The origin of earrings occurred in Asia and the Middle East. Most historians believe that both hoop and pendant earrings date back to about 2000 BC. In approximately 1500 B.C., ear piercing appeared in ancient Egypt.
Since ancient times in India, Indians have been wearing earrings. The clearest example of the original intention of ear piercing and wearing earrings is found in the practice of the Kanphata Yogis of India, which was a sub-sect of Saiva ascetics named from the practice of splitting their ears and placing a large earring made of agate, horn or glass, about two and a quarter ounces in weight, in the ear as a symbol of their initiation. It was not until later that earrings gained popularity, were turned into a fashion accessory, and later a tradition.
At the time of the origin in Europe, earrings were considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity because only affluent women could afford the precious metals of which earrings were made. Women were too poor throughout the Dark Ages and Middle Ages, and in the late Renaissance Period, women who wore earrings were looked upon as not being “proper”.
In the 17th century in Europe, styles changed and new ideas were adopted; therefore, earrings began to regain their popularity. By the middle of the 20th century, earrings of all sizes and shapes were more popular than ever; however, women were encouraged to only wear conservative earrings during the day and the more ostentatious earrings at night. For many years, pierced ear popularity began to wane. At the onset of the 1970s, pierced earrings regained popularity, and styles merged so that they were no longer segregated to either day or night wear. Although the popularity of earrings has gone up and down over the years, they have always been a part of the fashion scene.
The piercing of earlobes or the cartilage portion of the external ears with one or more holes is done with the intention that the person would like to wear earrings. The holes that are created may be permanent or temporary. As a hole heals, a fistula is created by scar tissue that forms around the initial earring.
There are a variety of techniques used to pierce ears. They range from the "do- it-yourself" methods using household items to that of medically sterile methods that require using specialized equipment.
One of the traditional home methods involves using ice as a local anesthetic, a sewing needle to pierce the ear, a burning match to sterilize the needle, rubbing alcohol for disinfection, and a semi-soft object, such as a rubber eraser, potato, or cork, as a push point. Either a gold stud or wire or sewing thread drawn through the piercing and tied may be used as the initial retaining device.
Another method that became popular in the 1960’s for piercing ears was the use of sharpened spring-loaded earrings known as trainers, self-piercers, or sleepers, which gradually pushed through the earlobe. These often resulted in discomfort, and the devices did not always go through or they would shift from their original position. This method has now been replaced with an ear piercing instrument.
Ear piercing guns, which are ear piercing instruments, were developed for a physician’s use; however, modifications were made so that they could be used in retail settings. The most popular systems include the Studex 75 and the Inverness system. When an earlobe is pierced with an ear piercing instrument, the person often describes the experience as being pinched or snapped with a rubber band.
The healing time required for an earlobe piercing performed with an ear piercing instrument is usually 6 to 8 weeks. After this initial period, the earrings may be changed; however, it’s important to keep some type of earring to prevent the pierced hole from closing. A cartilage piercing requires more healing time, sometimes 2 to 3 times longer.
Although there are some health risks with involved with conventional earlobe piercing, they tend to be very minor, especially if proper techniques and hygienic procedures were followed. An earlobe tear, during the healing period or following healing , can be minimized by not wearing earrings that are wire based dangle earrings during activities in which they may become snagged, such as while playing sports. It’s also wise to wear a larger gauge earring, which lessens the chance of the earring being torn out. Because there is substantially less circulation of blood through the cartilage in the earlobe, infections can become more serious. Many of these infections require courses of antibiotics and even surgical procedures to clear them up.
All ear piercings should be done with a sterilized hollow piercing needle, which tends to minimize the trauma to the tissue, and minimizes the chances of contracting some form of bacterial infection during the procedure. With any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection from blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV. There is an extremely small risk with modern piercing techniques because the potential of splash-back of blood is minimal. Although there have been some instances of the Hepatitis B virus being transmitted through body or ear piercing, there hasn’t been a documented case of HIV transmission.
There are two basic types of Earrings that are available, pierced and clip-on, and a wide variety of shapes and styles. Popular pierced earring styles include simple studs, Post Earrings, Chandelier Earrings, French Hook Earrings, or Hoop Earrings. Regardless of the type, standard pierced ears have two primary means of attachment that include posts or wires.
The main characteristic of stud earrings is the appearance of floating on the ear or earlobe without a visible point of connection from the front. Studs are fastened on the end of a post, which penetrates straight through the ear. The post is held in place by a removable clasp, or as it is also called a friction back or a clutch. Once in a while, the stud earring is made so that the post is threaded, which allows a screw back to hold the earring securely in place. This is useful in preventing the loss of expensive earrings containing precious stones or made of precious metals. Stud Earrings are also called Post Earrings by many. Our Collection of Post Earrings on a post mount include Sterling Silver Post Earrings, Gold on Silver Post Earrings, 14K Gold Post Earrings, and Post Earrings inlaid with Turquoise, Coral, Jet, Onyx, Malachite, Lapis, Magnesite, Opal, Mother of Pearl, and other stones or gemstones in a Sterling Silver or 14K Gold setting. Although many pairs of earrings are handcrafted Native Americans including the Zuni or Navajo tribes, there are other pairs that we cannot authenticate.
