Orbital piercing
An orbital is not one hole but two piercings joined by a single ring that wraps around the rim of the ear.
Which shape fits for orbital
Each name opens exactly those.
Titanium or steel for orbital
The material decides how the piercing heals.
Other ear zones
Diameter
The ring should be about 2 mm wider than the gap between the two holes. On cartilage that is usually 8–10 mm, on the lobe 10–12 mm.
Clicker or horseshoe
A clicker is easier in a fresh orbital — it closes in one move. A horseshoe suits a healed one.
Healing
Cartilage orbital: 6–9 months. Lobe: 2–3 months.
Size and material
| Material | Titanium — 14 models. Contains no nickel, so it causes no reaction even in a fresh piercing. Lighter than steel — less load on the tissue. The material of first choice. 316L steel — 12 models. Cheaper, corrosion-resistant, suitable for a healed piercing. For the first jewellery titanium is the better choice. |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 1.2 mm — 18 models, 1 mm — 5 models, 0.8 mm — 3 models, 1.6 mm — 1 model. The thickness must match the one the piercing was made with. |
| Bar length | 8 mm — 19 models, 10 mm — 17 models, 6 mm — 15 models, 12 mm — 7 models. A longer bar is needed while the swelling lasts, a shorter one — for a healed piercing. |
| Ring diameter | 8 mm — 25 models, 10 mm — 21 models, 12 mm — 14 models, 6 mm — 9 models. A smaller diameter sits tighter, a bigger one — looser and more visible. |
| Thread | Threadless — 15 models, External — 9 models, Internal — 1 model. An internal thread is hidden inside the bar — it does not scratch the channel when changing. |
| Insert | None — 11 models, Cubic zirconia — 4 models, Synthetic opal — 2 models. |
FAQ
Which size should I choose?
The typical size for this zone is 1.2 mm thick, diameter 10–12 mm. Jewellery smaller than needed presses on the channel, bigger — catches on clothes and hair. The exact size of each model is given on its page.
How long does an orbital piercing take to heal?
Each cartilage piercing heals in 6–12 months, and joining them with one ring is worth doing only after both have healed.
Why is titanium better than steel?
Titanium is about half the weight and contains no nickel. 316L steel is also fit for wearing, but there is nickel in it, and people sensitive to nickel feel it. For a fresh piercing titanium is the safer choice.
Can titanium be worn all the time?
Yes. Titanium does not oxidise in contact with lymph and does not change colour, so it is not taken off at night or in the shower. The jewellery is worth removing only for cleaning — and only from a healed piercing: a fresh channel is not left empty.
