If you’re considering a rook piercing, this guide is for you!
A rook piercing is a perfect addition to your ear party if you’re looking to add intrigue to your style.
This unique ear cartilage piercing is one of the hottest piercings now, however, before getting under the needle, you’re likely to be brimming with questions, and understandably so!
Here’s everything you need to know before going to a professional piercer to get the rook pierced, starting from what it is right down to how much it’ll cost. This guide is bound to help you gain clarity about this unusual inner ear piercing in your cartilage fold!
In this guide:
- What is a rook piercing?
- Types of rook piercings
- Cost
- Pain and healing time
- Aftercare
- Styling rook piercings
- Piercing Ideias with Rook
What is a Rook Piercing?
Located above the tragus, this cartilage piercing in the uppermost ridge of your inner ear, should not be confused with a daith piercing that rests just above the ear canal on the minor ridge.
Although cartilage ear piercings have been around for quite a while now, nothing matches the beauty and grace of this type of ear piercing nestled between the cartilage fold.
So, make sure to take a sample picture to avoid any inconvenience.
What are the Types of Rook Piercings?
As if a rook piercing wasn’t stylish enough, you also have three styles to choose from!
Faux Rook Piercing
For the faux rook, piercing professionals move their instrument horizontally a little above the ridge of the inner ear. A faux rook goes straight through the tissue right above the ridge of the rook. It's done with a straight barbell, instead of the usually curved barbell used to pierce the rook.
Double Rook Piercing
This type of cartilage piercing is done by getting two piercings instead of one.
How Much is a Rook Piercing?
The average rook piercing cost can range anywhere between $30 to $100. However, this range isn’t set in stone since the price might change depending on where the piercing studio is located, the experience level of the professional piercer, and the type of jewelry you select.
Don’t compromise on the quality of the service you’re getting, though, just to save a few bucks. You want to go to an experienced piercer to get your rook pierced to ensure you don’t have any problems with your rook down the lane.
Piercing the rook
Make sure to make a piercing appointment with a reputable piercing salon. Professional piercers first clean your ear thoroughly using rubbing alcohol. Then, they carefully mark the area with puncture spots using a surgical pen. Next, a 16G gauge hollow needle is inserted into the ear’s cartilage with a hollow tube at the end to prevent any pricks.
Once the rook is completely penetrated, a curved barbell earring is inserted, firmly positioned, and clamped to ensure the piercing remains stationary. Ensure that you do not let your new piercing touch anything, especially after getting it pierced.
Pain and Healing time
How bad does a rook piercing hurt?
Like other types of cartilage piercings, rook piercings do cause a little discomfort during the procedure. While some say it is not one of the most painful piercings, most people say they hurt, ranking pain level an 8 out of 10 on a pain scale.
You might feel sudden pain at the time. However, if you’re in the hands of a professional piercer, the pain will subside just as quickly as you felt it!
Professional piercers will even have you lie on your side to prevent you from fidgeting around during the process of passing out.
How Long Does it take to heal?
The healing period can take anywhere from a year to a year and a half. for the fresh piercing to completely heal. The primary healing stage is 6 months, but the secondary healing process takes between 12 to 18 months.
However, the healing process can differ from person to person and also largely depends on a person’s ear anatomy and the quality of aftercare practices.
Do rook piercings have any benefit?
They're incredibly stylish, versatile, and a great way to spruce up your look if you’re looking for something fresh and out of the ordinary. You can style them in several different ways and rock them with almost any outfit!
Why Shouldn’t you Get a Rook?
As with all other cartilage piercings, a rook may come with downsides, such as infections and scars at the piercing area. However, these side effects are easily avoidable by taking proper piercing care for your new piercing.
Aftercare
Cartilage piercings aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and ensuring the shortest possible healing time. Aftercare should be followed until the piercing is fully healed. The best way to do this is by leaving it alone, not sleeping on it, or putting pressure on your piercing.
