Guides

Cubic Zirconia Earrings: What to Know Before You Buy (and What "AAA CZ" Really Means)
Cubic Zirconia Earrings: What to Know Before You Buy (and What "AAA CZ" Really Means)
CZ is a lab-made stone that looks a lot like a diamond at a small fraction of the price. It's softer than a diamond, so it can scratch and dull... Read more...
14K gold bar with a karat meter showing 14 of 24 parts gold
What Does 14K Solid Gold Actually Mean?
Solid gold is a good choice for many people with sensitive ears, but one thing is worth knowing: not all gold alloys are the same. Solid gold means the piece... Read more...
Aurelai Jewelry internally threaded vs threadless flatback posts
Internally Threaded vs Threadless Earrings: What's the Difference?
Internally threaded or threadless? Here's how each one works, how they differ, and which is easier to wear every day. Simple guide from Aurelai Jewelry. Read more...
Nickel free jewelry
Nickel-Free Earrings: What Actually Qualifies
Nickel-free earrings explained: what actually qualifies, why "hypoallergenic" isn't regulated in the US, and how to verify before you buy. Read more...
Aurelai Jewelry
How to Pronounce (and Spell) Aurelai
Aurelai, A-U-R-E-L-A-I, pronounced oh-RAY-lye. Not Aurelia. Bookmark aurelaijewelry.com or follow @aurelai_jewelry so you don't have to rely on search working it out for you. Read more...
Implant grade titanium earrings worn in ear, ASTM F136 for sensitive ears
What Is Titanium Jewelry, and Why Do Piercers Actually Recommend It?
Titanium jewelry explained simply: what ASTM F136 means, why it's nickel-free, and how to tell real implant grade titanium from cheap imitations. Read more...
14k solid gold damind earrings
2026 Ear and Earring Trends: What's Actually Worth Trying
A realistic look at 2026's biggest ear and earring trends, from no-piercing cuffs to colored studs, plus which ones are worth your money. Read more...
Can You Sleep With Earrings In?
Can You Sleep With Earrings In?
Find out if it's safe to sleep in earrings, why the wrong backing causes ear pain overnight, and which earring style actually works for 24/7 wear. Read more...
curated ear stacking
Curated Ear Stacking 2026: How to Actually Build a Stack That Doesn't Look Random
Learn how to build a curated ear stack that actually looks put together. Placement rules, metal matching tips, and real stack ideas from Aurelai Jewelry. Read more...
Earring gauge size guide
What Gauge Are Your Earrings? A Quick Guide
Gauge trips people up constantly, mostly because the numbering works backwards from what feels logical. Here's what it actually means and which size fits which piercing. Read more...
Do You Actually Need a Threadless Changing Tool?
Do You Actually Need a Threadless Changing Tool?
Threadless jewelry is easy to bend or drop when you change it by hand. Here's what a changing tool actually does and why it's worth having. Read more...
Earring post length guide
How to pick your flat back post size.
Post length matters as much as material. Here's how to pick the right flat back size for healed piercings vs new ones, by placement. Read more...
The Eastern Approach to Piercing Aftercare, and How It Compares to Saline
The Eastern Approach to Piercing Aftercare, and How It Compares to Saline
Piercing aftercare looks pretty different depending on where you grew up. Here's a quick, respectful look at both approaches, and what actually holds up. Read more...
What Solution Should You Actually Use to Clean a Piercing?
What Solution Should You Actually Use to Clean a Piercing?
Sterile saline wound wash with one ingredient, 0.9% sodium chloride, nothing else added. Here's what that actually means when you're standing in the pharmacy aisle. Read more...
When Should You Downsize Your Piercing Post?
When Should You Downsize Your Piercing Post?
Once the swelling from your fresh piercing goes down, usually 4 to 8 weeks in, but it depends on placement. Here's how to actually tell. Read more...
Needle vs Gun piercing.
Needle vs Gun Piercing: Why It Actually Matters
Quick answer: needle, every time, especially for cartilage. Here's why the tool actually matters more than people think. Read more...
Pillow with hole and Aurelai logo.
What Pillow Should You Sleep On With a New Piercing?
Sleep is the part of healing most people don't think about until they roll onto a fresh cartilage piercing at 2am. Here's what actually helps. Read more...
why do your ears actually itch?
Why Do My Earrings Make My Ears Itch?
Itchy ears after wearing earrings almost always come down to one of five things. Here's the quick version. Read more...
Insert threadless push in top half way into the flatback post then slightly bend the pin. Push in to secure the pin and flatback post.
How to Insert and Remove Threadless Earrings the Right Way
Threadless jewelry is one of those things that seems tricky the first time and then becomes second nature once you've done it once or twice. No screwing, no lining up... Read more...
How Long Does It Actually Take for Ear Piercings to Heal? A Timeline by Placement
How Long Does It Actually Take for Ear Piercings to Heal? A Timeline by Placement
If you just got pierced and you're checking your ear in the mirror every morning wondering if it looks right, you're not alone. Healing time is probably the most asked... Read more...
Solid gold vs titanium vs sterling silver
Solid Gold vs Titanium vs Sterling Silver: Which Earring Material Is Actually Right for You?
Not every metal belongs in every piercing. This week's post breaks down solid gold, titanium, and sterling silver honestly, including why piercers steer people away from silver for new piercings.... Read more...
Earring backs explained. Butterfly backs, screwbacks, internally threaded and threadless.
Types of Earring Backs Explained: Which One Is Best for Your Ears
Not all earring backs are created equal. This guide breaks down push backs, screw backs, and threaded vs. threadless flat backs, including which ones piercers actually recommend for comfort, healing,... Read more...