The History Of Earrings

For centuries, while earrings existed, women were expected to wear their hair long.  It wasn't until the 1920s that women finally dared cut off their hair and venture out into public with shorter, sleeker hair-dos.  This new look left many women with blank canvases on the ear lobes.  Many women discovered that they could glamorize their look by wearing glittery, dangling earrings.

During this time, diamonds, aquamarines, topaz and citrine became extremely popular.  The art deco look took off.  Regardless of wealth, women of all ages make sure they had fashionable earrings on hand for their new look.  Some women opted to wear oriental designs that were carved from coral or jade.  For the most part, greens, sparkling whites, yellows, pinks and blues were the colors of choice.

At the time, ear piercing was still uncommon.  For this reason, women wore clip-on earrings.  These earrings offered a clip fastener, much like a clothespin, that clipped onto the ear.  While piercing was unnecessary, the earrings pinched the ear causing pain unless the clips were heavily cushioned.

In the 1950s and 1960s, earrings became lighter and more colorful.  Rainbow colors were popular and earrings became a standard.  Jewelry of this nature was no longer restricted to functions and eveningwear.  Everyone wore earrings out of habit.

By the 1970s, ear piercing created a storm.  Women and some men were getting ears pierced and wearing large, noticeable earrings.

Times kept progressing and the earring culture also continually changed.  By the 1980s, huge gold hoops became the norm.  Hoops would often be the size of dessert plates, hanging well to the shoulders.  The general idea was that the larger the hoops, the more fashionable you were.  Multiple ear piercings also become popular.  It was normal for a person to have three or more holes progressing up the ear into the cartilage.

As the 1990s hit, the size of the earrings toned down.  Even today, women wearing earrings tend to go for smaller, comfortable hoops or studs in an array of colors and gemstones.