The Chicest Piercing Trends for 2024 According to The Pros
Bazaar Arabia speaks to an expert clutch of pro-piercers to get their tips for curating a chic earscape with studs, huggies and hoops in 2024
For those addicted to piercing trends, the start of a new season inevitably induces an itch—perhaps it’s time for you to get that one extra piercing you’ve been waiting for, or perhaps you want to embark on a whole new earscape. It’s important to begin any piercing process with a long term plan in place—have you thoroughly considered the perfect placement, the style of jewellery you wish to wear in that piercing, and does your anatomy suit its design?
With so much to consider, Bazaar Arabia spoke to three expert piercing pros in the region to get their tips on how to safely curate an ultra-chic ear stack this season.
Maria Tash, Founder of Maria Tash
Maria Tash founded her business in 1993 and over the last 30 years has become the piercing pro to many international A-listers—Kylie Jenner, Sydney Sweeney, Taylor Swift and Rihanna, to name a few. From her first studio in Manhattan’s East Village, Maria began to develop her own style that went against the grain of the chunky, industrial piercing jewellery popular at the time, designing custom, delicate jewels that redefined piercing artistry entirely. Maria then founded her Curated Ear® program, enabling her customers to plan out their entire piercing story in a meticulously considered way, and before long her patented piercing jewels and placements were the most imaginative in the business.
Have you noticed any particular metals or gemstones trending in 2024?
“White and yellow gold metal continue to be popular, with rose gold finishing in a distant third place. I continue to design primarily white diamond pieces or all metal pieces due to their versatility and ease with apparel coordination. I am more interested in inventing unusual ways to hold or display diamonds as opposed to finding a coloured stone to promote for a season.”
Are there any particular placements, or layouts that are proving popular this year?
“We continue to see popularity in our patented locations of the TASH HelixSM and TASH Hidden RookSM. Clients look to us not only to execute a great angled earlobe piercing but also for our novel piercing effects. I love it when clients see a Maria Tash curation and wonder ‘How does that work?’ We create looks people have not seen before because I’ve invented jewellery mechanisms to suspend stones and metal using my over thirty years of experience, specifically jewellery intended for long wear in the body.”
How have piercing trends evolved over the last few years?
“Earlobe piercing continues to be popular, and performing a great forward-facing piercing angle will always be important. Recently I invented a new earlobe piercing called the TASH Lobe. It is an earlobe piecing that abuts the cheek. It is on the lobe, but right up against the face. This new location has the quick healing time of a traditional lobe but creates great new effects.”
What was the inspiration behind some of your newer collections, such as the gold-faceted pieces?
“The gold faceted pieces were inspired by our floating and invisible set of pear and marquise stones. I wanted to create the look of a freely floating gemstone on the ear – held without any settings at all. The idea was that a piece of metal could be formed and faceted like a diamond, minimally, with no bezels or prongs. We’ve also released a new collection that has done very well in the GCC region – our Echos, Vines, and Plumes. These designs are a study of invisibly set and floating pear and marquise diamonds.”
Milka Karaağaçlı İnce, Founder of Kismet By Milka
Milka Karaağaçlı İnce founded her Istanbul-based brand in 2009, and now has her own stores and concessions in leading department stores all around the world, including Bahrain and Dubai. Worn by Madonna, Naomi Watts, Britney Spears and Anne Hathaway, Milka’s designs are eclectic with a contemporary, bohemian feel. Considering the symbolism and emotional resonance of each piece, Milka ensures every client’s ear enhances their look, but also communicates their personal journey and individuality.
How long have you been a piercing pro, and what sets you apart from other piercing experts?
“With 15 years of experience in the piercing industry, I’ve honed my craft to not only provide expert piercings but also over comprehensive styling forecasting. What truly sets me apart from other piercing experts is my approach to mix-and-match styling. Instead of simply recommending a piercing, I focus on crafting a personalized ear aesthetic that reflects each client’s unique style and preferences. Each design I create is more than just an accessory; it’s a narrative.”
