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8 Cartilage Hoop Earrings for All the “It” Girls Out There!

last updated: Aug 12, 2021

Cartilage hoop earrings can easily elevate your style with a single piece. Instead of opting for traditional studs, these phenomenally designed earrings are for the most fashion-forward men and women. With a lightweight and brilliant design, cartilage piercings add a unique flair to any outfit within seconds.

Let’s take a look at some of the most intricate cartilage hoop earrings that you can pair with anything.

Top 8 Cartilage Hoop Earrings Picks!

1. Maison Miru Orbital Crystal Cartilage Hoop

$$
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Features

16g or 18g

8mm diameter

Implant-grade titanium

Versatile design

Often, the most show-stopping pieces are the ones with the fewest details. We love the Maison Miru orbital crystal cartilage hoop because it offers effortless glam, perfect for any occasion.

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One of the first things you’ll think when you see this piece is that it carries an ample amount of gravitas. You’ll especially love how easy it is to pair with other accessories, thanks to its minimalistic design.

You’ll find the earring is made from implant-grade titanium and is available in 16 gauge or 18 gauge. The total diameter is 8mm, making it sit perfectly close to the edge of your ear for all-day wear.

The versatility of this cartilage oop should also be noticed, as it’s excellent for a tragus or helix.

2. Adinas Jewels Cartilage Earring Set

$$$$$
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Features

14k yellow gold

Cubic zirconia

Asymmetrical design

1mm stone size

These hoops are another thrilling pair of cartilage earrings to upgrade the aesthetic of your existing piercings. The Adinas Jewels set is beautifully finished with polished gold and glimmering cubic zirconia.

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Fashionistas looking to stray away from the preppier options for cartilage hoops will love this set. The prismatic elements built into the earrings add the perfect amount of femininity without being too boisterous.

They have delicate features, such as the individually set cubic zirconia, as well as edgier components. We especially love the spike accents along the outside of the hoops, perfectly designed to add texture to the piece.

The earrings are also asymmetrical, which adds even more flavor to an everyday outfit. Above all else, they are incredibly lightweight and perfect sized for any wearer.

We especially love the idea of pairing these premium-grade earrings with huggies for a close-fitting style. The earrings are crafted using premium 14k gold, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin.

You’ll also find the 14k gold is easy to maintain over the years and will always retain its sparkle.

3. Piercing Pagoda Sunburst Cartilage Hoop

$$$
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Features

10k yellow gold

Cubic zirconia

Click closure

018 gauge

The Piercing Pagoda Sunburst cartilage hoop is a charming earring that will sit comfortably in your ear. It has a brilliant design with clustered cubic zirconia arranged in a one-of-a-kind sunburst shape.

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It’s a good idea to invest in earrings that are original and speak to your personal style. With this cartilage hoop, you can show off your fun and flirty side.

The high-quality cubic zirconia gently encases the rounded edge of the hoop while dangling femininely from your cartilage. Compared to most other cartilage earrings, this piece has a spectacular shine that’s bound to glisten in the sun.

Also, the polished 10k gold dazzles effortlessly with the brilliant contrast of clear cubic zirconia. With its smaller size (8mm), you’ll find it’s dainty enough to sit comfortably in your cartilage piercing.

As an added benefit, putting the earring on and taking it off is quite simple with the click closure. All you have to do is thread the piece through your piercing and snap it closed.

4. Black Bow Jewelry & Co Diamond Hoop

$$$$
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Features

Hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver

Free of nickel and lead (which makes them ideal for sensitive ears)

Diamond accent stones

These little silver beauties have a diameter of 0.5-inches, perfect for giving your cartilage a little love. They’re studded with real diamonds for a glam sparkle and luxurious luster.

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They have a hinge and clip closure, staying nice and tight once snapped closed. They could be the perfect gift for a friend with cartilage piercings who needs a little glitz to add to their collection.

Considering this cartilage earring comes with diamonds, the price is great; you could grab a few sets and use them as layering pieces if you have multiple cartilage piercings.

We selected these pretty small hoop earrings because they’re super affordable for the quality you receive. Sterling silver is a huge plus for us because it protects all those sensitive ears out there.

We also love the bright, cool tone of the silver matched with the icy sparkle of diamond stones.

5. Bodifine Star Cartilage Hoop

$$
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Features

Sterling silver

Hinged snap closure

Cubic zirconia

Rust-resistant

Yellow gold jewelry is a classic touch to any outfit, but silver-tone metal is often seen as more modern. If you want to take a contemporary approach to your everyday accessories, these cartilage hoops are perfect.

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These earrings take a more delicate approach with subtle feminine details such as stars and individually set stones. You’ll especially love the radiant silver-toned metal encompassing the entire piece, bringing the stones together.

Instead of being gold, this earring is made from sterling silver, which is easy to maintain over time. You’ll also find the material withstands plenty of wear and tear, especially as it’s rust-resistant.

There’s something adorable about this cartilage piercing as it boasts designer-inspired features. It’s beautifully reflective while offering a dependable design that’s sure to stay secure in your ear.

Like most cartilage hoops, this piece also features a click closure, so it’s easy to put on and remove. It also has a nickel-free design, ideal for those with skin allergies. With its delicate style, it’s easy to pair with any other piece in your collection.

6. MASOP 925 Cartilage Hoop Earrings

$
MASOP Earrings
MASOP Earrings
MASOP Earrings
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$15.99
Features

Hypoallergenic

925 silver

Lead and nickel free

13mm outer diameter

If you love the idea of cartilage hoops but can’t find a minimalistic pair to love, this style is the ideal option. The MASOP sterling silver earrings are beautifully designed for any piercing.

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Instead of opting for standard cartilage hoops, some prefer to wear classic earrings as they can often be larger. This option is designed to sit relatively close to the ear. However, they’re not too tight to be considered comfortable for cartilage piercings.

We especially love how these earrings are ideal for unisex piercing enthusiasts.

You’ll love the quality of these earrings, as they’re designed to last an extended period. They look effortlessly cool thanks to the hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver, both nickel and lead-free. The outer diameter is only 13mm, so it’s not too large for most cartilage piercings.

As an added benefit, the earrings ship in a high-quality gift box that’s perfect for any occasion.

7. Dtja Star Moon Cartilage Hoop Earrings

$
Dtja Star Moon Cartilage Hoop Earrings
Dtja Star Moon Cartilage Hoop Earrings on Model
Amazon Link
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Features

Sterling silver or 14k gold plated

Cubic zirconia

30 days money back guarantee

These earrings are incredibly pretty and a fun choice. Our favorite is the star cartilage earring, studded with cubic zirconia crystals.

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The crescent moon piece of jewelry which you also get in this set is romantic and delicate, also sparkling with cubic zirconia.

You get to choose the set in either 14k gold plating or sterling silver!

We love these earrings for the whimsical femininity they offer our cartilage. They’re fun without being cutesy, romantic without being too obvious.

The materials are impressive, too, so you know you’re getting a great item.

We think both are perfect for adding a subtle, playful flair to special occasion styling.

8. Black Bow Jewelry & Co 14k Gold Hoop

$$$$$
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Features

White gold

24 genuine diamonds

These little beauties have something incredibly modern and sleek about them. High-shine white gold, a hinge, and a tidy click closure provide chrome glamour with ease of use.

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The best part is the tiny diamonds encrusted all along the earring's band, and we're talking about a whopping 24 genuine diamonds!.

Yes, these diamond earrings are super expensive, but then again, you get 24 diamonds in total and white gold, so this is fine jewelry we're talking about.

We chose these diamond wonders because of their high-shine finish, and modern take on the bejeweled hoop.

With 24 diamonds set deep into the hoop, it’s like a mini engagement ring adorning your cartilage.

A beautiful choice for special occasions, or simply for a little everyday luxe.

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Style tips for cartilage hoop earrings

 There are no rules when it comes to styling your jewelry. But there are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your pieces.

