Cartilage Earrings

A cartilage earring goes not into the lobe but into the firm tissue at the top of the ear. That area is thinner and heals more slowly, so both the post and the material are chosen differently.

All Four Are Small

A large, heavy earring is uncomfortable in cartilage. All four models in this category are designed small.

Leda has a 4 mm pearl, the plainest in the category. Sandra, Carie Silver and Carie Gold are small in the same way, because weight is felt directly in this part of the ear.

Material Matters More Here

Sandra and Carie Silver are 925 sterling silver. Carie Gold is gold plated sterling silver. Leda is brass with gold plating.

Cartilage is more prone to irritation than the lobe. If you've just had it pierced, or the area is sensitive, staying on the silver side is safer.

Majorica Pearl in Sandra

Sandra uses Majorica pearl. Its surface is more durable than a natural pearl's.

A cartilage earring usually stays in for long stretches rather than coming out every evening. In that kind of use a durable surface is a practical advantage.

Other Options for the Same Area

For the upper ear you can also look at the tragus piercing earring and pearl piercing categories. All three are chosen on the same logic: thin posts and small sizes.

The Healing Process

Cartilage heals far more slowly than the lobe. The lobe closes over in a few weeks; cartilage can take months.

During that time the jewellery shouldn't be changed often. Even once healing is complete the area can stay sensitive, which is why heavy, large earrings aren't recommended here.

Not forcing the earring in matters too. The post is thin and should slide into the channel easily. If there's resistance, changing the angle is better than pushing.

In short

• The simplest: Leda, 4 millimeters.
• Sensitive cartilage: 925 sterling silver, Sandra or Carie Silver.
• Durable surface: Majorica pearl, Sandra.
• The same design in two metals: Carie.
• See the full pearl earrings collection.