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The rook piercing is seeing a huge surge in popularity and is currently trending as one of the favorite ear piercing types.
Cool, stylish and eye-catching, the rook piercing is perfect if you want a subtle yet overt statement. It’s kind of a contradiction in that it’s in a hidden part of your ear, but yet is immediately noticeable. It’s an area of the ear that most people tend to ignore until it’s dressed up with a piercing and suddenly it takes all attention!
There are many ways to dress up a rook piercing, beyond the typical stud and hoop so let’s take a look at the best rook piercing jewelry options.
What is a Rook Piercing?
The rook piercing is located on the upper part of your inside ear, where the big fold of the cartilage is found. It’s above your tragus and in the anti-helix section. The piercing passes from the underside of the ridge to the upper part, going through the folded cartilage.
The rook piercing is quite a complex procedure, compared to most other types of ear piercings. It requires great skill on the part of the piercer which is why it’s really important to find a trusted and licensed piercer with a great track record to do it for you.
Origin and History of the Rook Piercing
The rook piercing has roots that are hard to trace but likely go back centuries. Ear piercings have long been part of human history, appearing in ancient cultures worldwide, from the Egyptians to various indigenous groups. The rook piercing became popular in Western culture in the late 20th century, joining the trend of trying out more varied and creative ear piercings than the standard lobe piercing.
Today, people value the rook piercing for its look and as a way to express themselves. It’s part of a range of ear cartilage piercings, including the helix, tragus, and conch, each offering a unique way to decorate the ear. The rook stands out for its unique position, adding a subtle but impressive touch.
What’s the Best Jewelry for Rook Piercings?
There are so many options for rook piercing jewelry, so let’s get right into it!
1. Rook Piercing Barbell Jewelry
Barbells embellish both the top and bottom parts of the piercing. There are three main types of barbells, going from straight to circular.
Barbells are a good idea for rook piercings because they move freely and can be cleaned easily. This aids in the healing process and keeps the piercing free from infection. Barbells are also quite versatile and can be embellished with gemstones and diamonds to add color and sparkle. The location of the rook piercing complements the shape of the barbells, making them a match made in heaven.
However, barbells can get snagged in things like clothes and sheets and can put more pressure on your rook piercing. Also, putting them on and taking them off can be difficult due to the threading mechanism which can take time and be quite tricky. Regardless of this, most people opt for barbells when they get a rook piercing.
2. Hoops and Captive Bead Rings
Hoops are recommended by experts for fresh piercings because they don’t snag on things and are easy to clean. They move freely and are comfortable to wear, putting less pressure on the piercing.
Hoops are versatile and come in a range of designs, including captive bead rings, seamless hoops, and segmented hoops. Captive bead rings also called fixed bead rings, are a favorite choice for fresh rook piercings.
3. Heart Shaped Rook Jewelry
Heart-shaped jewelry is perfect for rook piercings, as it nestles in the ear, mimicking the curve of the outer edge of the ear. This type of rook jewelry is seamless and doesn’t have any hinges or threads, which makes it easier to keep clean and to put on and take off.
These come in minimalist styles as well as decorated designs featuring gemstones and charms.
4. Retainers
Made from clear or flesh-toned materials, retainers are ideal for those who need to conceal their piercings for work or other occasions. They are subtle and maintain the piercing without drawing attention.
What’s the Best Metal for Rook Piercing Jewelry?
Always choose a hypoallergenic, bio-compatible metal for piercings, especially for fresh piercings and if you have metal sensitivities. Precious metals like gold are a good choice, but if they have low purity levels, the alloy could contain allergens that could cause issues.
Some of the best options are also the most affordable. These include:
- Titanium
- Surgical stainless steel
- Nobium
- 14K or 18K yellow gold
Avoid these metals as they can cause irritation, discoloration, and reactions:
- Silver and sterling silver
- Plastic or nylon
- Metals such as rolled gold, gold vermeil, and plating
- Brass, copper, and bronze
To learn more about these metals and what makes them hypoallergenic or not, check out our quick guide here.