Mix your styles and influences. Perhaps you love a little sparkle, but you also love a deep, dark, grungy look too. Don’t choose between the two, mix them up! Wear a jet black stud on the lobe with a sparkling, jewel-set hoop on the cartilage.

Go for an unbalanced ratio of earrings between each ear. One ear may have one simple stud on through the lobe, with one little hoop in the helix. The other ear may have two studs through the lobe and three tiny hoops in the helix.

Choose metals that best flatter your skin tone. You may find that silver brings out the translucence of your skin if you are pale. Girls and guys with deeper, richer skin tones may find that gold enhances the warmth of their complexion.

Experiment with colors and shapes. If you’ve gotten used to plain hoops and are itching to add a new dimension, try a color or interesting shape.

Colored metal or colored resin hoop will add a pop of brightness to your cartilage, flashing boldly as you turn your head.

cartilage earrings

You could also go for a colored gem insert, perhaps an amethyst or emerald (fake or real, it doesn’t matter!) for a touch of regal luxury.

Hoops such as the star and moon set on our list feature shapes incorporated into the hoop. These give us the chance to play with whimsy and romance while still enjoying the simplicity of a subtle hoop.

For those of us with long hair, our ear styling can become hidden in our tresses. If you’ve got to the effort of putting together the perfect combination of cartilage hoops for an occasion, don’t waste your creative flair by covering them with your locks.

Go for an updo such as a rustic bun or high ponytail, or pin your hair back and to the side away from the ear for an old-school aesthetic.

Celebrities who wear cartilage hoops

Beyonce - Queen of all-out glamour

How could we not put the Queen of all things glam, beautiful, cutting-edge, and straight-up incredible at the top of the list?

Beyonce’s jewelry looks are endlessly inspiring, and her cartilage jewels are no exception.

We’ve seen her wearing matching hoops in descending sizes, bejeweled with black gems glistening up her helix.

Beyonce cartilage hoop earrings

We’ve seen her with huge gold hoops on the lobes, and tiny, diamond-encrusted hoops dotted up the ear. If you’re all about all-out glamour and a bold style, absolutely look to Bey for your cartilage earring inspiration.

Sienna Miller - Queen of bohemian glamour

The queen of bohemian glamour, Sienna has been known to pair dangling, bejeweled lobe earrings with simple cartilage hoops.

Sienna Miller cartilage hoop

Sienna shows us the beauty of juxtaposing different styles. She rocks tousled hair with perfect makeup and elegant gowns with edgy jewels.

The top of her helix is often adorned with a single gold hoop, not over staging the centerpiece on her lobe.

Celebrities who wear cartilage hoops

Scarlett Johansson - Queen of modern Hollywood glamour

Scarlett is an expert at mixing the simple with the exaggerated.

Scarlet Johansson ear piercings

One of our favorite looks of hers is when she went for a big sparkly stud with some effortlessly simple, shiny gold hoops placed around the helix.

Rihanna - Queen of everything badass

Last but not least, the “it girl” of the moment, Rihanna. Riri has fun with her styles, switching between rockstar glam, beachy casual, and avant-garde couture.

Her earring choices follow this pattern, and she doesn’t hold back. Rihanna’s cartilages are often stacked, studded, hooped, and bejeweled with eye-watering beautiful pieces.

Rihanna cartilage hoop earrings

One of our favorite looks from Ri is when she layered five silver hoops arching up the helix, with a large silver stud on the lobe.

The silver-tone shone against her warm skin, and the abundance of pieces added a luxurious, full glam aesthetic without the over-the-top look of dangling lobe earrings.

Cartilage hoop earrings...what are they?

Style

Ear cartilage is all of the harder, tougher parts of the ear. Anything you can pierce, which is not the earlobe, is cartilage.

The most commonly pierced parts of the ear cartilage are the helix, the ante-helix, and orbital piercings.

The helix is the outer edge of the ear that curves up and around. The antihelix is the little raised curve just inside the helix on the middle-top part of the ear.

