Last Updated 21/07/2026 | Written by Maëlys Chamard, Co-Founder of MADAJ

A conch piercing is located in the central cartilage area of the ear, known as the concha. This area sits between the inner and outer ear and provides enough space for both studs and hoops, making it one of the most versatile ear piercings.

Whether you prefer a minimalist stud or a statement hoop, a conch piercing can suit a wide range of styles once healed. This guide covers everything you need to know about conch piercing placement, pain level, procedure, healing time, jewellery options, and aftercare.

• Placement: The central cartilage area of the ear (the concha), between the inner and outer ear
• Pricing: $30–$50, plus the cost of jewellery
• Pain Level: 7/10
• Healing Time: 6 to 12 months
• Aftercare: Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution, avoid sleeping on the piercing, and minimize unnecessary touching or pressure during healing.

Conch piercing placement is in the concave area of cartilage in the middle of the ear, close to the ear canal. It is named after the conch shell because this part of the ear has a similar curved shape.

Conch piercings can be placed in either the inner or outer part of the ear's concha.

An inner conch piercing sits in the centre of the ear and is most commonly worn with a stud. An outer conch piercing is positioned slightly higher on the outer rim of the concha and is often chosen by those who prefer the look of a hoop.

The best placement depends on your ear anatomy, jewellery preference, and desired aesthetic. A professional piercer can help determine which option will work best for your ear.

Conch piercing anatomy refers to the shape, size, and depth of the concha area where the piercing is placed. These details can affect whether an inner or outer conch piercing is more suitable.

A professional piercer can assess your ear anatomy before the procedure and recommend the safest placement for your chosen jewellery style.

Studs and hoops are the most common jewellery choices for conch piercings.

Flat-back studs are often preferred during the healing stage because they sit securely and are less likely to move. Once the piercing is fully healed, many people switch to a hoop for a more visible, decorative look.

The best option depends on your piercing placement, anatomy, and whether the piercing is still healing.

Two prices apply here: the studio's piercing fee, which runs $30 to $50 for a conch, and the jewelry itself, priced separately depending on material and craftsmanship.

Here's how that breaks down across the wider market:

• ASTM F136 titanium studs and hoops typically start around $10, with more detailed designs exceeding $100.
• Gold pieces (14k/18k) set with precious stones generally run $100 to $2,500+, based on carat and craftsmanship.
• MADAJ conch jewelry starts from $330 for studs and $420 for hoops, handcrafted to order in nickel-free, hypoallergenic solid 18k gold and set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or black diamonds. Diamonds carry a G–VS grade, other gems AAA, and every piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Conch Piercing Pain Level: (7/10)

Because a conch piercing passes through thick ear cartilage, it is generally considered more painful than a standard lobe piercing. Many people describe the sensation as sharp pressure, followed by temporary throbbing or warmth around the area.

The piercing itself only takes a few seconds, but mild tenderness and swelling can continue for several days afterwards. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, so individual experiences may vary.

Some people use a lidocaine-based numbing cream, such as EMLA or a generic alternative, before their appointment to help reduce discomfort. This is usually available from pharmacies by prescription and is typically applied 30 minutes to 1 hour before piercing.

To learn more about reducing the pain of a Conch piercing, discover our Guide on Ear Piercing Pain Levels.

• The ear is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to help reduce infection risk.
• The piercer marks the exact placement, which may be the inner or outer conch, depending on your preference and ear anatomy.
• A sterilized, hollow needle is used to create the piercing. 
• The pain level is generally considered higher than a standard lobe piercing, although the procedure itself only takes a few seconds.
• Once the needle is through, the chosen jewelry is immediately inserted.

• Clean your conch piercing twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed.
• Continue cleaning your Conch piercing throughout the healing phase, even if it looks healed on the outside. 
• Keep the pierced area dry after cleaning to help reduce moist build- up.
• Gently dub the area with sterile non-woven gauze or use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to achieve complete dryness.

WHEN CAN I CHANGE MY CONCH JEWELLERY?

It's best to wait until your conch piercing is fully healed before switching jewelry, typically 6 to 12 months. During healing, an 8 mm stud is recommended to accommodate initial swelling. Once healing is complete, this can be sized down to 6.5 mm for a snugger fit, or you can switch to an 11 mm hoop, taking advantage of the conch's wider placement. Since the right fit still depends on individual anatomy, we recommend confirming with your piercer before making the change.

For reference, MADAJ studs are available in 5 mm, 6.5 mm, or 8 mm lengths on a 1.2 mm (16 gauge) post, closed with an internally threaded screw-back flat disc. Hoops come in 5 mm, 6.5 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, or 11 mm inner diameters on a 0.8 mm (20 gauge) post, secured with a clicker closure.

During the first weeks, some redness, swelling, and light discharge can be normal. These symptoms should gradually reduce as the piercing continues to heal. 

You'll notice a gradual decrease in swelling and discomfort. It's crucial to maintain your cleaning routine even if the piercing seems to be healing well. 

The absence of pain, reduced swelling, and no discharge indicates that your piercing is healing properly.

Conch Piercing healing time can vary from person to person, but generally it takes around 6 to 12 months for a conch piercing to heal completely.