Where To Find The Most Chic Cartilage Earrings

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Cartilage earrings may have once been the earmark of the rebel, but we’ve come a long way from the days when finding a daith piercing or helix hoop required a trip into the depths of Camden Market. Now, cartilage piercings have become a truly grown-up proposition, with the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna and Adwoa Aboah becoming the piercing poster girls to note.

Now, when it comes to fine jewellery for every part of the ear, we’re spoilt for choice. Since Maria Tash first brought her revolutionary piercing proposition to our shores a decade ago, the market has boomed, and there’s now a whole host of brands crafting delicate, sparkling and truly precious pieces to be worn from helix to lobe.

Look to Astrid and Miyu’s pretty piercing jewels when curating a major ear party, or consider something sleek and season-transcending from the new school of sustainable jewellers, led by Otiumberg and Edge of Ember.

For 2026, we're seeing a strong return to sleek silver jewels, worn in a crescendo from the top of the ear to the lobe. Consider a set of matching hoops, or opt for lab-grown diamonds that'll sparkle in the sunlight. But really, you're in charge here: don't feel beholden to the trends and invest instead in pieces that speak to your personal style, be it twinkling canary-yellow stones or dainty studs.

So, whether you’re after something delicate to wear in your tragus or a dazzling piece to place in a daith, we know the brands best placed to deliver.

Australian brand By Lucia is your short-cut to a perfect ear stack. The brand specialises in ready-made earring sets that are designed to be worn together, taking all the work out of curating your statement piercings.

And if you aren't quite ready to take the plunge, consider the brand's striking 'illusion cuffs' too, which allow you to get the look without having to meet the needle.

Frustrated at the lack of fine, feminine cartilage earrings on the market, Laura Bond decided to launch her own collection in 2019 – and in just six years, she's grown to be one of the leading players in the category.

The independent designer's booming brand is now a go-to for cartilage earrings with a firmly feminine slant: think glittering huggie hoops, tiny crystal-spiked studs and elaborate pieces shaped to fit every curve of the ear. Bond works with both solid white and yellow gold, and each piece is fitted with a flat heart-shaped clasp, meaning your pieces will look as good from the back at the do the front: a small, thoughtful detail that makes all the difference.

Proving that truly striking jewellery can be created in a more sustainable way, Lark & Berry has been working exclusively with lab-grown diamonds and gemstones since 2018. These man-made stones are chemically and physically identical to the traditionally mined, yet come with total traceability (and a more petite price point).

The brand’s fine piercing service is perhaps the most luxurious in the capital: make an appointment at the Marylebone flagship and you’ll be guided through the entire process by the team’s super-friendly piercer. From ear styling to aftercare, you’ll be looked after every step of the way.

Feminine pieces, fair prices and the friendliest in-store experience? It has to be Astrid & Miyu. Now over a decade on, the jewellery brand is beloved for its accessible earring ‘stacks’, creating pieces designed to be mixed and matched from your helix to your lobe. From classic crystal-embellished hoops to dainty barbells, there’s bound to be something that fits your brief here.

Barcelona-based Pdpaola has been creating demi-fine jewellery with a unique point of view for almost a decade now. They're a go-to for chunky architectural pieces, but also excel as daintier designs to place in your smaller piercings. We love these floating coloured gemstones, which look chic either worn alone or layered together.

Dainty, feminine designs are Monica Vinader’s forte, and this translates seamlessly from her fan-favourite bracelets to her cartilage earring collection. The green onyx and turquoise pieces will bring a modern hint of colour to an all-gold ear party, while the floating teardrop diamond hoops are sure to steal focus.

Recognised for bringing lab-grown diamonds to the fine jewellery sphere, Kimaï is still one of the most elegant names in the category today. Now, the brand offers a curation of seriously chic cartilage earrings, from heart-shaped diamond studs to cuffs that climb delicately up your ear.

One of our most-recommended jewellery brands, Mejuri creates precious pieces with one eye firmly on responsible production.

The brand’s cartilage earrings are made from a combination of recycled gold and traceable single-origin mined gold, which ensures the brand can support local mining communities and repurpose existing materials. In the cartilage collection, shop simple hoops and huggies set with Kimberley Process-certified diamonds.

A true fashion-editor secret, Maria Black is the best place to pick up unique, striking cartilage earrings that you won't see on everyone else's ears. The brand's organic, undulating shapes are crafted from precious metals and studded with ethical lab-grown diamonds.

Rainbow-hued stones and unique motifs bring a special feel to Edge of Ember’s cartilage collection. The brand works exclusively with members of the Responsible Jewellery Council across the world, and crafts its pieces from recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds.

Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.  

Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.  

When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder