Jestrum piercing
A vertical upper lip adornment placed in the philtrum using a curved metal rod.
A jestrum piercing is an upper lip adornment positioned in the philtrum, directly beneath the nasal ridge. It uses a curved metal rod that remains fully visible, offering a vertical accent that some wearers pair with a lower lip stud for balance.
- Sits in the philtrum below the nasal ridge
- Uses a curved barbell instead of a straight stud
- Both ends of the jewellery stay visible externally
- Can be paired with a lower labret for symmetry
What it is
A jestrum piercing sits in the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip. This spot is called the philtrum. The jewellery passes straight through this tissue, with one end resting near the nostril ridge and the other curving beneath the lip line. Unlike a standard medusa piercing, this style relies on a curved metal rod rather than a straight stud. Both tips remain exposed to view, creating a balanced line down the centre of the mouth. You can spot it easily because the metal follows the natural dip of the upper lip without crossing the lip edge itself. It offers a clean, symmetrical accent that frames the mouth area without covering the teeth or gums.
Styling and care
Wearers typically choose a curved barbell to match the contour of the philtrum. The piece sits vertically, allowing the lower curve to rest comfortably against the inner surface of the lip. Some people pair this upper placement with a matching lower labret piercing to create a mirrored effect across the mouth. The design keeps the jewellery away from the teeth and gums while maintaining a steady position during conversation. Adjustments to the metal length ensure comfort without compromising the intended vertical alignment.
Questions people ask about Jestrum piercing
Where exactly does this piercing sit?
It is placed in the philtrum, which is the vertical groove running between the bottom of the nose and the top of the upper lip. The jewellery passes straight through this tissue, staying centred under the nasal ridge.
How does the jewellery differ from a medusa piercing?
While both sit in the same general area, a jestrum uses a curved barbell rather than a straight stud. The metal bends to follow the lip contour, keeping both tips exposed outside the skin.
Can this style be combined with other lip piercings?
Yes, some wearers add a lower labret piercing to create a mirrored arrangement. This pairing aligns the upper and lower jewellery symmetrically around the mouth without overlapping the lip line.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Jestrum piercing", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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