What is an Orbital Piercing?
Understanding Orbital Piercings
If you’ve been scrolling through piercing photos online lately, you’ve probably seen some gorgeous ear piercings labeled as “orbitals” - some of which actually aren’t! The term has gotten a little fuzzy, so here’s a quick Q&A to help clear things up.
Q: What exactly is an orbital piercing?
An orbital piercing is two separate piercings connected by one piece of jewelry, most often a ring. The jewelry literally “orbits” the tissue between the two holes, and that’s where the name comes from. Orbitals can be placed in the lobe, helix, or other creative spots depending on your anatomy and the jewelry design.
Q: How is that different from a conch piercing with a ring?
A conch piercing with a ring goes through one piercing channel only. It can create a similar circular look, but it’s technically not an orbital since the jewelry doesn’t connect two piercings. Both can be beautiful, they’re just different styles that require different anatomy and healing processes.
Q: If an orbital connects two piercings, how is that different from an industrial?
Great question! Both orbitals and industrials link two piercings, but the type of jewelry and placement make them very different.
An industrial piercing connects two piercings with a straight or custom barbell, usually across the upper ear cartilage.
An orbital uses a ring that circles around a section of tissue rather than passing straight through it.
So while both link two piercings, the design, mechanics, and look are completely distinct.
Q: Do orbitals heal differently?
Potentially… Because orbitals involve two piercings connected by one piece of jewelry, they can be trickier to heal than a single piercing. They rely heavily on precise placement, so this is where a piercer’s skill and experience truly matter. Both piercing channels need to be lined up at the correct angles so the jewelry can sit comfortably.
If the angles are off — even slightly — it can create unnecessary pressure, friction, or twisting in the jewelry, which can make healing far more complicated. A well-executed orbital should feel balanced, smooth, and stable. This is why careful planning, anatomy assessment, and precision execution are essential.
Lobe orbitals usually heal within 2-3 months, similar to other lobe piercings.
Cartilage orbitals (like helix or flat placements) take longer — typically 3-6 months or more — since cartilage has less blood flow and can be more sensitive to movement.
A conch piercing with a ring also falls into that 3-6 month healing range, depending on your anatomy and jewelry.
We always offer free consultations - if you have questions during your healing we’re here to help!
Q: Can I get an orbital anywhere on the ear?
Not quite anywhere… The placement depends on your unique anatomy and the jewelry design. A skilled piercer can help determine if your ear allows for an orbital, or if another style might achieve a similar look with better healing potential.
Q: What kind of jewelry can I wear in an orbital?
The most classic choice is a ring, but orbitals can also feature custom designs or decorative connectors that make them truly one-of-a-kind. Because two piercings share one piece of jewelry, it’s important that the sizing and shape are just right for both comfort and healing.
Q: Which style should I choose — orbital or conch with a ring?
That depends on the look you love and what your anatomy supports. Both styles can be stunning when done correctly and with quality jewelry. The best way to decide is to bring in reference photos, we’re always happy to talk through your options and design something unique for you.