Earrings

For thousands of years, men and women have accessorized themselves with earrings. Bronze, gold, precious stones, wood, pearls, glass, clay, plastic... you name it, the material has formed ear adornments.

Earliest earrings in bronze, then gold, were worn as talismans against evil. Pirates donned big gold hoops boasting their ill-gotten wealth. Earrings have been symbols for initiation to adulthood, tribes and groups; as payment for a lost soldier's or sailor's burial; to mark "possession" of a wife or other person; to signify belief; for fashion, and more.

Earrings may be pierced, screwed, or clamped onto an ear. Some sit on the earlobe, others drop below shoulders.

Whether you research, create, purchase, wear, or collect earrings, you will find fascinating ornaments for men, women and children.