When I first tried to put the earring in my cartilage it would not go through.  I didn't pay attention to the gage size.  I had been wearing a very small gaged earring in my ear for years.  So, I had to find a larger gage to slowly stretch it out a bit.  It worked, I can get it through now.  It is slightly challenging to put the earring in from behind the ear, as well as it is a bit large and hard to sleep on.  I love roses, so I love the earring, and I am glad I kept it, I was originally going to return it, but I like it.