There's been a noted surge in the demand for unique ear jewellery in recent years - and it's a trend that isn't showing any sign of waning.
We're not just talking about your traditional lobe studs, either - everyone from Victoria Beckham to Gwyneth Paltrow have had their ears punched from top to bottom!
MORE: These are all the rebellious royals with unexpected piercings
And since piercing studios are now open again following the coronavirus lockdown, we predict demand will be higher than ever.
Ever wondered what your options are when it comes to joining the ear party? Find out all the most popular placements below...
Modern royal Lady Amelia Windsor rocks multiple ear piercings
What is a curated ear?
It's all about designing a look that's unique to you, choosing jewellery that fits your own ear shape and using different earrings in different placements. It's inspired a movement towards investing in quality jewellery with luxurious embellishments, too.
And remember, having a piercing is a responsibility - especially higher up the ear where the healing time can be longer. It means cleaning it every day and following professional advice to take care of it; and choosing a reputable and trustworthy piercer, of course.
Cult piercer Maria Tash told HELLO!: "I find that women are looking for a deliberate, thoughtful collection of small pieces in each ear, a fine curation of elegant, multiple piercings.
"We are also seeing the return, in a more elegant form, of multiple rings going up the lobe to cartilage, especially sneaking them in the unappreciated zone in between the lobe and cartilage (6th-7th earlobe placement)."
Scroll down to find out the other popular placements to ask for at your next piercing appointment…
The vertical placement
Photo: © Instagram
Adding a small stud above an existing lobe piercing is a great way to add interest, particularly if you're nervous of the more painful spots on the ear. The trick is to wear a smaller stud so as not to overcrowd the lobe.
"You can achieve a pretty curated ear without puncturing the cartilage," Tada & Toy's Tansy Aspinall tells us. "Vertical lobe piercings [where a piercing is placed directly above the first] are really cool and less painful alternatives."
GET THE LOOK: Tiny star studs, £40, Tada & Toy
SHOP NOW
The conch ring
Photo: © Instagram
A conch ring, wrapping around the entire edge of the ear, can look minimally simple with just one neighbouring stud, or can be teamed with a stack of fine rings for a more embellished look.
Even better, you can cheat the look with a simple cuff, and avoid the pain entirely…
GET THE LOOK: Basic ear cuff, £25, Astrid & Miyu
SHOP NOW
The forward helix piercing
Photo: © Instagram
Adding a miniscule hoop to the earhead, or forward helix, gives a unique finish to this curated ear, which also makes use of various placements and a chain earring for a cool-girl look.
GET THE LOOK: Tiny helix hoops, £7.18, NomzBodyJewelry @ Etsy
SHOP NOW
Multiple cartilage piercings
Photo: © Instagram
This curated ear features a rook (the inner 'crease' of the ear) and tragus piercing (the bump directly in front of the ear canal) - both popular placements for stud and ring designs.
GET THE LOOK: Rook hoop earring, £15, PiercingRoomByJay @ Etsy
SHOP NOW
Teamed with two simple lobe piercings, the look is unique without looking overloaded - although there's always room for more…
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.