How to clean a rook piercing?
The best way to care for your new piercing is by carrying out a sea salt soak solution made of pure organic sea salt and gently wipe the piercing with it. Saline washes can help in healing your rook quickly - so ensure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area, and use this saline solution at least two to three times a day until it gets fully healed.
People make a common mistake by using hydrogen peroxide on the piercing area as it can be extremely drying and can kill white blood cells attempting to carry out the healing process.
What Should I do if it Gets Infected?
Symptoms of infection include tenderness, swelling, or colored discharge from the new piercing.
If your piercing doesn’t heal with the proper hygiene and frequent sterile saline solution washes of your starter jewelry and piercing, and the discomfort persists and the pain level is high, it’s an excellent time to visit your professional piercer and get it checked out.
Piercing aftercare can be tricky but a couple of tips are: Do not remove the jewelry as it can risk the spread of the infection, and avoid using over-the-counter antibiotic creams and instead, use the saline ear care solution to clean the entire ear.
If after a few months of piercing aftercare your piercing is still infected or if at any time you start to feel sharp intense pain, do reach out to your doctor.
When can I Change my Rook Piercing Jewelry?
Changing your starter jewelry or playing around with it any time before the primary healing stage is strongly advised against it. Doing this, you can risk jewelry rejection and getting cartilage bumps.
Only change the jewelry of your rook once you’re sure the piercing area has completely healed. Open the jewelry, run your fingers, feel for the piercing holes, and slide in your new jewelry piece. Make sure to do this gently but firmly.
Styling tips
Where can I Find Jewelry for my Rook Piercing?
We thought you’d never ask!
Assolari.co, a high-end luxury jewelry brand, is the perfect stop if you’re on the hunt for beautiful pieces for your piercing.
Our collection is the perfect blend of chic and quality, and we’ve put tremendous thought into every piece in our collection. Assolari.co is the joint effort of two sisters on a mission to provide high-quality, chic jewelry without the hefty price tag.
Please browse through our collection. We have something for everyone!
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What type of jewelry is used for Rook Piercings?
You’ll be surprised to know that despite the tight location of the piercing itself, you can still choose from various jewelry styles.
Both a curved barbell and a huggie hoop are a great way to kick start your piercing journey since it allows room for swelling and doesn’t tug on the area as much as any other jewelry option would.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can experiment with a smaller curved barbell. A circular ring is also a popular option.
Check out our ear piercing site Assolari.co, you have the freedom to play around with your jewelry pieces and make the piercing your own!
How to Change out a Rook Piercing Jewelry?
Changing your jewelry may seem a little daunting at first; however, with some guidance from professional piercers and a whole lot of practice, you can master the art of changing out your rook earring quickly.
It’s essential to handle your piercing gently, as playing around with the jewelry can lead to healed piercings reverting to rejection or infection.
Wash your hands before touching the area, open the jewelry piece, and gently slide in the new earring.
What Size Should I Choose for my Rook Piercing Earring?
Finding the perfect rook piercing jewelry size depends on many factors, and unfortunately, cartilage tissues piercings aren’t universal since every person’s ear anatomy is so different.
Depending on your anatomy, professional piercers usually pierce the rook around 5 mm above the flat area of the ear cartilage. Rook jewelry (curved barbell or huggie hoop earrings) generally ranges from 5 mm to 8 mm. However, it’s always best to visit your piercer before making any purchases.
Here’s How to Measure your Rook Piercing
If you’re feeling a little ambitious and want to measure your rook piercing at home, you need a caliper or ruler and a piece of white paper.
You’ll start by measuring the distance between the piercing hole and the edge of your ear cartilage. Make sure to do this at a reasonable angle, as this can affect the fit of your jewelry. This measurement is known as the inner diameter, which is the smallest size you can wear.
