What gauge are cartilage studs?

Most cartilage piercings in the UK are performed at 16g (1.2mm). Tragus piercings are sometimes done at 18g (1.0mm) depending on the piercer and client anatomy. If you are unsure what gauge your piercing is, your piercer can measure your existing jewellery before you order.

What is a ball back stud?

A ball back stud has a small threaded ball that screws onto the end of the post to hold the jewellery in place. It sits against the back of the ear and is more compact than a butterfly clasp, which makes it better suited to cartilage placements where you want minimal movement and no snagging.

Are ball back studs suitable for a new cartilage piercing?

Ball back studs are generally recommended for healed cartilage piercings. For a fresh or healing piercing, flat back labret studs are the professional standard — the flat disc on the back does not press into swollen tissue. Speak to your piercer before changing jewellery in a healing cartilage site.

What is the best material for a cartilage stud?

Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is widely considered the best material for cartilage studs, particularly for anyone with metal sensitivity or a history of reactions. It contains no nickel, is lightweight, and can be anodised to different colours. Implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) is also appropriate for most people. Sterling silver is not implant-grade and is not recommended for ongoing cartilage wear.

Can I wear sterling silver tragus earrings in my tragus piercing?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It is not considered implant-grade, it oxidises over time, and it is not recommended for cartilage piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). For healed piercings worn briefly, some individuals tolerate it without issue — but for regular, day-to-day wear in a cartilage site, implant-grade titanium or solid gold are more appropriate choices.

Which cartilage placements are ball back studs suitable for?

Ball back studs are commonly worn in helix, tragus, conch, and rook piercings. The correct post length varies by placement — helix and conch typically suit 6mm–8mm posts, while tragus usually sits best at 6mm once fully healed. Check individual product listings for available post lengths.

What post length do I need for a tragus stud?

For a healed tragus piercing, a 6mm post length works for most anatomies. Initial piercing jewellery is usually longer to allow for swelling. If you are replacing jewellery in a healed tragus, your current stud can be measured by your piercer to confirm the right post length before you order.

Cartilage Ear Stud

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Monster Piercing | Ball Back Studs

Experience everyday elegance with our Ball Back Studs Collection, created for comfort, style, and versatility. Crafted from high quality materials including titanium, surgical steel, and sterling silver, each piece is designed to provide a secure fit and smooth finish for effortless wear all day long.

Our ball back studs feature a rounded back design that sits comfortably against the skin, making them ideal for cartilage, lobe, tragus, and helix piercings. Choose from plain, polished styles or stone set designs to match your individual look.

Perfect for those who love dainty, minimalist jewellery that blends modern style with practical comfort, these studs offer a timeless option for any piercing collection.

Product Overview

Specifications

Professional & Studio Use

Safety & Contraindications

Ordering & Shipping

Disclaimer

FAQ

Ball back studs designed for cartilage placements including helix, tragus, and conch piercings
Ball back closure system — threads securely onto post, sits flush against the back of the ear without snagging
Available in a range of materials including implant-grade titanium, implant-grade surgical steel, solid gold, and bioflex options
Suitable for healed cartilage piercings — not intended as initial piercing jewellery without professional assessment
Multiple gauge options available — most commonly 16g (1.2mm) to suit standard UK cartilage piercing sizes
Compact stud profile appropriate for everyday wear without interference from clothing or hair

Specification	Detail	Notes
Closure Type	Ball back (threaded ball onto post)	Secure fit; suitable for cartilage placements
Common Gauges	16g (1.2mm), 18g (1.0mm)	16g most standard for UK cartilage piercings
Post Lengths Available	6mm–8mm (varies by product)	Check individual product listing for exact sizing
Materials Available	Implant-grade titanium, implant-grade surgical steel, solid gold, bioflex	Material standards: ASTM F136 (titanium), ASTM F138 (steel) where specified per product
Suitable Placements	Helix, tragus, conch, rook	Confirm gauge and post length match existing piercing before ordering
Finish	Polished; anodised options available in titanium range	Not specified in provided data for all product variants
Country of Dispatch	United Kingdom	Fast UK delivery

Ball back studs in implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) or implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) are appropriate for professional studio use on healed cartilage piercings
Not recommended as initial piercing jewellery in a professional context — flat back labret studs are the APP-standard recommendation for fresh cartilage piercings
Studios sourcing bulk or multipack quantities should confirm material grade per SKU before use on clients — material specifications vary by individual product listing
16g is the standard professional gauge for helix, conch, and rook placements in UK studio practice; 16g or 18g for tragus depending on client anatomy
Bioflex options within this collection may be suitable as retainers for clients requiring non-metallic jewellery — confirm suitability with your clinical or professional judgement
Manufacturer and material certification details: Not specified in provided data beyond material type — confirm with Monster Piercing directly for studio compliance requirements

