Know Before You Pierce
The Zahav Piercing Guide
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your piercing, so your solid gold jewelry heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime.
Find Your Piercing
Ear Anatomy
Every ear is different. Use this guide to identify piercing placements and plan your perfect stack.
What to Know
Safety Comes First
Always Choose a Needle
Piercing guns cause blunt trauma and cannot be fully sterilized. A hollow needle creates a clean channel that heals faster with far less irritation. Always insist on a needle - especially for cartilage.
Sterilization Is Non-Negotiable
Every tool that touches your skin must be autoclaved and opened in front of you. Your piercer should wear fresh gloves, work on a clean surface, and use single-use needles only. No exceptions.
Start with Solid Gold
Your initial jewelry matters. Solid 14k or 18k gold is the safest and most biocompatible choice; it minimizes reaction risk and promotes faster healing. Plated or mixed-metal jewelry can trigger irritation before you've even healed.
Plan Ahead
How Long Will It Take?
Healing times vary by placement and individual. These are general ranges - always listen to your piercer and your body.
The Daily Ritual
How to Care for Your Piercing
Rinse twice daily with sterile saline solution - nothing else. No alcohol, no hydrogen peroxide, no antibacterial soap. These disrupt healing and dry out skin.
Leave it alone. Resist the urge to rotate or touch your jewelry. Clean hands, clean solution, and patience are your best tools. Avoid submerging in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until fully healed.
Sleep on a travel pillow to keep pressure off new ear piercings. Avoid makeup, hair products, and earbuds near the site. If you experience prolonged redness, swelling, or discharge, consult your piercer - not the internet.
Ready to Build Your Stack?
Browse the Zahav collection - every piece crafted in solid gold, designed to heal beautifully and be worn forever.