Gone are the days where getting your ears pierced involved a trip to your local Claire's accessories. While we're not knocking it (ah, the memories), the piercing game has evolved quite a bit since those days.
I used to have two piercings, one in each ear, but in the past couple years, my collection has grown to nine, and call it late teenage rebellion, but it seems I'm not the only one wanting more bling on my ear. A wave of new 'ear designers' (I'm looking at you Maria Tash) and piercing studios means that your adult piercing experience has gone more luxe.
No titanium studs here, instead, think delicate gold and diamonds, which means you'll never have to remove them if you don't want to. If you fancy joining the rebellion, here are a few London addresses to know about.
Sacred Gold ear piercing
Where? Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, N1C 4DQ
What? Tucked away in King's Cross' coolest new shopping district, Sacred Gold is the ultimate place to visit for a pain-free and upbeat piercing experience. The luxurious piercing and tattoo parlour also boasts Europe's largest selection of BVLA precious metal body jewellery, making it ideal for a wide-reaching range of customers, no matter how eclectic their preferences may be.
How much? Priced between £100 - £3000, each piece of jewellery made by BVLA is handmade and hand polished in solid 14 or 18 karat white, yellow or rose gold- even platinum. With an extensive collection of over 200 ethically sourced gemstone options, BVLA also offer beautiful custom pieces.
The piercing cost is additional to the jewellery and is priced between £20-25 depending on where the piercing is (they do full body piercings). Book here.
Lark & Berry ear piercing
Where? The Lark & Berry store, 52a George Street, W1U 7EA
What? Sustainable women’s jewellery brand, Lark & Berry have launched an in-store piercing studio complete with a 14K gold piercing capsule collection set with cultured stones, and diamonds. It has been developed with an expert body piercer to curate jewellery that minimise scarring in a new piercing, including hoops which have an increased thickness that have been designed specifically for piercings.
How much? Piercings are free with the jewellery, which costs from £95. Book here.
Maria Tash ear piercing
Where? Liberty and Harrods
What? Jewellery designer Maria Tash started off with a studio in New York, which was a hit with celebs and editors alike, thanks to her excellent 'ear curation' skills. She will basically look at your ear and suggest which piercings and where they will look nicer. She's now brought her studio to Liberty and Harrods, and whilst not cheap, her diamond or pearl coronet hoops are forever.
How much? Piercings from £15, jewellery from £100. Book here for appointments at either Liberty or Harrods.
Astrid & Miyu ear piercing
Where? The Astrid & Miyu Covent Garden (35 Neal Street WC2h 9PR) store or the St Christopher's Place store (4 St Christopher's Place W1U 1LZ)
What? If you're looking for a slightly cheaper alternative, then Astrid & Miyu's range is super stylish. They have a specific range they use for piercings, which are either titanium or solid gold, which include delicate studs and hoops.
How much? From £45, including jewellery. Book here.
Nichola Joss ear piercing
Where? 39 Harley Street, W1G 8QH
What? Best known for being Meghan Markle's favourite facialist, Nichola Joss has teamed up with Shen London to offer luxury piercings in-store. Each labret or stud is crafted in 18kt white or yellow gold and adorned with D colour, VS+ Clarity diamonds of triple excellent cut offering some of the world’s most rare and precious stones.
How much? It's pricey, but then again you'll never want to take them off. Piercing is free with the purchase of jewellery, which starts at £470 for studs. Book here.
Maria Black ear piercing
Where? In Selfridges
What? Copenhagen-based jewellery designer Maria Black has brought her paired-back Scandi aesthetic to London. Her piercings are made in 14K yellow and white gold, complimented by stunning diamonds and coloured sapphires, and are even better when layered.
How much? Sadly the pop-up at Selfridges is now closed, however there are rumours she might open a studio again in London, so watch this space...