Rook Piercing Pain – How Much Does It Hurt?
The rook piercing is quite painful for most people and is comparable to daith and tragus piercings. Because of the thickness of the cartilage, it often is more about pressure than pain, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Most people find the pain during the healing period quite high for the rook piercing but remember that pain is subjective as everyone’s pain tolerance differs.
As one Quora user put it:
“I’ve heard that rook piercings were one of the most painful piercings but I personally didn’t find it too bad. I got my rook pierced a few weeks ago and I would rate the pain level to be about a 3 or 4 out of 10 – imagine the pain of getting a flu shot but with a thicker needle. The pain is also more of a “pressure” or the feeling of something pressing/clamping down on your ear rather than a sharp piercing pain.”
So, to reiterate, it all depends. Just keep an open mind and don’t psyche yourself out too much before the piercing.
Rook Piercing Aftercare
Keeping your rook piercing clean is paramount to ensuring that it heals well and doesn’t get infected. Like all cartilage piercings, the rook takes a long time to heal so allow between 6 months to a year for complete recovery. Cartilage piercings are also susceptible to infections which is why aftercare is so important.
During this time, ensure that the piercing is cleaned with anti-microbial soap like this one and saline wound wash to keep the bacteria away. Follow your piercer’s instructions accurately, especially in the first few weeks of the piercing, avoid sleeping on the ear, and take care when engaging in activities like exercise or sport as you have a higher chance of knocking the ear.
Don’t change rook piercing jewelry for at least the first 6-8 months of the piercing to avoid complications.
Can Rook Piercings Help with Headaches?
The belief that a rook piercing can relieve headaches comes from acupuncture, a method in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture treats pain and other health issues by stimulating specific body points, usually with needles.
Some think that a rook piercing might press on points in the ear linked to headache relief, potentially reducing their frequency or severity. However, there’s little scientific proof for this. People’s reports of fewer headaches after getting a rook piercing are personal and might result from the placebo effect. Doctors generally don’t suggest piercings as a headache treatment.
Anyone thinking about a rook piercing for pain relief should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider. Remember, alternative treatments like this should not replace standard medical care, particularly for serious conditions.
Rook Piercing – Not for Everyone
Not everyone can get a rook piercing successfully. Whether one can get this piercing depends on their ear’s shape and size. The rook, located in the ear’s inner cartilage, varies in size and shape among different people.
Some have a large, clear rook area perfect for piercing, while others have a smaller or less distinct rook, making piercing difficult or even impossible. People with certain medical conditions or those who tend to develop keloids, which are thick, raised scars, should be careful.
These factors can raise the risk of problems during and after getting pierced. It’s important to talk to a professional piercer who can examine the specific anatomy of the ear and give advice tailored to each individual. This helps ensure the piercing is not only good-looking but also safe and right for their ear.
Where to Buy Rook Piercing Jewelry
Most shops specializing in body piercing jewelry will have a host of rook jewelry on offer. We suggest searching online to get an idea of the type of jewelry available.
- Etsy: If you are looking for a handmade or unique option, Etsy is probably the one place you shouldn’t skip. There’s a range of creative rook jewelry designs on offer here, varying in price and style to suit all shoppers.
- Amazon: Most specialist body piercing shops offer their jewelry via Amazon, making it a great one-stop solution for your rook piercing needs. Do your due diligence and vet the seller but we’re sure you’ll find some amazing rook jewelry pieces here.
Wrapping Up
Rook piercing jewelry brings a unique and fashionable touch to personal style. With choices like sleek barbells and stylish hoops, it caters to various preferences. When picking rook jewelry, it’s important to balance style with comfort and choose high-quality materials for safety and durability. Opting for a rook piercing opens up opportunities for creative and individualized ear decorations, making your style stand out.
