Conch Piercing Jewellery

Inner or outer conch — the right piece for each

The conch is the cupped bowl in the middle of the ear, named after the shell it resembles. It is one of the few placements that carries both a tiny stud and a bold hoop convincingly — but the two sit in different spots, and they need different jewellery.

Gauge
16G (1.2mm)14G on some heavier placements
Stud post
8mm – 10mmconch tissue is thicker than helix
Hoop size
10mm – 12mmfor an outer conch ring
Healing
6 – 12 monthsone of the slower ear placements

Shop conch jewellery

Getting the size right

  • Inner conch takes a longer post than a helix. The tissue in the middle of the ear is noticeably thicker, so 8mm is a common healed length where a helix would take 6mm. Too short and the disc presses into the ear.
  • Outer conch hoops need diameter, not length. A ring has to clear the rim of the conch to sit properly. 10mm is the usual starting point and 12mm gives the bolder look.
  • Do not guess between the two. If you are unsure whether yours is inner or outer conch, look at where the hole sits: inside the bowl is inner, close to the outer ridge is outer.

Not sure of your gauge or length? The Belora size guide walks through measuring in about 30 seconds, and our material page explains why every core piece is ASTM F136 titanium. If you would rather start from what other people already wear, the best reviewed pieces each hold 50+ reviews. Our materials and company standards page sets out exactly what we stock and how to check it.

Which style suits a conch

  • Flat back stud

    The right choice for an inner conch and the only one worth wearing while healing. Sits flush, survives sleep, and does not press against a headphone cup.

    Browse this style
  • Clicker hoop

    What makes an outer conch a statement. Wait until the piercing is fully healed, then choose a diameter that clears the ear cartilage cleanly.

    Browse this style
  • Marquise and fan clusters

    Conch has more flat surface than any other cartilage placement, so it carries a wider decorative top than a helix or tragus can.

    Browse this style

Common questions

What is the difference between an inner and outer conch piercing?
An inner conch sits inside the cupped bowl in the middle of the ear and is normally worn with a flat back stud. An outer conch sits closer to the outer ridge and is the placement that carries a large hoop wrapping around the ear.
What size hoop do I need for an outer conch?
10mm inner diameter is the usual starting size, and 12mm gives a bolder look that sits further from the ear. Anything smaller than 10mm will generally press against the cartilage rather than clearing it.
What post length do I need for a conch stud?
8mm suits most healed inner conch piercings, and some people need 10mm. Conch tissue is thicker than the helix, so a 6mm post that fits your helix will usually be too short here.
Can I sleep on a conch piercing?
Not comfortably for the first several months, and pressure while healing is one of the main causes of irritation bumps. A flat back stud is the least aggravating option because the smooth disc sits flush behind the ear.
How long does a conch piercing take to heal?
Typically 6 to 12 months. It is among the slower ear placements to settle because of how thick the cartilage is. Keep to flat back studs until your piercer confirms it has healed.

Go deeper

Other placements

Helix Tragus Daith & Rook Septum Nose Belly & Navel

Sizes and healing times on this page are typical ranges, not guarantees — anatomy varies, and healing differs from person to person. Your piercer has seen your piercing and we have not: check with them before changing jewellery, especially on a piercing that is still settling. Belora sells jewellery and does not provide medical advice.