An orbital piercing is when to holes are pierced on opposing sides of each other, so the earring can wrap around a portion of the ear as opposed to simply piercing through.

type of ear piercings

You often see celebrities styling their red carpet looks with jewel-encrusted hoops and studs adorning the top of their helix to add a bit of edge and to sharpen out the more traditional lobe earrings.

Hoop earrings for the cartilage are generally tiny in diameter so they can hug the cartilage neatly. You can get slimline, narrow hoops, or wider cuffs.

Depending on the style of hoop earrings you choose, they can look effortlessly pretty and feminine, or downright badass and edgy.

You can use different colors, shapes, and metals to customize your look according to your mood and preference.

That’s the great thing about jewelry! Nothing is permanent, so you can switch your style influences daily, going edgy one day, and completely feminine the next.

Jewelry Metal & Gemstone Quality

 It’s important to keep your earrings clean to avoid infections and general discomfort.

It’s actually super easy and affordable to keep your earrings clean; you just need a couple of items:

1. Cotton pads
2. Rubbing alcohol or sanitizing liquid

When you got your cartilage piercing done, you may have been given a sanitizing solution for your jewels. If not, just buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and you’re good to go.

Wash your hands before you handle your earrings to avoid any infections. Soak a portion of the cotton pad with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the entire earring, ensuring all surface areas have been wiped.

Either pop the earring back into your cartilage or store safely.

Speaking of storage…

Cartilage hoops are tougher to store than dangly earrings because they don’t have a hook to hang onto an earring rack or mesh board.

We find the best way to store them is to have a dedicated box, especially for small hoop earrings. A box with lots of separate compartments is ideal, but not a necessity.

Keep all of your tiny cartilage hoops in a little box with a secure lid, and ensure they’re snapped closed before you put them in.

This ensures that they don’t become tangled and hooked onto each other. Make a rule that only freshly-cleaned earrings are stored in the box, as it means there’s no risk of adding contaminated earrings to clean ones.

Regularly cleaning and properly storing your earrings is not only healthy and safe, but it extends the life of your earrings, keeping them shiny and lustrous for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Can you wear regular earrings in cartilage?

a:

It’s possible to wear regular earrings in your cartilage, but you’ll have to take size into account. You won’t want to choose a piece that’s too large or heavy for the upper part of your ear.

Also, you’ll need to take the gauge into account before settling on a specific piece.

q: Are hoops or studs better for cartilage?

a:

Studs are often seen as the more comfortable option for cartilage as they nestle in the curves of your ear. However, hoops are far more fashionable and add an edgier flair to any outfit in your closet.

You can also find comfortable hoops that can be worn during the day and night without discomfort.

q: Is cartilage piercing more painful than earlobe?

a:

It’s true when people say that the cartilage is more painful to get pierced than your earlobe. However, if you visit a professional piercer for the task, it will go by quickly and effortlessly.

Finally..

Cartilage earrings can be as subtle or statement-making as you want them to be.

If you’re just starting out with cartilage piercings, choose a few styles made from hypoallergenic metals such as surgical steel and nickel-free stainless steel.

Simple hoops, either plain or with a touch of glittering stones are the perfect way to get used to your new piercing.

Once the piercing has healed and you’re used to the look and feel, you can start to branch out with larger hoops, more gems, different colors, and edgy shapes.

For inspiration, look toward our favorite “it girls,” from Beyonce to Emma Watson and beyond, so you can mix and match style influences with your own personal, fabulous flair.

Don’t be afraid to go all out and stack your helix with multiple cartilage hoop earrings for a super cool, modern take on ear styling. Most of all, just have fun!

Show your style, experiment with different looks, and of course, practice proper earring hygiene to ensure a healthy and comfortable piercing for life.

Sources

  1. Jen Marie, 9 Things To Expect When You Pierce Your Cartilage, Lifestyle Website
  2. George Driver, Cartilage Piercing, Fashion & Style Website