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 Hidden Helix
Cartilage needs the right metal
The hidden helix is a cartilage piercing placed on the lower, inward curve of the helix — the part that tucks under the rim of the ear. Like all cartilage, it heals slowly and reacts strongly to low-quality metals. Because a hidden helix ring sits close against the skin all day, the metal's behaviour matters more than it would for jewellery that moves freely.
Our hidden 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.
Hidden Helix Ring Size Guide
A close fit for a tucked placement
A hidden helix sits on the inward curve of the helix, where the cartilage folds slightly under. The whole point of the placement is that the ring tucks into that fold — so diameter matters. Too large and the hoop pulls forward out of the tuck; too small and it presses against the cartilage.
6mm
Sits deepest in the fold. The most discreet fit — barely visible from straight on.
7mm
The most common size. Balanced between tucked and visible — suits most hidden helix anatomies.Most popular
8mm
The largest size. Visible from more angles while still sitting within the helix rim.
Gauge guide: 18G is the most common gauge for cartilage piercings in the UK. 20G is finer for a more delicate appearance. If you're unsure which gauge your piercer used, match it — or use 18G as the safe default.
Not sure?Measure the inner diameter of your current ring or ask your piercer.
Common Questions
About this hidden helix ring
What is a hidden helix piercing?
A hidden helix — also called a low helix or tucked helix — is a cartilage piercing placed on the lower, inward curve of the helix, where the cartilage folds slightly under the rim. The ring or stud sits within that fold, so it's less visible from straight-on views than a standard helix. It's the same piercing technique as a standard helix — just placed differently.
What size hoop do I need for a hidden helix?
7mm is the most common size and our most popular hidden helix ring. If your placement sits deeper in the fold, 6mm gives a tighter, more tucked fit. If it sits further out, 8mm works better. We offer every size from 6mm to 8mm , so you can match your exact placement.
Is 14K gold safe for a hidden helix piercing?
Yes. 14K solid gold is biocompatible and nickel-free, making it one of the safest metals for cartilage jewellery. Cartilage heals slowly and reacts more strongly to poor materials than lobe tissue does. Because a hidden helix ring sits close against the skin, the metal matters: 14K solid gold is very different from gold-plated jewellery, which can flake and expose reactive base metals.
Hidden helix vs standard helix — what's the difference?
Placement. A standard helix sits on the upper, outer curve of the cartilage, fully visible. A hidden helix sits lower on the helix, on the inward curve that tucks under the rim. The piercing itself uses the same technique and similar gauges — it's where the piercer places it that differs. The two can be layered together on the same ear.
Is 18G or 20G better for a hidden helix?
Match whatever gauge your piercer used. In the UK, 18G is the most common for cartilage piercings, including hidden helix. 20G is finer and gives a more delicate appearance. Both work well for this placement — 18G is the safer default if you're unsure.
Can I wear a hoop in a new hidden helix piercing?
We recommend waiting until your piercing is fully healed before switching to a seamless hoop. Hidden 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 cartilage irritation.
How do I put in a seamless hidden 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.
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