Earrings

Earrings have adorned the ear lobes of men and women since at least 3000 B.C. In the Bible, stories about both Moses and Abraham mention earrings. The earliest earring designs were hoops or pendants. In primitive cultures, earrings were believed to keep evil spirits from entering the body through the ears. Earrings became almost obsolete for women during the late Middle Ages in Europe because they were overshadowed by gigantic hats, towering wigs and high collars. In the 16th and 17th centuries, however, lower necklines and more subdued hairstyles brought earrings back in vogue allowing jewellers and talented craftsmen to sell gold earrings to the upper classes, who could display their wealth in the jewellery they wore. But, at times during the next two centuries, face-hugging bonnets and sashes left no room for ear jewellery. By 1900, they were back in style, and they haven’t lost their popularity since.