Over centuries, earrings have been a significant part of cultures throughout the world. The lengthy history of the jewellery makes ear piercings the oldest known form of body modification. Often considered the most popular jewellery type, earrings make for a great starting point for those new to the jewellery game. Versatile in nature and easy to store, they are a popular choice of accessory throughout various lifestyle spectrums and genders.
Whether you’re a novice when it comes to earrings or on top of the jewellery game, it’s beneficial to know the ins and outs of your jewellery to be able to increase the lifespan of your collection and style according to your needs. At an age such as this, where most individuals feel like time is running out and attention spans decreasing, it may be a chore to research about such a niche topic. This is why we've created a comprehensive guide for everything you need to know about earrings.
Basics Of Earrings
In the most basic sense, an earring is a piece of jewellery that is worn on the ear. To wear traditional earrings, you’ll have to first know the type of piercing required for the earrings you desire and then get your ear pierced by a professional. After the completion of the healing period of your piercing, you’ll be able to put on any earring suitable for the area of ear that has been pierced.
Who Can Wear Earrings?
Everyone. While wearing jewellery is usually seen as a feminine trait, earrings are worn by individuals across the gender spectrum. A lesser known fact about the accessory is that historically, men started wearing earrings before women. Archeological findings show that throughout early historical periods, earrings were a status symbol among men. While Egyptian and Persian men wore the accessory to convey their royalty, European men did the same as a symbol of slavery. In the modern age too, men from various socio-economic backgrounds wear earrings to convey their fashion styles.
Types Of Piercings
Getting a piercing can be a little scary, especially for those new to it. However, the level of pain varies on the type of piercing you get, which usually depends on the area of the ear. The two most common types are lobe and helix piercings. As the name suggests, lobe piercings are those which go through the fleshy part of the earlobe. These are usually the first piercing for most people since it takes the least amount of time to heal - about 6 to 8 weeks. A common second type is the helix, which goes through the cartilage around the outer ear. It’s comparatively more painful than a lobe piercing and takes about 6 to 8 months to heal. There are various other types of piercings such as tragus, daith, rook, conch and forward helix. It is crucial to pick a suitable type as per the appearance, your level of pain sensitivity and experience.
How To Take Care Of Your Piercing
The steps after getting a piercing include taking care of it. Failing to take care of it can result in infection, immense pain, shrinking of the piercing or even closure of the hole. While it may sound frightening, the process of care is easily doable. Since piercings are a form of body modification, a crucial point to keep in mind is to not remove the earrings for at least 6 weeks, or else your body will heal itself by closing the piercing. Another important step is to keep the piercing clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water daily and keep it dry. Most piercing studios provide a gel to apply on the piercing, but if they don’t, use petroleum jelly instead. Apply the gel with clean hands after cleaning and drying the piercing. This will aid in protecting the piercing from infections and the healing process. Do this routinely and keep an eye on the piercing. Notify your piercing studio or doctor if you notice any discoloration, fluids or anything out of the ordinary.
Types Of Earrings
Considering the lengthy history of earrings, its versatility and popularity, it comes as no surprise that there are numerous types of earrings. The classification of earrings usually depends on their shape and design, or in other words, the way they are made. The most common of the types are the stud earrings. Placed directly on the earlobe, this style is minimalistic, easy to manage and appropriate for almost any occasion. Other popular types include danglers, hoops and huggies. No matter where you go, you’re likely to find these widely sought-after varieties.
Types Of Earring Backs
An earring back or earring finding is the part that holds the earring securely at its place. Since it keeps your earring from slipping off, picking a comfortable and secure one is important. Much like the design types, earring backs come in multiple varieties. The most popular ones are fishhook, push back, hoop wire and screw back. The most popular of them is the push back which is generally used with studs, making it the most widely used combination. Different types of earring backs come with different sets of pros and cons. Picking one that’s most suitable for your requirements is important to be sure to not have any regrets.
Earrings are essential to any jewellery collection no matter where you fall on the experience scale. When you’re buying your next pair, you might just make a better and more practical choice by keeping this guide in mind. Check out some earrings and test your knowledge by picking the most suitable one for you.
