Middle Eastern women, as early as 3000 B.C., adorned themselves with earrings to signify tribal roots, religious beliefs and political status. Various metals, twisted and hammered into desirable shapes, became the symbol of pride for the powerful and at times a label of shame for the slave.

As time passed, the original simple twists and hoops gave way to more elaborate baubles as precious stones and gems were incorporated into the designs in the second century. With the rise of the Renaissance period, ear bobs were replaced by wigs and large collars which covered the ears. It was not until the 17th Century, when women swept their hair back, that the earring once again entered into prominence and became a lady’s way of announcing her financial standing in society. After a century of bonnets which framed the face and hid the ear, women in 1900 piled high their hair and added elaborate earrings to their wardrobe. Victorian women abandoned the “uncouth” practice of piercing the ear lobe and substituted screw back and clip-on earrings.

Today’s styles are influenced by actors on the silver screen and pop culture. Women and men alike continue to accessorize their ears as their personal tastes guide them.