Earrings have existed for no less than 7000 years, they have been worn from the oldest civilizations to the present time, because of status, power, superstitions, tradition, culture and even because of fashion. Either way, it is an essential accessory that has evolved to become an adornment that says a lot about the person, their culture and their personality. This piece can be found from the most classic to the most creative forms.
In civilizations such as the Egyptian, the Arabic and the Greek earrings were worn mainly by men. In fact in Greece, its use in young people symbolized the transition to becoming citizens. It is even said that the famous poet Homero wore them as a symbol of excellence and superiority, the reason why it should be a valuable piece, such as silver, gold, with precious stones such as emerald or diamond.
Later, it became related to the slaves; by the time of the Renaissance, fashion spread throughout Europe and even pirates wore them to identify themselves. The centuries to come extinguished their use by men, it was by the end of the 19th century that the tradition of making holes in new-born girls began, which continues to this day.
Likewise, as the use of earrings have evolved throughout history, the materials in which they are made have done it in the same way; metals such as copper, silver, gold and alpaca; precious, semiprecious stones still prevail, as well as minerals or crystals like quartz, materials such as acrylic, plastic, rubber have been incorporated. Artisans must also be included, who work with materials such as fibers, wool, seeds, leather, feathers, shells, bone, wood, among many others.
Now, the novelties that these pieces of jewelry have shown are the designs. Traditionally both earrings were the same and of the same material. Currently, the designs suggest that the earrings are different, with particular forms that complement or evoke the constellation Ursa Major, for example, the famous game pac man, the universe, long-stemmed flowers, arrows, a bird perched on a branch, unicorns, among many other models.
Similarly, there are for all tastes, because the classic designs are kept as pearls, the “studs”, rings, pendants, clips, among many others. There is also a model that is in trend called ear chain or solitary, it goes from the earlobe to the top of it, some have particular designs such as snakes, stars, flowers, feathers and in the other ear is worn a classic design, to balance.
Either way, earrings are an essential adornment for any outfit and you should take advantage that fashion is in an eclectic stage where styles and textures are mixed, it’s just a matter of you being as creative as your accessories.
ALFA