Women have adorned themselves with jewellery for ages. Various ornaments have gained popularity in the jewellery market. But the place owned by earrings is indispensable. In layman's terms, earrings are the ornaments that are used for decorating the ears. Earlier, earrings were considered ornaments that were worn and attached to the earlobes. During the late 20th century, earrings started gaining more prominence and were even worn on other parts of the ear like ear cuffs or second studs. The most common way used to attach the earrings to the earlobes is by piercing holes in the ear lobes. Earrings have a traditional significance in some cultures and act as a symbol of marital status, rank, or age. Earrings come in various shapes and designs making them a versatile and accessible ornament for all occasions. This guide will give you a holistic idea about the earrings and the best ways to style them with your outfit for different occasions.
Origin of Earrings
The origin of earrings dates back to 2500 BCE when Sumerian women wore crescent-shaped gold hoops. Archaeologists discovered these hoops as the earliest earrings that were worn by women. Tapered hoop earrings style came into existence in 1000 BCE and were very popular in the Aegean World and Western Asia. Besides that, there was a new refinement introduced in earrings in the first millennium BCE by the Etruscan and Greek goldsmiths in the form of variations on the hoop earrings like leech earrings and Etruscan box-type earrings. In ancient times, earrings were only made from precious metals like gold and silver. Due to this, only elite people were able to afford earrings and thus, they were considered a sign of wealth. With great advancements in technology and the discovery of other cheaper metals and alloys, nowadays, anyone can afford earrings.
Nowadays, every woman wants to buy earrings because they come in different sizes and designs. When a woman wears earrings, it makes her look more confident and beautiful. Earrings are designed with lightweight materials like brass or copper which makes them quite wearable. Nowadays, different designs of earrings are available to suit different attires. With the introduction of artificial earrings in the market, buying earrings has become quite affordable and accessible. All these attributes collectively make earrings very special.
Craft Behind Earrings
Every jewellery piece has a different story to communicate and so do the earrings. In ancient times, earrings were made with bones, stones, and metals to name a few materials. With human evolution, various new advancements came into the picture. For instance, in earlier times, heavy earrings for the wedding were only made with gold or silver. But everyone couldn’t afford them. So, in the process of making them accessible to the larger community, imitation earrings have become very popular and now they are designed with plastic, glass, beads, wood, bones, and stones which have increased their accessibility.
You can even make these imitation earrings at your home by using various DIY methods. These earrings can be used for daily wear. But, in case you want premium-quality yet affordable earrings then you can get suitable ones from the market. Below are the steps to make earrings at home.
- If you want to design shell earrings, take a memory wire and pass it through the hole of the shell. In case the shell doesn't have a hole, you can use a jewellery drilling machine to make a hole.
- Now, bend the inner side of the wire and align it with the remaining wire to fix it properly.
- Twist both wires evenly so that they remain intact.
- Once the base is ready, start inserting beads through the wire near the shell. Repeat this process till the length you want for your earrings.
- To wear the earrings in your ear, you need a proper loop. For this, take a looping plier and make a loop with it. Secure the wire with the loop so that beads remain inside the earrings.
- Now, attach the earring hook with the wired material so you can wear it as earrings. Your simple yet elegant earrings are ready for use without any hurdles.
In ancient times, earrings had different motifs in their craftsmanship. The motifs used in earrings vary according to the type of earrings you go for. All the earrings have different origins and different motifs. Each earring depicts cultural diversity and acts as a status symbol for many. For instance, if you go for temple imitation earrings, then, they are inspired by the Gods and Goddesses. Moreover, they can even show the flora and fauna to enhance the beauty of the earrings. You can go for rose gold earrings, white stone earrings, or stone studded earrings as per your budget. All these earrings have a different source of inspiration that act as a foundational stone for them. India has a rich heritage and every culture has its inspirational motifs. Therefore, different motifs are used in different pairs of earrings giving them their own stories and significance.
