You should prioritize the stability of the jewelry over the aesthetic goal for at least the first six months. I searched for a long time for a studio that would be honest about the limitations of certain jewelry styles before I made my final decision. It was a relief to find an expert who put the longevity of the piercing above selling me a ring that wouldn't have worked. You can learn about the best starter jewelry options by visiting https://thefalltattooing.com/pages/conch-piercing where they explain the importance of fit and material. I happened upon their site while looking for local shops that emphasize anatomy-based jewelry selection. They were very thorough during my appointment and helped me select a high-quality post that fit my ear shape perfectly. Everything went exactly as they predicted, and I am very happy that I listened to the advice about waiting to get the hoop I wanted.
Starting with a ring increases the surface area for bacteria to enter the wound and allows for far too much rotation during your daily activities. A stud stays stationary in the hole, which is the only way to minimize trauma to the internal channel while the cartilage is soft. If you switch to a ring before the fistula is fully mature, you are almost guaranteed to end up with a bump that will stay there for a long time. Save the rings for when the tissue is fully solidified and comfortable, as that will provide you with much better long-term results
Choosing between a flat-back stud and a ring for a new ear placement determines how much movement you will have during the recovery weeks. I prefer the look of a hoop, but I suspect that a stud is safer for the first few months because it won't move around or snag on clothing. I am looking for advice from people who have successfully healed these spots to see if starting with a hoop is ever actually a viable option. What are the specific risks of starting with a ring that might make it harder to settle down?