Do not use ball back studs in unhealed or healing cartilage piercings without professional assessment — flat back labrets are the preferred clinical standard for initial healing periods
Individuals with a confirmed nickel allergy should select implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) — implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) contains trace bound nickel and may not be suitable for all nickel-sensitive individuals
Sterling silver is not considered implant-grade and is not recommended for use in cartilage piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) — see material specifications for suitable alternatives
Do not attempt to wear a larger gauge stud than your piercing was performed at — this causes tissue trauma and is not a safe stretching method
If redness, swelling, or discharge persists around a cartilage piercing, remove jewellery only on the advice of a qualified piercer or medical professional — premature removal can trap infection
This product is intended for use on healed or professionally assessed piercings. Consult a qualified professional piercer or licensed medical provider for guidance on healing piercings. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

All orders dispatched from the United Kingdom — fast UK delivery on all cartilage stud orders
New customers are eligible for a discount on their first purchase — discount details applied at checkout
Confirm gauge and post length against your existing jewellery before ordering — your piercer can measure your current fitting if you are unsure
Bulk and multipack pricing available on select fittings — check individual product listings for multipack options
Returns and exchange policy: Not specified in provided data — refer to the Monster Piercing returns page for current terms
For studio or professional sourcing enquiries, contact Monster Piercing directly via the website

Products in this collection are intended for use on healed or professionally assessed piercings only. Aftercare requirements, healing timelines, and material suitability vary between individuals. Monster Piercing does not provide medical advice. Nothing on this page constitutes a recommendation for use on unhealed tissue or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional piercer or licensed medical provider. If you are experiencing complications with a piercing — including persistent swelling, discharge, or suspected infection — consult a medical professional before changing jewellery. Material grade and certification details vary by individual product — refer to individual product listings for specific material specifications.

What gauge are cartilage studs?

Most cartilage piercings in the UK are performed at 16g (1.2mm). Tragus piercings are sometimes done at 18g (1.0mm) depending on the piercer and client anatomy. If you are unsure what gauge your piercing is, your piercer can measure your existing jewellery before you order.
What is a ball back stud?

A ball back stud has a small threaded ball that screws onto the end of the post to hold the jewellery in place. It sits against the back of the ear and is more compact than a butterfly clasp, which makes it better suited to cartilage placements where you want minimal movement and no snagging.
Are ball back studs suitable for a new cartilage piercing?

Ball back studs are generally recommended for healed cartilage piercings. For a fresh or healing piercing, flat back labret studs are the professional standard — the flat disc on the back does not press into swollen tissue. Speak to your piercer before changing jewellery in a healing cartilage site.
What is the best material for a cartilage stud?

Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is widely considered the best material for cartilage studs, particularly for anyone with metal sensitivity or a history of reactions. It contains no nickel, is lightweight, and can be anodised to different colours. Implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) is also appropriate for most people. Sterling silver is not implant-grade and is not recommended for ongoing cartilage wear.
Can I wear sterling silver tragus earrings in my tragus piercing?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It is not considered implant-grade, it oxidises over time, and it is not recommended for cartilage piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). For healed piercings worn briefly, some individuals tolerate it without issue — but for regular, day-to-day wear in a cartilage site, implant-grade titanium or solid gold are more appropriate choices.
Which cartilage placements are ball back studs suitable for?

Ball back studs are commonly worn in helix, tragus, conch, and rook piercings. The correct post length varies by placement — helix and conch typically suit 6mm–8mm posts, while tragus usually sits best at 6mm once fully healed. Check individual product listings for available post lengths.
What post length do I need for a tragus stud?

For a healed tragus piercing, a 6mm post length works for most anatomies. Initial piercing jewellery is usually longer to allow for swelling. If you are replacing jewellery in a healed tragus, your current stud can be measured by your piercer to confirm the right post length before you order.

Product Overview

Ball back studs designed for cartilage placements including helix, tragus, and conch piercings
Ball back closure system — threads securely onto post, sits flush against the back of the ear without snagging
Available in a range of materials including implant-grade titanium, implant-grade surgical steel, solid gold, and bioflex options
Suitable for healed cartilage piercings — not intended as initial piercing jewellery without professional assessment
Multiple gauge options available — most commonly 16g (1.2mm) to suit standard UK cartilage piercing sizes
Compact stud profile appropriate for everyday wear without interference from clothing or hair

Specifications

Specification	Detail	Notes
Closure Type	Ball back (threaded ball onto post)	Secure fit; suitable for cartilage placements
Common Gauges	16g (1.2mm), 18g (1.0mm)	16g most standard for UK cartilage piercings
Post Lengths Available	6mm–8mm (varies by product)	Check individual product listing for exact sizing
Materials Available	Implant-grade titanium, implant-grade surgical steel, solid gold, bioflex	Material standards: ASTM F136 (titanium), ASTM F138 (steel) where specified per product
Suitable Placements	Helix, tragus, conch, rook	Confirm gauge and post length match existing piercing before ordering
Finish	Polished; anodised options available in titanium range	Not specified in provided data for all product variants
Country of Dispatch	United Kingdom	Fast UK delivery

