Earrings history

According to Magical Arts evil spirits were thought to be able to enter the body through any of its openings and take control. "The first earrings were probably worn to bar the way to these spirits and so was the first lipstick."

"Earrings are rings that are worn in the ears. Piercing the lobes to allow the wearing of earrings is an ancient practice.

"Most parts of the body have been pierced for various magical and religious reasons throughout the ages. Ears may have been among the first, along with the nose which is still pierced in India for protective, as well as cosmetic reasons.

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.C. in Egypt earplugs became very fashionable. These types 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 from 330-1200 AD, earrings took a back burner to more elaborate body ornamentation. In the Middle Ages earrings become almost non-existent because of the elaborate hairstyles, and headdresses that 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 and the amount of gems. Made of 3 pear shaped drops on a hook. The weight was known to cause elongated ear lobes.