What is a conch piercing?
The conch piercing sits in the central cartilage of your ear – the bowl-shaped part that resembles a shell (concha). There are two variations:
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Inner conch: Placed in the middle of the outer ear, closer to your ear canal. Perfect for studs and statement pieces.
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Outer conch: Placed slightly higher, between the helix and the middle. Ideal for hoops and rings.
The conch piercing is popular because you can wear both subtle studs and eye-catching hoops in it. That makes it perfect for a minimalist look or an elaborate ear party.
Why choose Eline Rosina?
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14 karat solid gold: No coating that wears off, but real gold that lasts a lifetime.
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100% recycled: Sustainably produced without compromising on quality.
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Lab-grown diamonds: Real diamonds, ethical and conflict-free.
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Hypoallergenic: Safe for the most sensitive skin, even with fresh piercings.
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Flat back design: Comfortable to wear, even at night. Sleep-proof and swim-proof.
Create your ear stack with a conch piercing
The conch piercing is the perfect centrepiece of your ear party. Combine it with other piercings for a unique look:
- Conch + helix: A classic combination that brings balance to your ear.
- Conch + tragus + lobe: Create a vertical line of jewellery.
- Conch + daith: For true piercing lovers – two statement pieces in one ear.
- Conch + stacked lobe: Mix your conch with several lobe piercings for a full, luxurious look.
Also discover our helix piercings, tragus piercings and cartilage hoops to complete your ear stack.
Caring for your conch piercing
Good aftercare is essential for fast healing:
- Clean twice a day with sterile saline or a piercing spray
- Don't touch your piercing with unwashed hands
- Avoid sleeping on the side of your new piercing
- Don't wear headphones or earbuds while it heals
A conch piercing takes 6 to 12 months to heal. Want to know more? Read everything about conch piercings.
Frequently asked questions about conch piercings
How much does a conch piercing hurt?
A conch piercing is experienced as moderately painful, around a 6 to 7 on a scale of 10. Because the needle goes through relatively thick cartilage, you feel more pressure than with a standard lobe piercing. The pain only lasts a few seconds and is easy to bear.
How long does a conch piercing take to heal?
The average healing time is between 6 and 12 months. The outside often heals faster than the inside of the piercing channel. Always wait until your piercing has fully healed before changing your jewellery.
Can I swim with a conch piercing?
Our 14 karat gold piercings are completely swim-proof and water-resistant. However, with a fresh piercing we recommend avoiding swimming pools, saunas and open water for the first 3 months because of the risk of infection.
Which post length should I choose?
Choose 8mm if your piercing is fresh or if you have thicker conch cartilage. Once fully healed (6–12 months), you can switch to 6.5mm for a snug, comfortable fit.
Can I sleep with a conch piercing?
Yes! Our flat back piercings are specially designed for comfortable sleeping. The flat back doesn't press into your ear, so you can lie on your side without any problem. This is also ideal during the healing process.
When can I change my conch piercing?
Wait at least 6 to 8 months before changing your jewellery, even if the piercing feels healed sooner. If in doubt, have a professional piercer help you change it to avoid damage.
What's the difference between an inner and outer conch?
The inner conch sits in the middle of your outer ear and is ideal for studs. The outer conch sits higher, towards the rim of your ear, and is often chosen for hoops and rings. Both placements can be worn with the same jewellery.
