Earring

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. 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 – hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, dangle earrings, chandelier earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few. Earrings come in all types of materials and metals. Gold, pearls, silver, plastics, copper, gemstones, diamonds, paste, bakelite, faux stones, or glass. The list goes on and on.

The oldest earrings ever unearthed by archaeologists were discovered in Iraq 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 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 hair styles, and headdresses which were ever so popular.

Pearl earrings

A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. These precious objects are often used for jewelry, indeed luxurious and expensive pearls

However, it should be taken into consideration that the diamond hoop earrings is not only confined to the likings of the actresses of the contemporary age, but even in the past they used to be the favorites of internationally acclaimed actresses. Who can ever forget actress Elizabeth Taylor and her special fondness for diamonds? Her fondness for diamond is such that she has often been termed the lady with diamond. Even her fascination for diamond is known in the four corners of the earth. For instance, at the time when she was dubbed a Dame of the British Empire, the nation held a "black tie and diamonds" event, to commemorate her love for that specific precious stone. It should be known, that the diamond hoop earrings happen to be one of the finest treasures in the jewelry collection of this legendary actress.

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.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 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!!!

How to Make Easy Earrings - Jewelry Making