A Tricky Styling for Elise: Transforming Awkward Piercings into an Intentional Design

by Marilyn Mena-Scott

As a professional piercer and jewelry stylist, I’ve encountered countless unique and interesting ear structures, but every once in a while, one comes along that truly challenges my creativity. Elise’s ear was one of those cases that had my wheels turning from the moment I saw it.

Her stacked lobe piercings were at an awkward angle, creating a look that didn’t quite flow with the natural shape of her ear. I debated how to approach this—should I turn one of the piercings into an orbital, or perhaps add another piercing in between to form a triangle? The challenge was making this tricky cluster look intentional and balanced rather than random or off-center.

At the top of her ear, Elise had three piercings in a formation that was even more difficult to work with. Rather than following the natural curve of her ear in an arc, the piercings formed an "L" shape, with one piercing directly on top of the other. I had to decide whether to group them together with cohesive jewelry or select pieces that would help each piercing stand out on its own.

Some of these details may seem minor, but as a stylist, these are the things I obsess over to ensure that every ear I style has balance, flow, and an aesthetic that’s visually pleasing from every angle.

The Solution: A Thoughtful Transformation

After plenty of brainstorming, I came up with a plan. For the stacked lobe piercings, I decided to add two extra piercings and turn the awkward angle into a triple arc with gold beads. Then using a gemmed curved piece from Elise’s other ear to accentuate the curve. This small change completely transformed the look of her lobe, giving it a more deliberate and refined appearance.

As for the top three piercings, I chose to separate them rather than trying to force them into a cohesive group. I added a dangle piece to one of the holes for movement, while tribeads of two different sizes were placed in the remaining two piercings, creating an interesting contrast but maintaining cohesion with the rest of the design.

We also added a double box chain wrapping around her helix, as Elise had liked the chain she’d previously worn there, but wanted something a bit more unique and elegant. The chain helped bring the entire look together, creating a flow from top to bottom.

The Result: A Balanced and Intentional Design

What began as a tricky and awkward cluster of piercings was transformed into a cohesive and elegant design that feels intentional and unique. I’m thrilled with how Elise’s ear turned out. The final look is balanced, with each piercing standing out in its own way while also contributing to the overall flow and aesthetic of her ear.

This project reminded me why I love what I do—solving design challenges, pushing creative boundaries, and helping clients feel confident with jewelry that reflects their style.

If you’re ever facing a tricky piercing or unsure of how to style your ear, remember: every challenge presents an opportunity for something beautiful!