Have you heard of the Rook piercing? This little gem, well hidden in the anti-helix of the ear, was popularized in the 1990s by Erik Dakota, a famous American piercer. Despite its discreet placement, it's attracting the attention of more and more piercing enthusiasts. Do you have any questions? Good thing I have the answers!

Where is the Rook?

The Rook piercing is placed in the anti-helix, that small ridge of cartilage inside the ear. But be careful, this isn't a location for everyone! If your ear doesn't have the necessary ridge, the Rook won't be possible. So before you get started, make a quick visit to your piercer to check if your ear is compatible.

Does the Rook hurt?

Ah, the infamous question: does the Rook hurt? Yes and no. The pain is like a strong coffee—everyone feels it differently! Some say it goes down smooth, others say it stings a little more. But rest assured, it only lasts a few seconds, followed by a warming sensation, and voilà, it's done! The Rook is a fairly comfortable piercing, once you get over that brief sting.

Invisible piercing? Disappointing, yes, but no: it's stylish!

Do you dream of seeing your beautiful piercing every time you pass by a mirror? Well, with the Rook, it's not always a given! Due to its placement and the anatomy of some ears, it's very common for your jewelry to be hidden behind the anti-helix, just like with the Daith piercing. As a result, you can't see it, but everyone around you can admire it. Frustrating? Maybe a little, but wear it proudly, because even if it's discreet, it still looks great from the side.

What jewelry for the Rook? When piercing: 

When getting a piercing, the jewelry of choice is a micro banana or "curved barbell." This type of jewelry fits perfectly to the anatomy of your ear and leaves enough room to manage inflammation. Why not a ring, you ask? Well, the Rook swells! A ring that's too tight can be uncomfortable and unsightly, so we prefer to start simple to avoid hassle.

How to heal the Rook?

Healing a Rook piercing is a long-distance race, not a sprint. Expect to wait between 6 and 12 months for everything to settle. Yes, it's a long time, especially if you're part of the slow-healing team. But don't get discouraged! This piercing is beautiful and well worth a little patience.

But why does it take so long? It's a combination of factors. Rook cartilage is often thicker and more inflamed, like many ear cartilages. Additionally, the earring sits in a narrower part of the ear, where secretions and other small debris can accumulate, making the area difficult to clean. And let's not forget that the ear is an area that often receives stress from our lifestyle habits: the side we sleep on, our phone, clothing, hair... All of this can slow down healing.

Some tips for successful healing:

1. Choose a piece of jewelry that is simple and easy to clean.
2. Arm yourself with a hand mirror to see your piercing clearly and keep it clean.
3. Avoid sleeping and using phones on your newly pierced ear.
4. Dry the area well after showering with a non-woven compress, and avoid letting your wet hair dry on it.

What jewelry for the Rook once healed?

Once healed, your options expand! You can opt for a small ring of 6 to 8 mm, depending on your body shape. For a more original look, why not add a small pendant? Don't hesitate to ask your piercer for advice on finding the ideal size. Here is a small selection of jewelry for your Rook: 

Insolence Titanium Ring in 6 mm

Passion

Resourceful

Grip

Plastic

To dare

Bold 6mm

Charms to add to your ring for more originality:

Moody

Indiscreet

Now you're armed with all the information you need to approach your Rook piercing with confidence! Whether you opt for a discreet piece of jewelry or something a little more eye-catching, the key is to follow the care instructions carefully.