Cartilage Earrings

Among the best types of cartilage earrings are sleepers, which are lightweight and can be worn on their own or with other hoops and studs. Sleepers are smaller than regular hoops and are available in different styles, including seamless hoops, which feature a tiny opening to ensure a more comfortable fit, and hinged hoops that click firmly into place. 

Helix studs, meanwhile, have a flat back to prevent the post from irritating the ear. Flat back cartilage earrings are secured by inserting the earring top into the flat back post and twisting it until it’s tightened. Because of this flat backing, helix studs are ideal for everyday wear, making them a comfortable choice for those who prefer to keep their earrings in.  

Both sleepers and cartilage studs come in a range of styles to suit everyone, whatever your desired aesthetic. Showcase your love of nature with a helix stud featuring a flower or snake. Or, add a minimal twist to a classic look with a set of diamond accent sleeper earrings or a sterling silver cartilage earring in a mini hoop.

While helix earrings are cartilage earrings, not all cartilage earrings are helix earrings. 

Cartilage earrings describe any earring that is worn on the cartilage, which is the thick tissue above the earlobe.  

Helix earrings, meanwhile, refer to earrings worn specifically along the upper cartilage of the ear. Helix piercings come in several styles including single, double and triple helix, as well as forward helix piercings, where the earring sits in the forward-facing fold of your ear.  

At Michael Hill, our range is designed especially for helix piercings, giving you stylish options to wear anywhere along the outer cartilage. Whether you’re stacking multiple studs or choosing a standout hoop, you can create a curated look that suits your personal style.

For those with a cartilage piercing, earrings can be worn in a number of ways to create your own unique aesthetic. Wear your cartilage earring along the helix, inside the ear, next to the ear canal, above the ear canal or where the inner and outer parts of the ear meet.

If you’re looking for earrings for other inner cartilage piercings, such as the tragus, rook, daith or conch, it’s important to choose jewellery specifically designed for those areas. These piercings often require different shapes, lengths, or closures to ensure comfort and proper fit.

Cartilage earrings offer remarkable versatility, allowing you to effortlessly transform your style in a number of ways. 

For a statement look, choose a cartilage earring with an eye-catching colour or symbol, such as a pink sapphire gem or an Evil Eye. Pair this with a set of mini hoops to give your style a sleeker feel. 

Match your cartilage earrings with other jewellery in the same precious metal for a stylish sense of symmetry. Opt for yellow gold cartilage earrings with a curb chain or pair a sterling silver cartilage hoop with a matching ring.  

Or combine timeless sophistication with contemporary style by pairing a diamond cartilage earring with a matching pendant. Echo the geometric beauty of a diamond bar stud with a bar necklace or use a solitaire diamond stud to accent a mini diamond solitaire pendant. 

Cartilage earrings can also be worn as part of an earring stack to create new and bold looks. Arrange sleepers from smallest to largest for a cascading effect or create a constellation of cartilage stud earrings featuring a range of precious metals, gemstones and meaningful symbols.