The shape of hoop earrings is circular or semi-circular in design, and resembles a ring. Most often Hoop Earrings are constructed of metal tubing, with a thin wire attachment penetrating the ear. The wire is inserted into the earlobe where it inserts into the metal tubing, and the device is held in place by tension. There are other hoop earring designs do not complete the circle. They penetrate through the ear in a post mount. Another variation of the hoop earring is the continuous hoop earring whereby the hoop is one piece that enters the ear and rotates 360 degrees. One end is permanently attached to a small piece of metallic tubing or a hollow metallic bead, the other end is inserted into the tubing or bead, and it is held in place by tension. Our Collection of Hoop Earrings include Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, Gold on Silver Hoop Earrings, 14K Gold Hoop Earrings, and Hoop Earrings inlaid with Turquoise, Coral, Jet, Onyx, Malachite, Lapis, Magnesite, Opal, Mother of Pearl, and other stones or multi stone in a Sterling Silver or 14K Gold setting. These Hoop Earrings may or may not be made by Native Americans; therefore, it’s important to look for the “Certificate of Authenticity” on each item.
Dangle earrings or Chandelier Earrings are designed to flow from the bottoms of the earlobes, and are available in various lengths from a centimeter or two, all the way to brushing the shoulders. Chandelier Earrings are usually attached to the ear by the use of thin wires, which go through the earlobe and connect to themselves in a small hook at the back, a variation is the French hook design, which hangs from the earlobe without closure, or the "dangle" may hang from a post mount. Sometimes small plastic backings are used for the back of French hooks. Occasionally, dangle earrings or Chandelier Earrings use the post attachment design. Our Collection of Dangle or Chandelier Earrings include Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings, 14K Gold Chandelier Earrings, and Chandellier Earrings inlaid with Turquoise, Coral, Jet, Onyx, Malachite, Lapis, Magnesite, Opal, Mother of Pearl, and other stones or multi stone gemstones in a Sterling Silver or 14K Gold setting.
Another popular style of earring where the setting actually 'hugs' your earlobe is the Huggy Earring. Most Huggy Earrings are customized because an individual’s ear size may vary. These earrings come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, including hearts and rectangles.
A "Bajoran earring" or slave earring is a type of earring whereby the stud is connected by a fine chain to an ear cuff worn on the cartilage located on the upper ear. This particular design is rare; however, it was very popular for awhile after it appeared on Star Trek. It is a rarely seen type of earring in which a stud is connected by a delicate chain to an ear cuff (see below) or a cartilage pierce worn higher on the ear.
The Threader, Ear Thread, or Earththreader is a thin chain that slips through the ear hole and dangles. Sometimes there are beads or other materials added to the chain to enhance its beauty.
The Ear Needle is a type of plastic stick 1 mm in diameter and 1.5 cm long that slips into the ear piercing. It will not become dislodged because it is slightly bigger than the piercing itself.
A beautiful pair of earrings can add that perfect accent to any look. Today, there is a multitude of earring styles out there to choose from; however, earrings can be categorized into some basic types that tend to look better on different shaped faces. Listed below are several types that may help you find the most flattering pair for your face.
An individual with a round face may choose long earrings which tend to make the face look less round. Chandelier Earrings or larger angular earrings are the most flattering earrings for this face shape. Stud or small post earrings, tiny earrings, and button earrings should be avoided. A pair of round Hoop Earrings may not be very flatter as it will accent the roundness of the face.
A triangular or heart shaped face which is wider in the forehead and narrower in the chin is complimented by a pair of earrings that is wider on the bottom and narrower on top. Regular teardrops and inverted triangles compliment the angles of the angles of the face. Oval earrings may work, too.
An individual with an oblong face looks great with Studs, Posts, and button earrings because they tend to bring the eye up and do not appear to drag the face downward. Round Hoop Earrings, Chandelier Earrings, or multi-layered styles can also be very flattering.
The square shaped face has a strong jaw line; therefore, larger round hoops are flattering. Stay away from square earrings of any size or style. Dangling or Chandelier earrings may also work to compliment the face.
The oval shaped face is considered the most versatile shape, so just about any style or shape of earring will be flattering. It’s important to pick sizes that suit your build and to experiment to find the most flattering earrings for you. Most round Hoop Earrings and Stud or small Post Earrings may work better than long styles.
Today, many people desire to create their own unique designs of Hoop Earrings, French Hook Earrings, Chandelier Earrings, or Post Earrings in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold settings. The first step is to select the source needed that will provide the beads or materials. Aside from finished products, we also provide jewelry making supplies that include findings, chains, Sterling Silver beads, gemstones, gems, and other natural formations found on the earth.
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