Earrings – I think of them as the finishing touch to your look.
They complete your fashion statement. There are earrings for all
occasions – the board room, work, casual outings, your wedding,
a night on the town, or a day at the beach. They can bring out
your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple
charm, sophistication and elegance From Elizabeth Taylor to Meg
Ryan to Dave Navarro to Usher – today earrings are a fashion
statement for both men and women. The first pair of earrings has
been dated back to 2500 BC. Only the wealth and those of royal
lines could afford expensive jewelry back then. There are all
types of earrings – chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop
earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings
to name just a few. Earrings come in all types of materials and
metals. Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, bakelite, copper,
diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. The list goes on
and on. What ever your desires there is a pair of earrings out
there waiting for you. The oldest earrings ever unearthed by
archaeologists were discovered in Iraq in the royal graves and
date to about 2,500 BC. Back to 3000 BC there were two types of
earrings: the hoop, and the more elaborate pendant. From 1559
B.C. to 1085 B in Egypt earplugs became very fashionable. These
type of piercings and earrings are seen even on King
Tutankhamen. In the Dark Ages poverty prevailed and metal
jewelry sharply declined although designs were preserved for
later use. During the Roman Empire wealthy women used earrings
to show off their rich status. By the 2nd century AD gemstones
such as sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines were used
regularly. During the Byzantine period which ran from330-1200 AD
earrings took a back burner to more elaborate body
ornamentation. In the Middle Ages earrings become almost
non-existent because of the elaborate hair styles, and
headdresses which were ever so popular. During the 16th century
in Italy high collars disappeared and hair was being worn up and
away from the face, so earrings began to make a comeback. In
other parts of the world such as England and France it would be
another 100 years or so before the high collars disappeared. As
time progressed the design of earrings became much more complex.
Around 1660 the girandole earring made its appearance remaining
very popular for the next couple of centuries. The girandole
earrings were extremely large and heavy because of the metal
content [gold or silver] and the amount of gems. Made of 3 pear
shaped drops on a hook. The weight was known to cause elongated
ear lobes. In the latter part of the 18th century the pendeloque
earrings became popular. They were longer than the girandole
earrings but much lighter. They were the balance for the high
hairdos and big wigs that were being worn. During the early
1800, jewelers began to mount gemstones, on an open back claw
setting. This allowed the light to pass through the gems
enhancing their color and brilliance. By the 1850s, earrings had
once again disappeared from the fashion scene. This was once
again a result of changing hairstyles. The new styles that
involved wearing the hair gathered in a knot at the back
resulted in the ears being totally hidden. As well bonnets had
arrived on the scene which also made wearing earrings rather
difficult. During the early 20th century screw backs were
invented which meant women no longer had to pierce their ears.
These became very popular. Some circles even began to believe
piercing ones ears was rather barbaric. After WWI shorter
hairdos became very popular. Earrings were perfect for filling
the space from short hair to shoulder and once again became a
popular fashion statement. During the 1920s art deco styles took
hold, recognized by their straight or angled designs. Very long
chandelier earrings were also quite popular during this time.
During the 1930s the clip on was invented. Because clip ons held
the earring more snuggly than screw backs they became the number
one choice for many years to come. Pierced ears faded into the
background. During the 1950s earrings were light and
aerodynamic. By the 1960s earrings had become fun and
innovative. Texture and color was very important. Prior to the
1960s earrings were dedicated to either evening wear or day wear
with the evening wear earrings being more elegant. During the
1960s this all changed when the distinction between what was
acceptable for evening or day faded away. By the 1970s we had
entered an “everything goes” style to earrings and pierced ears
had made a comeback. Women were buying earrings in large
quantities for every occasion. . Today it’s difficult to find
someone who doesn’t have pierced ears. Today men are as
interested in earrings as women. Men often prefer studs or small
hoops, they may wear one earring, two or more depending on the
individual’s tastes. Children now get their ears pierced often
at a very young age, even sometimes as babies. Women may have
anywhere from one set of holes to piercings right up the ear.
The fashion of earrings has come a long way over the years and
its here to stay! Whatever your style, there is certain to be a
pair of earrings out there for you. Be sure to make your fashion
statement!