Helix, tragus, snakebite: If you offer piercing at your jewelry store, get ready for customers to come in and ask for these, according to Amy Robinson.
Robinson, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda, predicts 2024 will bring lots of new piercing styles—not just in the ears and nose—as well as bolder statement earrings, plenty of permanent jewelry, and more men adding piercings to their body.
“Earlobe piercings will always be popular, and nostril piercings are one of the most popular and recognized nose piercings,” Robinson says. “We’ve also seen the growing popularity of the tragus piercing—the small flap of cartilage directly in front of your ear canal. The subtle piercing provides an edgy and cool look.”
Additionally, Robinson says the helix—the upper cartilage part of the ear—will still be an en vogue piercing location. “This area can showcase multiple piercings, such as a double or triple helix piercing. You can also get the forward helix pierced,” Robinson says. “Helix piercings are versatile, allowing for customization of placement and earring style.”
That kind of self-exploration with piercings, fine jewelry, and permanent jewelry will be a big sales driver for Banter in 2024, Robinson says. In 2023, the quiet luxury look, personified by influencers such as Sofia Richie Grainge and Hailey Bieber, made 14k solid gold earrings and studs among Banter’s top sellers.
“Piercing trends are influenced by what is going on in the world around us, including social media trends, the fashion industry, and celebrities,” Robinson says. “What we see in our content, whether it’s celebrity news, streamed shows, or social media, always affects piercing and fashion trends.”
Some trends, like the asymmetrical ear stack, elegant huggie earrings, and mixed metals, will stick around in the new year, Robinson believes.
“Gone are the days of perfectly matched earrings. Now it’s all about mixing and matching different shapes, sizes, and styles,” Robinson says. “Asymmetrical ear stacks allow customers to create a look that is unique to their ear’s distinct anatomy. It allows customers to play around with different piercing placements, such as a snakebite, double helix, tragus, constellation lobe piercings, and more.”
Robinson says that Banter is boosting its 10 to 14k gold and sterling silver earring selection and expanding its piercing services beyond brick-and-mortar locations, going mobile with pop-ups and special events. Banter has more than 160 stores nationwide and expects to add to that in 2024. The brand also plans to hold more in-store permanent jewelry events, Robinson says.
“Permanent jewelry will continue to rise as consumers are looking at shopping for jewelry as a communal experience,” Robinson says. “Permanent jewelry allows for that, and we’re seeing students as well as seniors, bridal parties, best friends, and couples coming in together to get matching permanent jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces.”
Top: Piercings on different parts of the ear and more men getting pierced are trends that Banter by Piercing Pagoda president Amy Robinson anticipates for 2024. (Photos courtesy of Banter by Piercing Pagoda)
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