EARINGS

Earrings

 A personal ornament worn pendent from the ear, usually suspended by means of a ring or hook passing through a pierced hole in the lobe of the ear or, in modern times, often by means of a screwed clip on the lobe. The impulse to decorate or to modify the appearance of the ear seems to be almost universal. In general, usage appears to call for wearing earrings in pairs, the two ornaments in all respects resembling each other; but a single earring has sometimes been worn. (The single earring was especially popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque period.) In the Orient, earrings historically were worn by both sexes; in the West (including ancient Israel and Egypt) as a general rule, they were considered to be exclusively female ornaments. Among the Greeks and Romans earrings were worn only by women, and the practice of men wearing them often is spoken of in classical literature as a distinctly Oriental (i.e., Middle Eastern) trait.

In many cultures and contexts, earrings have traditionally been worn as symbols of cultural or tribal identity, as markers of age, marital status, or rank, or because they are believed to have protective or medicinal powers. Even when they have served other purposes, however, the primary function of earrings has been a decorative one. As earrings are so prominently placed near the face, and at the juncture between costume and coiffure, they, perhaps more than any other element of jewellery, have been particularly responsive to changes in fashion; as hairstyles, hats, collars, and necklines have risen and fallen, earrings have correspondingly increased and decreased in size and prominence, and during many periods they have been instrumental in balancing and tying together the desired fashionable appearance.

History

Pierced earrings first and foremost made their debut in the Middle East as early as 3,000 B.C.; were intended to OFFER strangers with a quick and easy clue as to the wearer's religious, political or tribal identity. Earrings were also SHOWCASE of the individual's social status in the community and were worn as a matter of choice and pride by those who were in power; as a label of inferiority and shame by those who were enslaved. Originally crafted of metals that could be bent, flattened and twisted into unique designs and hoops, earrings became more elaborate in the second century A.D. when assorted gems were introduced. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the fad of fancy ear bobs that had caught on with society's elite was pushed aside in the excitement of HUMONGOUS  hats, towering wigs and high collars--a combination that would either completely obscure any ornamentation dangling from one's earlobes or cause it to get tangled in fabric and voluminous locks of hair. With the transition in necklines and more subdued hairstyles at the seventeenth-century Italian courts, earrings were once more back in vogue and part of a well-heeled lady's bragging rights that her husband could keep her in frivolous luxury. A century later; however, earrings went back into hiding with the advent of bonnets that framed the face and hugged both sides of the head with wide sashes. With the arrival of 1900, elegant hair piled on top of the head or brushed back into a sleek chignon not only delighted jewellers once more but also led to the subsequent invention of clip-on earrings that were considered more sanitary. The rise of both the movie and the modelling industries put the allure of the earring on its biggest platform ever, with women of all ages wanting to emulate the fashion sense of film stars and cover girls who clearly knew how to accessorize. As for men, the option of wearing an earring dates back prior to Biblical times and, in later centuries, came to be associated with rogues such as pirates and explorers.

Types of Earrings

Pierced and post earrings involve piercing holes in various parts of the ear for the insertion of metal studs or rings. For the most part, these holes are permanent but will gradually reseal if the individual stops wearing the earrings. Clip-on or screw-back earrings are detachable and involve a spring hinge that gently clamps on to the ear and, in the case of screw-backs, can be tightened to ensure a secure fit on the ear lobe. Magnetic earrings come in two pieces, a front and a back, and are held in place by magnetism. Dangle earrings, which come in both pierced and clip-on varieties, extend an inch or two below the earlobe and, when worn for formal occasions, usually include lots of sparkling gems (real or fake). Hoop earrings resemble a ring and come in a wide range of sizes, the larger ones usually being reminiscent of gipsies. Ear threads and needles are plastic sticks and threaded chains for the edgier crowd of earring wearers. Stick-on earrings employ small adhesive strips; most of these are for one-time use at parties as a novelty fashion accessory. Ear cuffs are curved bands of metal or plastic that clip on to various parts of the ear.

* Stud Earrings :

Stud Earrings add a touch of style and poise and are revered for their unique colours. These seductive colourful stud earrings have increased in popularity in recent times and are sure to turn heads. Associating earrings with women is a thing of past. Now, with the evolving trend in fashion, men are even more interested in stud earrings. Studs are very easy to style and comfortable to wear. In addition, they can be worn at all no matter what the occasion or fashion style is.

* Hoop :

Hoop earrings, as the name indicates, are large, round earrings shaped like hoops. They can be any style or size but tend to be no longer than shoulder length. A wire threads through the ear piercing, creating a complete circle. Traditionally circular, modern styles can include triangles and even squares as hoop earrings.

