Rook? Faux Rook? What’s the Difference?

Rook Piercing

This is an ear cartilage piercing in the uppermost ridge of the inner ear, near the forward helix.

The rook piercing is most often performed with a curved barbell or j-shaft jewelry. Once healed, a ring may also be worn in the piercing channel. Since the jewelry sits entirely on the front side of the ear, those who wear glasses may find it more comfortable than piercings that exit the back of the ear, such as the faux rook (see below).

Faux Rook Piercing

This is an ear cartilage piercing that passes straight through the ear, just above the uppermost ridge of the inner ear, near the forward helix.

The faux rook is an upper ear cartilage piercing where the front of the jewelry sits close to the place where you would see the the top bead or adornment of a curved barbell in a traditional rook piercing.

Both piercings are a great way to fill the inner ear ridge in a curation, or stand alone to provide a fun accent to the ear! For people who like the look of the curved barbell or ring, the rook piercing is perfect. For anyone that loves the look of studs and some larger, ornate pieces of jewelry (like the one featuring a chain in the picture above) the faux rook is a great option. Once healed, both the rook and faux rook can also be accentuated beautifully with chains that link to other healed piercings.