A Tale of Earrings

Earrings have been one of the principle forms of jewelry throughout history. They serve as symbols of cultural or tribal identity, markers of age, rank or marital status, or provide protective powers.

​Among the oldest earrings are crescent-shaped gold hoops worn by Sumerian women in 2500 BC. Around 1000 BC earrings started to be embellished with clusters of beads, twisted wire and pendants.

Then in the first century AD, the Romans introduced a new earring style: a disk or pendant mounted on a S hook. These styles became more lavish with the addition of colored stones and pearls.

Around 330, the center of influence moved from Rome to Byzantium (Constantinople) and earring styles changed again. Favored styles included hoops with multiple pearl pendants hung on chains and crescent-shaped earrings of gold filigree.

Between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries in Europe, earrings all but disappeared as hair and clothing styles covered the ear. However, by the late seventeenth century earrings once again became an essential element of dress. Earrings during this period were so heavy they had small rings attached so the wearer could tie them to her hair and take some of the weight off her ears. These heavy styles disappeared by the end of the eighteenth century as fashions became simpler.

Throughout the nineteenth century, designs ranged from long drop earrings to small single-stone and cluster earrings. Cameos and jewelry made of cut steel, seed pearls, coral and jet were popular. With the opening of the South African diamond fields in the 1860's and the introduction of better cutting and polishing methods, diamond solitaires became the most fashionable earrings.

It is easy to see how today's earring styles are firmly rooted in those of the past. Studs, chandeliers, drops and hoops are timeless. 

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