Rook Piercing Terminology
Some words you’re likely to come across when purchasing your jewelry are:
Gauge Diameter
The gauge diameter refers to the thickness of your jewelry. The smaller the number of the gauge, the thicker your piece. For instance, a 16-gauge earring is wider than a 20-gauge earring.
Measuring the gauge diameter is best done with a caliper, as it’s much more accurate than a ruler.
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) Measurement Guide:
· 22 gauge = 0.64 mm
· 20 gauge = 0.81 mm
· 18 gauge = 1.02 mm
· 16 gauge = 1.30 mm
· 14 gauge = 1.63 mm
· 12 gauge = 2.06 mm
· 10 gauge = 2.59 mm
· 8 gauge = 3.25 mm
It’s important to note that these measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and you should keep a +/- 0.5 mm window in mind when finding your perfect match.
Inner Diameter
The inner diameter is measured in a straight line at an angle from the inner edge of the ear to the inside edge.
Taking these measurements is often a trial-and-error process, so it’s always preferred to visit your local piercing saloon to get your ear measured by piercing professionals.
What Material Should be my Rook Jewelry?
Titanium is a great stater material since its hypoallergenic. However, once your healing stage is over, you can switch to 14k or 18k gold which looks a lot more stylish than other materials and will also last you years to come!
At Assolari.co, we only sell the highest quality of solid 14k and 18k gold that is bound to get heads turning! While it is a little more expensive than your traditional titanium alloy jewelry upfront, it costs you lesser in the long run as you won’t have to replace them as often.
Piercings Ideas with Rook
What piercing next after rook?
A rook piercing on its own is enough to make a statement. However, if you’re still in the mood for a little extra sparkle, you might want to give the following combinations a thought!
Cartilage piercings never seem to go out of style, and if you’re looking to jazz up your look a little more, there are a couple of options for you to browse through at assolari.co!
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I’m ready for another piercing! Which types of Piercings Look Best with my new Rook?
Rook + Helix Combo
The helix piercing is another excellent option that ranks low on the pain scale and is done using a small needle. This adds great beauty and symmetry to your ear, and not to mention, this piercing combination is quite the attention grabber!
Rook + Tragus Combo
A tragus paired with a rook piercing is one of our favorite combinations. This chic combo is ideal for trendsetters who crave something unique.
Rook + Forward Helix Combo
The forward helix piercing, as the name suggests, sits snugly on the root of the helix and when matched with a rook, makes the ear look effortlessly chic!
Rook + Conch Piercing Combo
For all you high pain tolerance gals and guys, the rook-helix combo's for you! While this combo is a little more painful than the others mentioned above, it's probably one of the most fashionable ones out there.
Rook + Auricle Combo
Similarly, the auricle piercing is a fabulous addition to the rook piercing and is located a little towards the mid cartilage. Since the rook piercing can be a little difficult to spot with your hair down, the auricle will get you the spotlight you deserve!
Ready to add this beautiful piercing to your ear party?
A rook piercing is, without a doubt, quite the stunner. However, to maintain a long term rook piercing and speed the healing process, it’s crucial to keep the piercing clean and get it done from a reliable piercing shop.
Gaining insight from online resources and seeing how piercing professionals change the jewelry can also prove to be helpful, along with proper piercing aftercare.
Don’t forget to mix and match different jewelry styles and pieces that make rook piercing all the chic! After all, your rook piercing does all the talking for you!
WANT US TO STYLE YOUR EAR?
If curating a luxurious ear stack is your goal, Assolari can help!
We’ve designed hundreds of ear stacks for customers, and we look forward to creating your dream stack, too! Just tell us about your piercings, personal style, and preferences, and we’ll put together an ear stack we’re sure you’ll love! This service comes with a $60 voucher toward your next purchase, so don’t hesitate, book your consultation today!
Ear Styling Service
£96.00
Bring your dream ear stack to life! Ever wondered how to style the perfect ear stack? Or maybe what piercing should you get next? Well, Brunna is not your fairy godmother, but she can definitely help you figure it out!… read more
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