14K Solid Gold ✓
Won't tarnish inside the nose. Biocompatible. Lasts a lifetime. Safe for sensitive skin.
14K Solid Gold
Not plated, not filled
Handmade to Order
Your exact size & gauge
Hypoallergenic
Nickel-free, safe for healed piercings
Free UK Delivery
Tracked & insured
Why 14K Gold for Forward Helix
Cartilage needs the right metal
The forward helix is a cartilage piercing at the front of the ear. Cartilage has limited blood flow, so it heals more slowly than lobe tissue and is less forgiving of low-quality jewellery. The metal you wear has a direct effect on whether your piercing settles cleanly or develops irritation bumps.
Our forward helix rings are made from 14K solid gold wire — 58.3% pure gold alloyed for strength. It's biocompatible, which means the body accepts it rather than rejecting it. No nickel. No plating to wear through. No metal leaching into healing tissue.
Gold-Plated
Coating wears off within months. Exposes base metal. Can cause bumps and irritation.
Surgical Steel
Contains nickel. May cause reactions in the moist nasal environment.
Forward Helix Ring Size Guide
A smaller location needs a smaller hoop
The forward helix sits on the small section of cartilage at the front of the ear, close to the face. It's one of the smallest piercing locations on the body, so the ring has to be sized accordingly — a hoop that's too large will stick out awkwardly and put pressure on the piercing.
6mm
The most common size. Clean, proportioned, works for most forward helix placements.Most popular
7mm
A relaxed fit for piercings placed slightly further back.
8mm
The largest forward helix size. More visible curve, suits bolder stacks.
Gauge guide: 18G is the most common gauge for cartilage piercings in the UK. 20G is finer. 22G is the finest — suitable only for fully healed piercings. If you're unsure which gauge your piercer used, 18G is the safe default.
Double or triple forward helix: Graduated sizes work well.
Common Questions
What size hoop is best for a forward helix piercing?
6mm is the most common size for a standard forward helix — it sits close to the ear without pressing. 5mm gives a tighter, more discreet fit. 7mm works for placements set slightly further back, or if you want more visible curve. We offer every size from 5mm to 7mm including half sizes, so you can match your exact anatomy.
Is 14K gold safe for a forward helix piercing?
Yes. 14K solid gold is biocompatible and nickel-free, making it one of the safest metals for cartilage jewellery. This matters more for cartilage than for lobes: cartilage heals slowly and reacts more strongly to poor materials. 14K solid gold is very different from gold-plated jewellery, which can flake and expose reactive base metals.
What gauge should I choose — 18G, 20G ?
Match the gauge your piercer used. In the UK, 18G is the most common for cartilage piercings, including forward helix. 20G is a finer option for a more delicate look. If you're unsure which gauge you have, ask your piercer or check the box your jewellery came in.
Can I wear a hoop in a new forward helix piercing?
We recommend waiting until your piercing is fully healed before switching to a seamless hoop. Forward helix typically takes 3-6 months to heal enough for a jewellery change, and up to 9-12 months for full healing. Your initial piercing should be done with a flat-back labret stud — switching too early is the most common cause of irritation.
Can I get a double or triple forward helix with these?
Yes. Graduated sizes are the common approach — for example 6mm, 7mm and 8mm from top to bottom creates a tapered stack. Order each hoop individually and build the combination you want.
How do I put in a seamless forward helix hoop?
Gently twist the two ends of the hoop apart in opposite directions — don't pull them away from each other. Slide one end through the piercing, then twist the ends back together until the join is seamless. For a small hoop like this, warming the gold briefly in your hands makes it more pliable and easier to manoeuvre.
Complete Your Look
More 14K gold piercing rings
