Oops, I did it again. Another day, another ear piercing. I’ve been scoping out inspiration on Instagram for constellation piercings lately, and I may be in an addictive loop. The curated ear, or constellation piercings, has been gaining a lot of popularity lately as more and more influencers and fashion content creators share their adorned ears. Constellation ear piercings are randomly placed piercings on all areas of the ears: lobes and cartilage piercings including the helix, conch, rook, daith, and more.
In all, I have 8 ear piercings. On my right ear, I have three lobe piercings. My left ear is where I have more fun, mostly because you can’t sleep on brand new piercings or it will slow the healing process. There I have the same three lobe piercings plus an upper lobe piercing, and my conch pierced too. I originally wanted to get my rook pierced – it’s not the most popular piercing but I always love that teeny cove for placement – but after consulting my piercer, we decided my rook was too small to hold the earring needed. It’s a lot, but I have a high enough pain threshold that they really didn’t hurt much!
Would I get one more? Probably! I’m currently wearing a cuff on my helix, so that might be my next and last – for now – ear piercing.
Where to get affordable piercings in NYC
When it comes to piercings, you want to make sure you are always seeing a professional. There are tons of articles already online where you can learn more about where to get pierced, so I’m sharing a few I already avisited along with some recommendations I received as well. I wouldn’t normally advise on choosing affordability over quality, but these spots are either personally or peer reviewed, so I definitely trust these are the best places to get pierced without breaking the bank.
Mejuri Piercing Studio
Like most people on Instagram, I have loved Mejuri’s affordable gold jewelry. So when I heard that they also have a monthly Piercing Studio in their SoHo store, I knew I had to visit. They have professional piercers who perform lobe piercings, with a needle, free with the purchase of a Mejuri stud earring. It’s honestly the best deal for a lobe piercing, and you can get as many as you want during your appointment! For my three extra left lobe piercings, I paid just under $150. That’s a steal in most places! Just make sure to arrive early – the piercing studio is walk-in only and first come, first served. Wait times can be up to three hours!
Studs
My friend Samantha introduced me to Studs, a new shop in Nolita that focuses solely on ear jewelry and piercings. The jewelry is really affordable – single earrings were no more than $30 each – and so are the piercings – $35 for one, $50 for two, plus the cost of the piercing jewelry. Again, they have professional piercers who will do a consultation, recommend piercing jewelry and perform the actual piercing. The best part is you’re not restricted to a lobe piercing here – go with your heart’s desire!
Here, you can book an appointment in advance (those will likely be a month out) or get a walk-in appointment after 4PM. Again, arrive early. I stood in line at 4 and got a slot two and a half hours later.
New York Adorned
My coworker recently recommended New York Adorned, which was top on my list for my cartilage piercing plans. While I’ve never visited this shop, I did check out their pricing, and it’s $40 for 1 ear piercing plus the cost of jewelry. She also assured me they have a dope collection of jewelry, so you’ll definitely find something you can be happy with! Make an appointment online, or call ahead for availability.
Village Tattoo
Village Tattoo is another recommendation, also by Samantha, since she got pierced here too. This is a really great deal: ear piercings are up to $45 and include the cost of jewelry!
Inspiration from the ‘gram
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few posts from my saved files on IG that inspired my curated ear.