Earrings can be a great way to add an instant bit of luxe to any outfit, and there’s certainly not a lack of choice when it comes to style; from gold hoops to diamond studs, shoulder dusters to gemstone pendant earrings, millions of earrings are produced all over the world every day.

But what makes earrings so timeless and enduring? In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why earrings are so popular; from the history and symbolism behind them, to why they’re still bought in their millions every year. So grab a tea, sit back and get ready to explore the fabulous world of earrings. Let’s get started!

WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR EARRINGS?

People buy and wear earrings for a variety of reasons – and not all of them are strictly aesthetic. For some, earrings are a fashion statement or a form of self-expression, while others use costume jewelry to indicate religious or cultural beliefs. Whether you want to express your personal style, complement a unique or stylish outfit, or even make subtle statements about your own beliefs or values, earrings can be a great way to do so.

WHO WAS THE FIRST TO WEAR EARRINGS?

Archeologists generally consider that Ancient Sumerian women were the first adopters of earrings; in the region that is known today as southern Iraq, women wore gold hoop earrings, many of which were fashioned with wires, beads, and pendant charms.

Earrings – or early imitations of them – have also been consistently discovered by archeologists in other regions of the world, from Ancient Greece to Ancient Rome. And given that around 85% of American women get their ears pierced, the prevalence of earrings as a fashion accessory doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.

WHY DO PEOPLE BUY EARRINGS?

There’s no straight answer to this question – most likely because everybody’s style is different. But let’s not also forget that many people buy earrings not for themselves, but as a way of offering a loved one a thoughtful gift. Earrings are also a common Valentine’s Day present for new couples; gifted earrings provoke a sense of sincerity and sentimentality, without the heavy connotations of commitment that a ring or necklace might imply.

HOW TO PICK EARRINGS

So, what to consider when picking the perfect pair of earrings? Here are some top tips from us:

MAKE IT ABOUT YOU

Earrings are a great way to express your individual style and personality, so it’s important to pick out pieces that reflect who you are or what you stand for. Think about your wardrobe and lifestyle before choosing earrings – do you prefer subtle, classic pieces or bold, statement-making ones?

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR FACE SHAPE

Different face shapes suit different earring styles, so it’s important to consider yours when picking out pieces. If you have an oval or oblong face shape, for instance, round and light-coloured earrings look particularly good on you.

CONSIDER THE QUALITY

You want your earrings to last – so look for pieces made with high-quality materials. 22 carat gold earrings are the best if you’re looking for a combination of quality and durability; 22k gold isn’t pure gold, which means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction or tarnish over time.

LOOK AT THE SIZE

Bigger isn’t always better – it all depends on the shape and size of your face. If you have a rounder or fuller face, larger earrings can make it look even bigger; if you have a more angular face, smaller earrings will help to soften your features.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT COLOR

Earrings come in all sorts of colors and shades, so you can really have fun with your jewelry. Choose bright and colorful pieces for an eye-catching statement, or pick out more muted tones to complement a classic outfit.

No matter why you’re buying earrings – whether it’s for fashion, function, or something else – remember that jewelry is, above all, decorative, and there to make you feel good about yourself. With the right pair of earrings, you can jazz up any outfit, boost your confidence, and feel even more beautiful than you already are.