Cost of Earrings
When you go shopping for earrings, the cost of the earrings can act as a deciding factor. The price of earrings varies from INR 200 to, approximately, INR 10,000. The price of earrings will depend on the material of the earrings you go for. If you go for gold-plated earrings with brass as the core material, then you will get them in the range of INR 100 and INR 1,000. But this is not the case if you want to go for heavy earrings with maang tikka or ear chains for the wedding. The earrings worn on the day of the wedding must be an eye-catcher so no one wants them to be of inferior quality. So, if you want to grab a good set of earrings for the wedding, your price for the earrings will be around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000. In this price range, you will get impeccable options in design as well as colors to choose from.
No matter which price range you go for, all earrings are very special as they are the best accessorizing jewellery that you will get in the market. Wearing different types of earrings according to different attires will give you a trendy look. You can include different types of earrings in your wardrobe which will make your wardrobe versatile by giving you multiple options to choose from at an affordable price. As artificial earrings are designed with affordable materials, you can easily get them without putting much pressure on your budget.
Many people cannot decide if investing in earrings is worthwhile despite being affordable as the designs and the trends keep on changing. But there is a variety of reasons why you should invest in artificial earrings. The prime reason for investing in artificial earrings is that they are easy on your pocket as they don’t involve any pure metal work. You can buy heavy earrings for the wedding at a cost-efficient and affordable price. Moreover, you will get endless variety in earrings, making them an apt ornament investment for your needs. Artificial earrings are easy to make and you can grab them in various colors, designs, and patterns. Besides that, artificial earrings are so durable that you can wear them regularly. As they are very affordable and accessible, they will help you build a fashionable accessory closet. You will get an abundance of earrings choices ranging from earrings for western dresses to oxidized jhumka earrings.
Antique Jewellery vs Vintage Jewellery
Antique jewellery is considered the same as vintage jewellery but there is a slight difference between both of them. Vintage jewellery is jewellery that is 50 to 100 years old. If the jewellery lies in this range, you can call it vintage jewellery. It is most suitable for accessorizing with modern clothes and will suffice your wardrobe needs. You can wear it every day or on any occasion without any hassles. Nowadays, vintage jewellery is defined as the jewellery pieces that fall in the year 1915-1935 in the Art Deco Era.
On the other hand, antique jewellery is jewellery that is at least 100 years old. This is the major difference between antique and vintage jewellery. When the jewellery passes the threshold of 100 years, it is classified in the category of antique jewellery. Antique jewellery pieces are not easily available which makes them very expensive to possess. One of the most popular antique jewellery eras is the Edwardian era i.e., 1871-1914.
Different Types of Earrings
Nowadays, earrings have evolved so much that you can get them in different colors and designs. Various types of earrings are available in the market. Below are the different types of earrings that will suit your wardrobe needs:
1. Stud Earrings
If you are a fan of small earrings, then, stud earrings will suit your needs. They are snuggly on the earlobe without downward dropping, backward looping, or upward climbing. Studs are simple in design and are very comfortable to wear. These are the best-suited earrings for every outfit and won’t put any stress on your ears even if worn for long hours.
2. Drop Earrings
Drop earrings are a little longer than stud earrings with a simple and delicate design. These earrings hang down below the earlobes and are stationary. They can be considered as extended stud earrings that will suit different attires.
3. Cluster Earrings
Cluster earrings, as the name suggests, have several stones grouped in the form of a cluster. Cluster earrings can be found either in the form of studs or drop earrings. The major distinction is that cluster earring sits tightly on the top of the earlobe, unlike drop or stud earrings.
4. Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings hang down below the earlobe just like the drop earrings. Dangle earrings have an intricate design and offer more movement as compared to drop earrings. These are best suited to traditional outfits for religious ceremonies.
5. Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are similar to hoops and loop from the front side of the earlobe to the back. Mostly, hoop earrings are round in shape but they, also, come in different shapes like triangles, squares, and ovals.
6. Huggie Earrings
These earrings snuggly hug the earlobes. These are the mini hoops that come without any risk of catching or snagging.
7. Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings resemble the shape of an ornate crystal chandelier. These earrings depict luxury and elegance with their design.
8. Jhumka Earrings
Jhumka earrings are a very popular style of earrings worn by women of the Indian subcontinent. Jhumkas, also known as jhumkis, have maintained their status as highly coveted earrings since ancient times in India. They are a popular choice for festive occasions. Jhumkas are known for their distinctive bell shape.
9. Chandbali Earrings
The name of this style of earrings is derived from its shape. Chand means "moon" and bali means "earrings". Thus, all chandbali earrings have the unique crescent moon shape as the primary design element and can be studded with gemstones, pearls, etc as well. Heavy chandbali earrings are perfect for special occasions while small chandbali earrings can be worn day-to-day.
The Popularity of Earrings among Celebrities
Celebrities are the great influencers of fashion statements around the globe. They are seen wearing a lot of amazing jewellery on various occasions, be it on the big screen, at award functions or on daily wear. Earrings are very popular among Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities. Celebrities are seen at various red-carpet functions adorned in luxurious earrings. Earrings add a style statement to the looks of celebrities. Most of the time celebrities are seen walking the ramp just with earrings to complement their look without going for any other kind of jewellery. Earrings play an indelible role in the fashion industry making them very popular among celebrities.
Why Should You Buy Earrings?
Earrings are a must-have for your wardrobe and complete your look in all aspects. Over the years, earrings have gained a lot of popularity among everyone. Below are the top 5 reasons to buy earrings.
1. Affordable and elegant
Earrings come in various shapes and designs with different pricing ranges. You can buy the earrings as per your budget without compromising on the elegance of the ornament. You can find amazing patterns and designs in earrings for as low as INR 200 to INR 1,000.
2. Perfect for every age group
Buying earrings is not restricted to only a certain age group. Every age group can find different types of earrings that will suit their requirements. For instance, young girls like to wear chic earrings that will go with their dresses or western outfits. On the other hand, married women or brides like to wear Kundan earrings which are crafted with much precision and care.
3. Accessible
Nowadays, buying earrings is not a big deal as it was in earlier times. In olden times, earrings were only worn by the people of royal families. With imitation earrings ruling the jewellery market, you can grab your favourite earrings either online or offline from anywhere around the globe.
4. Enhance natural features
Earrings are worn to enhance or complement facial features. For instance, if you have a defined jawline then a drop earring will focus the attention of the viewer on the chiseled part of the face.
5. Add color and fun
Buying earrings will not only complete your look but also add color and fun elements to your look. With plenty of affordable earrings available in the market, having a lot of pairs with different colors and bold patterns will give you a distinctive edge.
Nowadays, women prefer artificial earrings because they are safe and secure. With the precious earrings, the thought of losing them always prevails in the mind. But, with artificial earrings, it is easier to wear them without any lingering worry about losing them. Even if artificial earrings are lost, they are not an unbearable loss as they are affordable. The earrings designed with copper or brass are so durable, that even if you wear them regularly, their style and looks hold for a long time. Besides that, their affordability, accessibility, and versatility are the prime reasons for women to wear artificial earrings.
How to Shop for the Right Earrings?
Choosing the right kind of earrings for an occasion can be difficult. You can make it easier by having a clear idea about the dress that you will be wearing on the occasion and then by classifying the occasion as casual, religious, party, or official. If you are all set with these prerequisites, then, you can go with the right kind of artificial earrings. For the bridal outfit, you can go with heavy earrings with maang tikka or earrings and tikka set separately. This will complement your attire for the big day. Rose gold earrings or gold-plated earrings will be best suited for this occasion. If you want to get the royal and ethnic look, go for long-chain Kundan earrings.
If you want earrings for western dresses, then, having pearl hoop earrings or earrings for one piece dress will suffice your needs. You will get an abundance of options in earrings for western dresses. Ethnic dresses are wonderful for religious ceremonies or family functions. Going with black earrings for a saree will add a new and elegant dimension to your look. You can even go for oxidized jhumka earrings with ethnic dresses.
