Today we're talking about earrings.
You will say... what more do you want to tell us about earrings? By now we know everything, how to match them, what suits who, which ones to give to mom, grandma, sister or best friend and we are even super aggressive about the material and how to take care of them (and if you don't know... know it! or read this article )
Well, we're here to talk a little about the history of earrings and the fact that they really are for everyone, absolutely everyone!
Even though the ring is the pinnacle of jewelry, there is a whole series of jewels with ancient origins that deserve due praise: earrings.
Only starting from the Hellenic period did earrings begin to attract the attention of the general public, becoming commonly used even among the less well-off and among nomadic tribes.
In the Middle Ages, however, earrings became a purely feminine ornament: they were often set with gems, pearls and finally even with the stone par excellence: the diamond. They were so fashionable that they became a real fad for ladies who thus enhanced their already, let's face it, quite elaborate looks.
And then we have sailors and pirates! The former wore earrings because they were convinced that by piercing their ears they would become better lookouts (the sense still escapes us), the latter wore them for utility. What utility could there possibly be in an earring? Well, they basically believed that if they died at sea, the precious item could serve as a reward for whoever buried their body.
By now we have cleared the concept of jewelry as a purely feminine affectation, many fashion houses, luxury or even more simply artisan realities like ours are far from this stereotype and it is very common to see necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches made to be worn by everyone, absolutely everyone.
You will say... what more do you want to tell us about earrings? By now we know everything, how to match them, what suits who, which ones to give to mom, grandma, sister or best friend and we are even super aggressive about the material and how to take care of them (and if you don't know... know it! or read this article )
Well, we're here to talk a little about the history of earrings and the fact that they really are for everyone, absolutely everyone!
Even though the ring is the pinnacle of jewelry, there is a whole series of jewels with ancient origins that deserve due praise: earrings.
A little history of earrings
If you think that the earring was born to adorn women's faces, we can tell you that you are making a mistake, yes, but a very common one. In fact, earrings have been used by most civilizations since the Bronze Age. It was especially in Egypt that the earring had its greatest diffusion as a male ornament, so much so that it became an emblem of a high social status. Made up mostly of circles, discs and chains, Egyptian men boasted a great sensitivity towards jewelry and makeup so much so that it became a symbol of power and importance within society.Only starting from the Hellenic period did earrings begin to attract the attention of the general public, becoming commonly used even among the less well-off and among nomadic tribes.
In the Middle Ages, however, earrings became a purely feminine ornament: they were often set with gems, pearls and finally even with the stone par excellence: the diamond. They were so fashionable that they became a real fad for ladies who thus enhanced their already, let's face it, quite elaborate looks.
The earring as a status symbol
In Africa, but then as we will see also in Europe, earrings also contained very special symbols and meanings. In the tribes of the central part of Africa, women wear very showy earrings (often dilators) as they recall symbols of seduction, femininity and eroticism. In other parts of the African continent they were considered an amulet of protection from the snares of evil. Even William Shakespeare has an earring on his left ear to imply the bond with the person he loves who would, in return, wear the other earring on the other ear to symbolize an inseparable bond.And then we have sailors and pirates! The former wore earrings because they were convinced that by piercing their ears they would become better lookouts (the sense still escapes us), the latter wore them for utility. What utility could there possibly be in an earring? Well, they basically believed that if they died at sea, the precious item could serve as a reward for whoever buried their body.
Earrings and Men: the perfect match
Here we are at the crux, so have you understood where we were going with this? Earrings & Men, the perfect combination! In recent years, men's fashion has legitimized jewelry, making it an accessory suitable for all genders. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings were frowned upon in the early 1900s but after the 1968 revolution they began to become a symbol of emancipation for everyone. The "revolutionary" movements of these years have also brought strong changes to fashion: everything was freer, less conventional and unconventional and this is where earrings are back on men too, proud and happy to wear a jewel without pre-packaged identities.By now we have cleared the concept of jewelry as a purely feminine affectation, many fashion houses, luxury or even more simply artisan realities like ours are far from this stereotype and it is very common to see necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches made to be worn by everyone, absolutely everyone.