Professional & Studio Use

Ball back studs in implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) or implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) are appropriate for professional studio use on healed cartilage piercings
Not recommended as initial piercing jewellery in a professional context — flat back labret studs are the APP-standard recommendation for fresh cartilage piercings
Studios sourcing bulk or multipack quantities should confirm material grade per SKU before use on clients — material specifications vary by individual product listing
16g is the standard professional gauge for helix, conch, and rook placements in UK studio practice; 16g or 18g for tragus depending on client anatomy
Bioflex options within this collection may be suitable as retainers for clients requiring non-metallic jewellery — confirm suitability with your clinical or professional judgement
Manufacturer and material certification details: Not specified in provided data beyond material type — confirm with Monster Piercing directly for studio compliance requirements

Safety & Contraindications

Do not use ball back studs in unhealed or healing cartilage piercings without professional assessment — flat back labrets are the preferred clinical standard for initial healing periods
Individuals with a confirmed nickel allergy should select implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) — implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) contains trace bound nickel and may not be suitable for all nickel-sensitive individuals
Sterling silver is not considered implant-grade and is not recommended for use in cartilage piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) — see material specifications for suitable alternatives
Do not attempt to wear a larger gauge stud than your piercing was performed at — this causes tissue trauma and is not a safe stretching method
If redness, swelling, or discharge persists around a cartilage piercing, remove jewellery only on the advice of a qualified piercer or medical professional — premature removal can trap infection
This product is intended for use on healed or professionally assessed piercings. Consult a qualified professional piercer or licensed medical provider for guidance on healing piercings. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

Ordering & Shipping

All orders dispatched from the United Kingdom — fast UK delivery on all cartilage stud orders
New customers are eligible for a discount on their first purchase — discount details applied at checkout
Confirm gauge and post length against your existing jewellery before ordering — your piercer can measure your current fitting if you are unsure
Bulk and multipack pricing available on select fittings — check individual product listings for multipack options
Returns and exchange policy: Not specified in provided data — refer to the Monster Piercing returns page for current terms
For studio or professional sourcing enquiries, contact Monster Piercing directly via the website

Disclaimer

FAQ

What gauge are cartilage studs?

Most cartilage piercings in the UK are performed at 16g (1.2mm). Tragus piercings are sometimes done at 18g (1.0mm) depending on the piercer and client anatomy. If you are unsure what gauge your piercing is, your piercer can measure your existing jewellery before you order.
What is a ball back stud?

A ball back stud has a small threaded ball that screws onto the end of the post to hold the jewellery in place. It sits against the back of the ear and is more compact than a butterfly clasp, which makes it better suited to cartilage placements where you want minimal movement and no snagging.
Are ball back studs suitable for a new cartilage piercing?

Ball back studs are generally recommended for healed cartilage piercings. For a fresh or healing piercing, flat back labret studs are the professional standard — the flat disc on the back does not press into swollen tissue. Speak to your piercer before changing jewellery in a healing cartilage site.
What is the best material for a cartilage stud?

Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is widely considered the best material for cartilage studs, particularly for anyone with metal sensitivity or a history of reactions. It contains no nickel, is lightweight, and can be anodised to different colours. Implant-grade steel (ASTM F138) is also appropriate for most people. Sterling silver is not implant-grade and is not recommended for ongoing cartilage wear.
Can I wear sterling silver tragus earrings in my tragus piercing?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It is not considered implant-grade, it oxidises over time, and it is not recommended for cartilage piercings by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). For healed piercings worn briefly, some individuals tolerate it without issue — but for regular, day-to-day wear in a cartilage site, implant-grade titanium or solid gold are more appropriate choices.
Which cartilage placements are ball back studs suitable for?

Ball back studs are commonly worn in helix, tragus, conch, and rook piercings. The correct post length varies by placement — helix and conch typically suit 6mm–8mm posts, while tragus usually sits best at 6mm once fully healed. Check individual product listings for available post lengths.
What post length do I need for a tragus stud?

For a healed tragus piercing, a 6mm post length works for most anatomies. Initial piercing jewellery is usually longer to allow for swelling. If you are replacing jewellery in a healed tragus, your current stud can be measured by your piercer to confirm the right post length before you order.

FAQ

Ball Back Studs

What are ball back studs?

Ball back studs are a style of piercing jewellery featuring a rounded ball end instead of a flat disc. The smooth ball sits comfortably at the back of the piercing, making them ideal for ear, cartilage, and lip piercings.

Are silver and steel ball back studs safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. Our surgical steel ball back studs are
hypoallergenic and safe for most skin types. Sterling silver is suitable for healed piercings but may not be ideal for very fresh piercings, as silver can oxidise. If your piercing is new, it’s best to start with titanium or steel before switching to silver once healed.

What piercings can ball back studs be used for?

Ball back studs are versatile and can be worn in a range of piercings including helix, lobe, conch, tragus, lip, and cartilage piercings. The rounded back makes them particularly comfortable for areas that may experience friction.

Are your ball back studs externally or internally threaded?

Most of our ball back studs are externally threaded for a secure and classic fit. Each piece is precision-made to ensure a smooth thread that won’t irritate the piercing.

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Cartilage Ear Stud

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