Frequently Asked Questions

We're primarily an appointment-based studio, and booking ahead is the best way to guarantee your spot. That said, walk-ins are always welcome when we're in the studio — hours vary, so if you're thinking of stopping by, feel free to reach out first or keep an eye on our Instagram to know when we're in. Either way, we'd love to have you.

Your total visit has two parts — the piercing service and your jewelry selection, which are priced separately.

Piercing service:
Single lobe — $45  •  Pair or children's — $70

Jewelry (per pair):
Medical grade stainless steel — $35
Implant-grade titanium — $40
24K gold plated — $40
Solid 14K gold — $65–$255 depending on style

Example: A lobe pair piercing ($70) + titanium studs ($40) = $110 total.

Jewelry is not included in the piercing fee and is chosen at your appointment from our curated collection.

We recommend arriving well-nourished and hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and blood thinners for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Not every placement works for every ear — and that's a beautiful thing. Anatomy varies, and what looks incredible on someone else may not work for your ear (or vice versa). During your consultation, your piercer will assess your anatomy honestly and help you find placements that will heal well, sit beautifully, and stand the test of time.

Absolutely! You're welcome to bring up to two support people to your appointment — whether that's a parent, partner, or best friend. If you're bringing a larger group, consider booking a private piercing party — we'd love to host your whole crew.

Yes! We welcome children ages 5 and older. All clients under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present with a valid government-issued photo ID plus proof of guardianship (birth certificate or passport).

We specialize exclusively in earlobe piercings — single, pair, second lobe, third lobe, and stacked lobe looks. We do not offer cartilage, nose, lip, navel, or other body piercings. Our singular focus on lobe piercings means we do this one thing exceptionally well, with the right tool, the right jewelry, and the right expertise every single time.

First: it is not a piercing gun. A traditional spring-loaded gun uses uncontrolled force, cannot be fully sterilized between clients, and causes unnecessary blunt trauma to tissue.

Our medical-grade piercing device is hand-pressurized — quiet, smooth, and a world apart from the spring-loaded guns you may have experienced elsewhere. Here's what makes it different:

◇ Zero contamination: The jewelry arrives pre-loaded in a sealed, single-use sterile cartridge. It goes directly from that cartridge into your ear — never touched, never transferred.

◇ Full piercer control: Unlike spring-loaded guns, the speed and pressure are entirely in your piercer's hands at every moment — for precise, intentional placement.

◇ Right tool for the job: Needles are designed for cartilage and body piercings. For soft earlobe tissue, they're overkill. Our device is purpose-built for lobe piercings — one clean, one-step motion with no extra instrument handling.

◇ Safe for all ages: Children 5 and older welcome. The process is fast, gentle, and over in seconds.

The result? A safer, cleaner, more precise piercing experience than what you've likely had anywhere else.

Honestly? A little — but it's very brief. Most clients describe it as a quick pinch or pressure that lasts a second. The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual piercing. Our medical-grade piercing device is quiet, gentle, and designed to minimize discomfort — most people report feeling no discomfort at all. Your piercer's technique is calm and intentional, and they'll guide you through the whole process.

We carry four material options: implant-grade titanium (nickel-free), solid 14K gold, medical-grade stainless steel that meets the most stringent global standards for nickel release requirements, and 24K gold plated styles. All are appropriate for fresh piercings and sourced from trusted vendors with material certifications. We do not use mystery alloys or acrylic. If you have known metal sensitivities, let us know at your consultation and we'll recommend the best option for your body.

We only pierce with jewelry from our own curated collection — no exceptions. This ensures the metal quality, sizing, and style are appropriate for a fresh piercing. Once your piercing is fully healed, you're welcome to come in for a jewelry change with a piece of your own — we're happy to swap it safely.

With our medical-grade piercing device and specially formulated ear care solution, earlobe piercings typically heal within 6 weeks — significantly faster than traditional methods. Follow your aftercare routine consistently and you'll be ready for a jewelry change at your 6-week mark. Your piercer will confirm at your appointment.

We send you home with our specially formulated ear care solution. Clean your piercing three times daily — apply the solution and gently rotate the jewelry 3 times at each cleaning, then let it air dry.

Things to avoid: touching the piercing with unwashed hands, sleeping directly on the piercing, swimming or submerging in pools/hot tubs/lakes/open water for at least 4 weeks, using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil.

With proper aftercare, most piercings are ready for a jewelry change at the 6-week mark. Not sure if you're healed? Book a jewelry change appointment and let your piercer assess your piercing before making any changes.

Don't panic — some redness, tenderness, and clear/white discharge are completely normal, especially in the first few weeks. If you notice unusual swelling, thick yellow or green discharge, significant pain, or a bump that isn't going away, see your doctor immediately as these may be signs of infection. If you're ever unsure whether something is normal, feel free to reach out and we're happy to help.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in forfeiture of your deposit. We understand life happens — just let us know as soon as you can and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Yes — all clients complete a consent form prior to their appointment. You'll receive a link to complete it digitally when you arrive.

Yes! Gift cards are a beautiful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion. Reach out through our contact page or ask at your next appointment and we'll get you set up.

We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message through our contact page, or find us on Instagram at @emeraldandopalpiercing. We try to respond within 24 hours on business days.