What do you enjoy most about designing for piercing artistry?
“The opportunity to tell a unique story with each collection. Every design is a canvas where I can blend creativity with personal expression, crafting something that hasn’t been seen before. This ability to merge storytelling with piercing artistry allows me to push the boundaries of conventional design, delivering one-of-a-kind creations that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a collection being finalized and carry a piece of their personal narrative with each design.”
What are the most popular piercing placements being requested right now?
“According to Danielle Robinson, our consultant head piercer at Kismet by Milka; the lobe piercing is the most popular piercing and always has been. Although we find that clients are getting more adventurous with their styling and placements. Asymmetrical designs and piercing placements are really popular now, such as adding a double or triple high lobe piercing on the one side. My personal favourite will always be daith piercings, they not only over a unique look but also provide a distinctive edge to any piercing collection.”
How do you plan a customer’s earscape?
“Our approach to ear curation involves designing a personalized ear piercing experience that enhances the natural curves of your ear. We carefully plan and place multiple piercings over the course of the ear project, considering lifestyle and jewellery preferences. This can include popular styles like constellation piercings, where small, carefully chosen jewellery pieces are arranged to form a constellation-like pattern on the ear. Ear curation is a commitment as we recommend only getting three piercings at a time, so it’s important to allow for appropriate healing times in-between. Danielle always says that patience is a virtue!”
What are the most important thıngs that customers should consider before they get a piercing?
“There are many factors a client should consider before getting a new piercing done, including ensuring you’re in good health before getting a piercing. Certain medical conditions or medications might affect healing or increase the risk of complications. Each piercing has its own individual healing time, so this is something to consider when choosing your placement. Other important considerations are any upcoming beach or pool holidays, as it’s advised to stay clear of the water after getting pierced! Come prepared and speak to your piercing pro about any concerns you have prior to committing to a new piercing.”
Nour El Houda Sefi, founder of N.Sefi Jewellery & Piercings
Nour El Houda Sefi’s glittering jewels are made between Dubai and Italy, and are designed to be stacked, layered, mixed and matched. The Tunisian designer’s collections aim to embrace both the complementary and opposing sides of a woman’s personality, while focusing on the meticulous details – all of the brand’s diamonds are certified by the GIA, and she has developed her own custom blend of gold—Peachy Gold— to deliver the perfect rosy hue.
How long have you been a piercing pro, and what is unique about your offering?
“I’ve been in the piercing industry since 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our craft. What sets me apart from other piercing experts is my commitment to excellence at every stage of the process. We not only offer top-tier piercing services but also have our own production workshop where we craft our jewellery. Our high standards are evident in our use of ethically-sourced gold and natural diamonds, ensuring that each piece we create is both beautiful and responsible.”
What do you enjoy most about being a piercing artist?
“The ability to create something truly personal and meaningful for each client. Every piercing is a unique expression of individuality, and we love being part of that transformative experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the confidence and joy that a beautifully placed piercing can bring to someone.”
Do you curate piercings across the entire ear, such as constellation piercings?
“We offer full earscape planning across the entire ear, including constellation piercings. Our team specializes in creating custom, aesthetically balanced arrangements that reflect each client’s unique style. Whether you’re looking for a subtle, elegant look or a bold, statement-making design, we’ll work with you to craft the perfect earscape that complements your personal aesthetic.”
What are the most popular piercing jewels right now?
“Layering multiple earrings on the lobe or along the cartilage is very popular, creating a curated and personalized look. Sleek, simple pieces like tiny studs, thin hoops, and delicate chains are in high demand, offering a refined and elegant aesthetic. Mixing and matching different styles and sizes of earrings to create a unique, asymmetrical look is trending, allowing for more creative expression. For a bold and edgy look, black diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, while gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are trending for adding a pop of colour and personal flair to piercings.”
Lead Image Courtesy of Kismet by Milka
