An earring is jewelry worn on the earlobe, usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a hole made in the earlobe. This is the piece of jewelry that is first noticed when looking at a person. This piece of jewelry decorates the ear and adds to the femininity of a woman. They are worn by both genders but to a lesser extent by men. They give the finishing touch to beauty and make a fashion statement.
The history of earrings dates back to 2500 BC. In those days, earrings were worn only by the nobility. In the middle ages, this type of jewelry had taken a backseat as more importance was given to very elaborate hairstyles and neckpieces. They did make a comeback, and the metals used in the making of earrings were so heavy that the weight of the earrings caused elongated earlobes.
All precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and silver are used in the making of this adornment. Materials such as plastic, glass, and beads were used too. Precious gemstones like ruby, sapphire, topaz, diamond, and emerald were mounted on to the precious metal, giving the earring a more colorful, dazzling, and exotic look.
These adornments are made in all shapes and sizes to suit all types of faces. There are dangling ones, hoops, studs, buttons, droplets, chandelier earrings, and many others. There are earrings to go with evening wear, for business meetings, office and more elaborate ones for weddings and other functions, etc.
It would be interesting to note that in the days of Christ, it was said that wearing an earring was a demonic act. In India, in the earlier days, the Yogis practiced splitting their ears and placing large heavy earrings made of horn or glass at the time of their initiation into the sect. All that sounds crude with the advancement of technology and ear piercing is no longer such a tortuous procedure and is almost nothing more than pinprick now.
People from most cultures believe in wearing earrings at a very early age. In many cultures, ears are pierced as soon as the baby is born. This jewelry has never been the prerogative of women alone, as men wore them in years of yore and now wear them as a fashion statement. They have become a unisex piece of jewelry. Today the trend of wearing multiple earrings at the same time is prevalent.
The popularity of earrings has stood the test of time. They can enhance one’s mood just my making a person feel confident and great.