Maintenance of Artificial Earrings
It is very important to keep your artificial earrings safe and clean, otherwise, their longevity will deteriorate. So, to reap the benefits of investing in artificial earrings, follow the following steps to keep your artificial earrings safe and clean.
- Keep your artificial earrings away from water and chemicals as much as possible. If you don’t do so, it will ruin the shine of your earrings and change their color making them appear dull and ugly. Make sure to remove your earrings before washing your face or taking a bath.
- If you want to clean the artificial earrings then opt for baby shampoo. Soak your earrings in the solution of baby shampoo and lukewarm water. Keep them in the solution for a few minutes and scrub them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse it off properly and allow it to dry.
- Store your earrings in separate jewellery boxes to prevent tangling with each other.
- Make sure to remove earrings while doing rough activities like gardening, cooking, and laundry, otherwise, you can lose them or ruin them.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there is a high probability of your artificial earrings turning black. The prime reason behind the same is the oxidization of the metal or tarnishing. If your earrings have turned black, then, use a solution made from baking soda and water to clean them. Add three parts of baking soda to one part of water and create a paste. Wet your earrings and apply this paste with the help of a soft cloth. As soon as one part of the cloth starts absorbing tarnish, clean earrings with the other part of the cloth. Rinse the earrings properly and dry them with a new cloth.
Interesting Facts about Earrings
Earrings are one of the most popular ornaments worn across the world. Here are some interesting tidbits about them:
- In ancient times, men wore earrings more than women and they were considered a symbol of royalty at that time.
- Earrings were popularized by the Romans in the first place by the use of expensive gemstones in their making.
- Earrings were worn by the soldiers of the Persian Empire.
- Pirates used to wear earrings as a part of superstitious beliefs.
Cost of Artificial Earrings
The cost of artificial earrings is based on design, pattern, color, material, stones, and beads used in making them. It can vary from INR 200 to INR 10,000. Artificial earrings are budget-friendly and you can get an ample number of options to choose from. As they are budget-friendly, you can make a versatile collection of fashion earrings for every occasion.
Artificial earrings have various alternatives in terms of base metal used in manufacturing the earrings. You can go for earrings made with copper, brass, stainless steel, shell, bone, seeds, nuts, wood, stone, glass, acrylic, resin, and plastic. Make sure that you don't go for nickel or lead-based earrings while purchasing earrings because these metals can react with your skin and can pose skin problems.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Artificial Earrings
Buying artificial earrings also requires a lot of effort. Please find below some of the crucial factors that must be kept in mind before buying artificial earrings:
- Keep in mind the attire for which you are buying the artificial earrings. Once you are clear on this aspect, you can easily choose the perfect earrings for your needs.
- Don't exceed your budget. There are several options for earrings available in the market. So, always stick to your budget while buying earrings because you can always get perfect options as per your budget.
- Before buying the earrings, make sure that you go for the desired material. You will get several alternatives like brass and copper. Therefore, act judiciously on the type of material you want.
- If you are buying earrings online, check for the details of the earrings. This will give you a clear picture of the type of earrings that you will get.
Conclusion
Artificial earrings are the best-suited accessory for women. You can get them in various types ranging from stud, drop, dangles, and hoops to name a few. Artificial earrings are available in the price range of INR 200 to INR 10,000 approximately. Unlike the ancient times, you can get artificial earrings in various designs, colors, patterns, stones, and materials. You can buy the earring as per your budget. You can wear artificial earrings daily as they are affordable and will complement your attire perfectly. Also, their affordability can help you expand your wardrobe choices with multiple options for a particular occasion. Therefore, you should buy artificial earrings to complete your look and enhance your attire. The longevity and durability of the artificial earrings make them a must-have for your daily needs. But, make sure that you abide by some of the crucial factors while buying the earrings. Become famous among your friends and family for an impeccable fashion sense with perfect earrings on any occasion.