* Statement Earrings :

Wearing Statement Earrings is a very easy and great way to accessorize you in a very trendy and stylish way. Most women believe that Statement earrings are only appropriate for special occasions like birthdays, parties etc. but if you style them correctly they could add a charm in your beauty, and make your attire much more fascinating. Statement earrings are a great way to accessorize even the most basic outfits. Furthermore, Statement earrings are also the best way to compliment stylish outfits that needs just a touch. In addition, the rich texture of these earrings makes them even more sophisticated and luxurious. These statement earrings from Jewels Galaxy are great to be worn at any occasion with a trendy or colorful outfit or even on the most basic outfits.

* Tassel Earrings :

Tassel earring types are incredibly playful with their layered, colourful, and free-flowing designs. These shapely earrings come in an array of materials such as silk, embroidery floss, beads, and gold those instantly liven up any look.

 * Drops :

The drop styles are also similar to stud earrings, but, as the name suggests, they drop below the ear. The larger style gives more variety in design and more options for different styles. Drop earrings can be single pieces of jewellery that hang vertically from the ear, several pieces together or hoops.

* Diamond Stud Earrings :

Diamond Stud Earrings There is no earring style more beloved or timeless than elegant diamond studs. This minimalistic type of earring features a single diamond that rests closer to the earlobe. While round diamonds are the most popular style, diamond stud earrings can be enjoyed with a variety of diamond cuts such as modern ovals, sleek cushions, or romantic hearts. Find out which size is best for your face type: How Big Should Diamond Stud Earrings Be?

* Pearl Earrings :

Reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour, pearl earrings will have you feeling like a vintage beauty with their subtle gleam. Pearl earrings can be worn just like diamond studs, or they can playfully dangle from your ears. With cultured freshwater pearls, organically shaped pearls, and pearls in a natural rainbow of colours, there is a pearl earring to suit every style and occasion.

* Chandeliers :

Chandeliers are another style of dangle earrings, hanging below the ears, but their shape extends until it resembles a chandelier. Made up of branches of different segments that come together as one piece, chandelier earrings are often more luxurious and elegant than other styles.

* Huggies :

Similar to hoops, Huggies are circular and attach through the lobe, but they also fit on the cartilage areas. The difference between hoops and huggies is that Huggies sit snug against the ear. They're a cosier version of hoops, and they stay firmly nestled by your lobe through the bustle of your day. While Huggies are usually circles, they can also be made in other forms that have openings.

* Jacket :

Jacket earrings are a more modern style of earring. Similar to a stud, the front of the piece is a simple latch or stone to hold the earring in place, while all of the action takes place behind the ear. The main body of a jacket earring sits behind the ear and hangs down, creating a modern and exotic. Flowers tend to be a popular choice for jacket earrings.

* Threader :

A threader earring is a simple, long and thin piece that threads through the ear and dangles down on both sides. It can be made more extravagant by adding stones or other decorative pieces to the ends.

* Barbell Earrings :

Barbell Earrings Reminiscent of free weights from the gym, barbell earrings have long been a counter-culture staple. Barbell earrings feature a straight bar that pierces through the shell of the ear with rounded beads at each end. The rounded beads can be simple metal bobbles; gemstone adorned, or feature playful shapes such as stars.

* Ear Cuffs :

Ear cuffs are one of the more exotic and specialized types of earrings. The cuff hugs the ear and can follow the curve all the way to the top, starting from the lobe, or even in the middle of the ear and work their way down.

* Bajoran :

The word “Bajoran” comes from Star Trek, and the Bajoran earring was a type of earring worn by a humanoid species in the series. In the series, the earrings were worn on the right ear and were a symbol of faith. Additionally, each person’s earring was individualized with a family symbol; However, the rules don’t necessarily apply in real life, and you can find Bajoran earrings with or without the symbolism. They typically have two connection points, one at the earlobe and one on the upper portion of the year, these two points will be connected by a chain. Sometimes the chain is only long enough to make the connection, while other chains may hang down. Other times there may be multiple chains.

* CLUSTER :

Cluster earrings are decorative earrings that are comprised of several different gemstones or beads that are grouped together in a “cluster.” These might be in the form of a stud, or they may dangle down from the earlobe.

As we mentioned earlier, it is crucial to know what style of earring you need. It is also significant to think about the numerous types of earrings backs to go with different earrings. For more information about all the different styles that can hold your earrings into place, check out our article on the different types of earring backs. Specially written to help you understand all the different styles and uses in earrings backs, our article can help you find the one that works best for you, both in terms of style and comfort.