Cartilage Hoops

Amber James Jewellery

Stack it, style it, love it

Cartilage Hoops

Cartilage Hoops

Cartilage hoops are small, close-fitting hoops made for upper-ear piercings such as the helix, conch and tragus. Our cartilage hoops come in plain, beaded and crystal-set designs to help you build the perfect curated ear.

Mix them with huggie earrings on the lobe, or add an ear cuff for a pierced look without a new piercing. Explore more in ear piercing jewellery.

What are cartilage hoops?

Cartilage hoops are small hoops designed for piercings in the firmer upper ear, such as the helix (outer rim), conch (inner shell) and tragus.

A brief history

Cartilage piercings have been practised in many cultures for centuries, but they surged in popularity in the 2010s with the rise of the curated ear, where several small pieces are styled together.

How to choose

A 6 to 8 mm hoop suits most helix piercings, while the conch often needs 10 to 12 mm. Only wear hoops in a cartilage piercing once it is fully healed, which can take several months.

89 products

Pamela Freshwater Pearl Huggie Hoops in Gold & Sterling Silver - Amber James Jewellery
AJJ minimalist silver huggie hoops with small pearl accents, dainty and stylish hoop earrings for a subtle elegant look.

Pamela Freshwater Pearl Huggie Hoops in Gold & Sterling Silver

£23.99 Sale £20.99
AJJ minimalist silver flower huggie hoops, small dainty hoop earrings with tiny floral design, perfect for subtle elegance.
AJJ minimalist silver flower huggie hoops, small dainty hoop earrings with floral design, perfect for subtle, elegant jewelry.

Corina Minimalist Flower Huggie Hoops | Dainty Silver Hoop Earrings

£19.99 Sale £16.99
AJJ tiny freshwater pearl gold hoop earrings with delicate design, perfect for boho weddings and elegant jewelry styles.
AJJ tiny freshwater pearl gold hoop earrings, delicate jewelry suitable for weddings and boho style.

Destiny Tiny Freshwater Pearl Gold Hoop Earrings | Huggie Hoops

£20.99 Sale £17.99
AJJ silver minimalist hoop earrings featuring thin, geometric, delicate silver hoops with a simple, elegant design.
AJJ silver geometric hoop earrings featuring thin, minimalist design and delicate silver hoops for a simple, elegant look.

Sana Handbag Thin Hoops | Minimalist Silver & Gold Hoop Earrings

£13.99 Sale £11.99
Silver AJJ minimalist flower huggie hoops, small dainty hoop earrings with delicate flower design, perfect for subtle elegance.
AJJ silver minimalist flower huggie hoops, small dainty hoop earrings with delicate floral design, perfect for everyday wear.

Corina Minimalist Flower Huggie Hoops | Dainty Silver Hoop Earrings

£19.99 Sale £16.99
Sterling silver huggie hoop earrings by AJJ featuring delicate open geometric design and minimalist style.
Sterling silver huggie hoop earrings by AJJ with delicate open geometric design, minimalist style, and simple silver finish.

Elorey Sterling Silver & Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings | Minimalist Hoops

£16.99 Sale £14.99
AJJ silver tiny stud earrings with zircon accents, delicate and minimalist post earrings for a subtle, stylish look.
AJJ silver tiny stud earrings with zircon, delicate minimalist post earrings, perfect for everyday wear or gifts

Naomi Silver Stud Earrings - Tiny Zircon Crystal Studs in Gold & Silver

£13.99 Sale £11.99
AJJ minimalist silver huggie hoops with small pearl accents, dainty hoop earrings for a subtle, elegant look
AJJ minimalist silver huggie hoop earrings with small pearl accents, dainty and stylish hoop jewelry for everyday wear.

Pamela Minimalist Huggie Hoop Earrings | Pearl & CZ Silver Hoops

£16.99 Sale £14.99
Sterling silver ear climbers with geometric design and nine stones, minimalist earrings by AJJ showcasing elegant ear crawlers.
Sterling silver ear climbers with geometric design and nine stones, minimalist earrings for a stylish ear crawler look.

Tilta Sterling Silver Ear Climber Earrings | Rose Gold & Silver

£24.99 Sale £21.99
Sterling silver huggie hoop earrings by AJJ, delicate open minimalist silver earrings with a simple pull design.
Sterling silver huggie hoop earrings by AJJ, delicate open minimalist silver pull hoops, simple and stylish for everyday wear

Juliet Sterling Silver Huggie Hoop Earrings | Minimalist Open Hoops

£15.99 Sale £13.99

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The Amber James guide

All about Cartilage Hoops

What size hoop do I need for a helix?

Most helix piercings suit 6 to 8 mm hoops. If your piercing is further from the edge, try 9 to 10 mm.

Can I wear these in a new piercing?

No. Wait until your piercing is fully healed and check with your piercer before changing jewellery.

When can I wear a hoop in a new cartilage piercing?

Cartilage piercings take longer to heal than lobes, often several months. Always wait until your piercing is fully healed and follow your piercer's advice before changing jewellery.

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