A History of Gemstone Earrings

Crystal earrings known to us today are not a modern creative invention. These date back to 2500 BC when they were regarded as an accessory for only the elite or royal classes. In those times, such jewelry was extremely expensive and beyond the purchasing power of the masses. The first ever earrings discovered by archaeologists were in Iraq. In the past, there were not many varieties of earrings available: hoops and ear plugs were the only types commonly worn.

With the passage of time, these remarkable jewelry items gained popularity and styles changed, undergoing significant modifications. They remained the symbol of glitz and glamour and retained their popularity as an object of making a style statement on different occasions. Starting from more basic shapes, the trend for more dangling types took over the fashion and jewelry industry.

The trend of clip-ons became popular around the 1950s. These did not require getting your ears pierced and therefore were a much desired accessory amongst children, young and old women alike. The modifications continued but it was not until the 1960s that more creative styles and lighter designs were introduced. Within the next decade, crystal earrings had gained so much popularity that almost every woman had a couple of pairs in her jewelry collection. It was also during the same time that clip-ons went out of fashion and their market share was taken over by long dangling types.

Since that time, many different styles and types of these jewelry items have been created. These include hoops, dangling, chandelier and simple crystal studs. Studs are also liked by some men. However, those for women are available in a great variety of different colored crystal stones like deep purple, emerald green, ocean blue crystals, rose crystals, white or clear crystals and black ones.

Designs are given great attention and symmetry is given a high concern because uneven weight and irregular shapes with sharp edges are highly uncomfortable to wear, even for a short time. Moreover, cheaper imitations of real crystals have now been created which are made of glass, plastic or similar materials. This makes them highly affordable to purchase no matter how little you are willing to spend.

In short, these jewelry items have seen a remarkable trend of evolution since they were first created, leading to their immense popularity amongst a majority of women today.

The Fashionable Look of Slave Earrings

Earrings that include a stud worn at the ear lobe, and an attached chain that goes to the top of the ear by way of a second piercing or cuff, are known as slave earrings, or multiple-piercing earrings. Also included with the slave earrings, is an earring for the other ear, typically a stud or other small earring that complements the look of the other ear, without stealing attention from it.

The fact that these earrings involve chaining two things together, is where it got it's name. There is a similarity in the way that slave anklets and bracelets are chained, and the way these earrings chain the ear cartilage and lobe together.

During the punk era, these earrings saw their popularity soar, and this popularity has been resurrected, thanks to these unique earrings appearing in Star Trek, where they have come to be known as "Bajoran earrings". Traditional Indian brides are often seen wearing a form of slave earrings, but you will notice that they opt for a much more decorated version than is customary in the west. Some types of slave earrings will reach to a nose ring, and instead of being attached to the ear, the piece on the upper ear, may just hang in the area between the head and ear.

You will notice a trend toward a more sophisticated and cultured look in slave earrings, although their punk origin is evident in the continued use of studded stones and chains. If you take care to wear them properly, slave earrings can be worn in a feminine way. To achieve a feminine look, select dainty chains, smaller designs, and classic stones.

When putting on these earrings, the plainer earring should go in first. Avoid letting new tangles develop as you attach the stud of the slave earrings in your ear lobe. Take the second stud or cuff, and move it up in the direction of the top of your ear cartilage, carefully. Pin the stud, or attach the cuff. You may need to pinch the cuff gingerly, or tighten the earring stud, in order to ensure that it is securely fashioned.

You can maintain a feminine look, and still keep an edge, you should allow your earrings to be the focal point of your ensemble. You should stay away from other jewelry or accessories in the area of your slave earrings, that will cause visual crowding, and instead utilize bangles and rings.

You can add pizazz to a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, or embellish a pretty dress. There's nothing wrong with livening your style with a punk-rock accent, but take care not to make the jump into a biker look. Use your slave earrings when you want to stray from the usual earrings of everyday, and let people know that you aren't afraid to be unique.

Earrings to Flatter Any Hair Cut or Style

Choosing a pair of nice earrings is an easy task for any average Jane, but choosing a pair of earrings that flatter your hair cut and style, now that's another story. Earrings can be worn to draw attention to your hair and face and can really get you noticed, so be sure to choose styles and settings that are complementary.

If you have short hair, such as a pixie cut (like Rhianna) or a bob (like Victoria Beckham), then the features of your face are already dominant. The earrings you choose will be another focal point, so be careful not to overwhelm. You can wear a piece of bold statement jewelry, but you should take into consideration your hair color. For example, brunettes can usually pull off bold jewelry in deep colors for a dramatic look. Try a pair of beaded drop earrings or large hoops. Blondes on the other hand, can also wear strong jewelry, but it will have a different effect, as it contrasts your natural features. Red heads look great in turquoise or aquamarine earrings.

If you have medium length hair, then your jewelry should balance out your features. Stud earrings will do the trick or try ones that have a small teardrop.

If you have long hair, then your hair and your jewelry might be competing against each other. To avoid this, try pulling hair halfway back to accentuate your accessories. Or, you can wear oversized hoops or a pair of eccentric chandelier earrings. Simple studs are subtle, while pairing them with a choker necklace can achieve drama. Alternatively, you can pull your hair to one side to show off a pair of fancy rhinestone earrings. This lets the jewelry take center stage and is a very romantic style.

Earrings especially can bring out the best looking you, while complimenting your hair style and color. It's just a matter of knowing what works and what should be avoided.