Most people begin their ear-piercing journey with a single piercing, in the middle of each ear lobe. Some may venture forward on that journey, with a second piercing, like a second lobe or helix piercing. Others will continue further, toward a handful of piercings or more on a single ear. For journeys like that, you’ll want some kind of plan.
Enter the curated ear. Gone are the days of popping holes in your ears willy-nilly. The curated ear refers to an ear that has benefitted from the process of purposefully selecting not only the right earrings, but also the right piercing placement ahead of time to create a unique, beautiful design. Because the curated ear is designed and assembled specifically for each individual, no two are alike. Follow along for a full guide to the world of curated ears, navigating placement, styling options and more.
How to get a curated ear
If you already have all your desired piercings and are simply curious about the best tips for stacking earrings, check out mastering the art of earring stacks. For those ready to add additional piercings and work to purposefully curate a bold, stylish look with a curated ear, read on.
You will have to make a few decisions for this process, which can feel a bit overwhelming to some. Fortunately, there are many salons and piercing studios who now provide curated ear services. The experts will be able to help you answer questions like how many piercings you want in total, where you want those piercings placed and how you will style your multi-pierced ear. To equip yourself with knowledge beforehand, consider the following expert advice to those very questions below.
Step 1. Determine how many ear piercings you want.
It is recommended to get no more than four piercings in one session, especially if you are getting them all in one ear. Exceeding four piercings per session can result in increased swelling and a prolonged healing period. Furthermore, if you’re planning on piercing cartilage in both ears, you may want to consider doing this on two separate visits, as this can make it hard to sleep.
As with any new piercing, follow all necessary guidelines to prevent healing issues or other complications. Consider 6 ear piercing care mistakes you're probably making as a refresher before scheduling your additional piercings. A professional can help you determine the right number of piercings for the design you are trying to accomplish.
Step 2. Decide your piercing placement.
If you are just beginning your ear-piercing research, first consider the various ear piercings available to you (shown below). Or, if you find an earring you love, but don’t yet have the piercings to accommodate it, a professional at your piercing studio can help determine the best piercing placement to accomplish your desired design.
- Lobe. This is where the journey often begins. Lobes can have a single piercing or multiple piercings.
- Helix. These are piercings in the upper cartilage of the ear and can be on the helix, forward helix, the industrial and the conch.
- Upper ear. This territory is a bit higher in the ear, including piercings like the rook, the daith and the tragus.
- Cartilage. The flat area of cartilage can hold piercings such as the forward helix flat and the anti-tragus.
Step 3. Style your multi-pierced ear.
Having a style in mind for your curated ear can help you and your stylist easily select piercing and earring options. If you have a strict budget, pull jewelry that you already own for inspiration, and build upon it with a new earring set or two. Having your jewelry organized beforehand can help you curate the right pieces for your design more easily.
To begin, choose metals that compliment your complexion. Holding jewelry pieces to your face will help you decide which metals and tones compliment your skin tones best. Consider the following styles:
- Minimalist. Keep everything simple and dainty. Similar to minimalist home interior design, allow for more open space and consider fewer pieces that provide a little pop.
- Cluster. Group different gems, beads, or other decorative elements to create a “cluster” effect that is eye-catching and versatile.
- Hoops. Coming in many shapes, sizes and colors, the hoops you select can make all the difference. An ornate, colorful hoop adds personality to a curated ear, while a more minimal hoop can give you space to build more drama with additional pieces.
- Statement pieces. Similar to assembling an outfit, sometimes it’s easiest to start with a statement piece. Choose a favorite bold earring and use it as your focal point, bringing in smaller pieces that compliment or accentuate your statement piece.
- Studs only. Despite getting a reputation as the “filler” earring, a stud-only approach can create a unique, eye-catching look that’s a bit different from most curated ears.
- Mix and match based on your style. As with most styling, it’s best to pick the pieces that speak to your personal style and blend well together to create a cohesive look. After all, that’s the whole point of the curated ear—to create a beautiful display that allows you to show off your unique style and personality.
Less is Sometimes More
A curated ear is supposed to look purposeful. Overcrowding or awkwardly-placed piercings can take your great intentions and turn them into an earring mess. Before moving forward with a new ear piercing, make a styling appointment to determine if you can achieve a curated ear look with the piercings you currently have. If you’re adding new jewelry to your collection to complete your ensemble, protect your investments by obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage, and disappearance. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
