercing
While very few people have the anatomy to pull off this piercing, successful anti-tragus piercings add a bit of edge to any ear.
3. Industrial & Conch Piercings
This conch/industrial combo isn't just bold, it is beautiful. And the bling isn't bad either.
4. Outer Helix Piercing
I'm not sure which is better about this piercing: the placement or the complementary jewelry. Gor-ge-ous!
5. Rook Piercing
Nestled in inner nook of the ear, the rook piercing takes advantage of the body's natural anatomy.
6. Daith, Forward Helix, and Tragus Piercings
This collection of ear piercings — and accompanying gold jewelry — is dazzling yet delicate.
7. Conch Piercing
Looking to make a statement? This big, bright, and bold conch piercing is sure to get people talking.
8. Forward Helix & Tragus Piercing
Cute and dainty, this helix/tragus combo is just delightful.
9. Rook Piercing
While rook piercings are beautiful in-and-of themselves, the floral jewelry adds an ultra-feminine edge to any ear.
10. Triple Outer Helix Piercing (AKA "Triple Flat")
Talk about using the shape of the ear to your advantage! These cascading gems (in varied sizes) are bright, brilliant, and elegant.
11. Tragus & Custom Industrial Piercings
Some piercings are so amazing they leave you speechless, and this is no exception. Truly. This is a one-of-a-kind design.
12. Daith, Forward Helix, and Tragus Piercings
Cultured and classy, these babies will add a bit of beauty to your ear.
13. Conch & Outer Helix Piercings
While this outer helix piercing is adorned with a simple ring, the real showstopper here is the punched conch. One word: Wow.
14. Rook Piercing
Another shining example of a successful — and stunning — rook piercing.
15. Outer Helix & Conch Piercings
This helix/conch combo proofs that all that glitters isn't gold.
16. Industrial Piercing
Simple and sophisticated, this industrial piercing isn't just feminine, it is ultra high-end.
17. Outer Helix Piercing
Playing with the shape of the ear, Jana Malanga was able to make a big statement with a single piece of jewelry. Haute couture!
18. Outer Helix, Rook, and Conch Piercings
With a "stepping stone" designs and some diamond bling, this piece is the perfect example of a well-curated ear.
19. Custom Industrial Piercing
Nothing says "statement" like a custom design. A real showstopper!
20. Outer Helix & Daith Piercings
Sometimes less is more and that is the case with these stacked helix piercings. Simplicity at its finest!
21. Conch Piercing
Classy and flashy, this conch piercing will capture anyone's attention.
22. Forward Helix Piercings
These little beauties may be small but they sure are stunning!
23. Outer Helix & Conch Piercing
A hammered moon and opal conch make this ear modern yet magnificent.
24. Outer Helix & Daith Piercings
Diamonds... diamonds everywhere.
25. Anti-Tragus Piercing
Well-placed and high-polished, this anti-helix piercing is elegant and edgy. Beau-ti-ful.
Kimberly Zapata is a professional writer and copyeditor. She is a regular contributor for Sammiches and Psych Meds and her work has been featured on numerous websites and online publications, including Huff Post, Scary Mommy, Mamalode, Bonbon Break, The Good Men Project, and APIARY.