How to Take Care of Your Earrings
Earrings are an accessory that has a long history. Whether you are wearing a stud or a hoop, they can make an outfit pop.
They can also be a way to enhance your look and boost your confidence. Choosing the right earring is all about finding one that flatters your face shape.
Origin
Earrings have been a part of human culture for many centuries. They are a symbol of elegance and femininity, and can be adorned with precious or semiprecious stones to create an eye-catching look.
Although there is no clear evidence of the origin of earrings, they were one of the earliest forms of personal adornment in antiquity. Archaeologists have discovered that crescent-shaped gold hoops were worn by women in ancient Sumerian culture around 2500 B.C.E. They were also popular among Egyptians, Greeks and Etruscans.
While it is difficult to determine exactly what earrings represented, they could have been a form of talisman or a symbol of power and prestige. They were also used to protect and decorate the earlobes from injury and infection.
In the early centuries of civilization, piercing was a common practice for both men and women. Some believed that it was a sign of fertility, while others thought that it acted as a protection against ill-fortune.
When archaeologists unearthed the funerary mask of Tutankhamun in 1923, they found that he had pierced ears, though he did not wear any earrings when he died. Unlike King Tut, Queen Puabi of ancient Sumeria and Akkad wore gold earrings to match her headdress, and she also incorporated precious and semiprecious stones into her jewelry.
The practice of wearing earrings changed Bracelets in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, but it was still a popular option for both men and women. They were often crafted in silver and gold, and were considered an essential accessory.
As the neoclassical fashions of the eighteenth century came into style, lighter and simpler earrings became popular. These included jewelry of cut steel, seed pearls, Berlin iron and strongly colored materials like coral and jet.
These types of earrings were light enough to wear with neoclassical styles, and they paired well with classically inspired cameos and intaglios. Girandole earrings, which featured a single gemstone dangling near the earlobe with three other gemstones hanging below, were also very popular in this period.
During the 18th and 19th century, earrings began to fall out of favor as hairstyles became more upswept. However, in the 1920s and 1930s, they returned as a popular option for women of all ages.
Styles
Earrings are a staple accessory for women, and they’re available in all shapes and sizes. They’re easy to style and can be paired with any outfit, so there’s no reason not to invest in a pair of earrings you love.
There are a few styles that stand out among the crowd and can help you achieve a polished look every time. Hoop earrings are a classic that will flatter most face shapes. Studs are another popular choice for many women, as they’re simple yet elegant.
If you’re looking for a more bold, statement-making piece, choose dangle earrings. They can instantly glam up your casual outfit or give a sophisticated look to your eveningwear.
When choosing earrings, take into account your face shape and the color of your skin. A color that’s too dark could be overwhelming, while a color that’s too light can make your complexion look flat.
You can also consider the size of your earrings to ensure they’re not too big or too small. While small hoops will suit a narrow face, you might want to opt for circular or huggie earrings if you have a long face.
Lastly, you can add a unique twist to your style by choosing fringe, tassel, and feather earrings. These earrings will bring a playful, youthful flair to any outfit, and they’re a great addition to a boho-inspired ensemble.
The best minimalist earrings are subtle and can help you punctuate your outfit without stealing the show. They’re a great choice for those who prefer simpler, more elegant details and can be worn with everything from your everyday jeans to a glamorous dress.
Materials
There are a variety of materials that can be used to make earrings. While some are more common than others, each one has its own unique characteristics and can bring a different look to a pair of earrings.
Plastic – Earrings made from plastic can be lightweight, durable and are a great option for children or people who have sensitive ears. They are also easy to clean and don’t tend to harbor bacteria like other jewelry materials can.
Titanium – Titanium is one of the strongest metals known to man and it can be used for many purposes, including body piercings. It is hypoallergenic and is often used to make ear wires, stud earrings and ear nut earring backs.
Gold – 14k gold is one of the most popular choices for earrings because it is so beautiful, durable and easy to wear. It is also relatively inexpensive and can be found in a wide range of styles.
Silver – Sterling silver is usually the most expensive choice for earrings, but it is very valuable and can be difficult to find. It is also very durable and can be worn for long periods of time.
Brass – This is a metal alloy of copper, tin, zinc and sometimes nickel and is commonly used to create necklaces, rings, earrings and other jewelry pieces. The metal can be polished to a bright finish or it may be antiqued with a patina that can be light to dark in color.
Bronze – This is a metal alloy of tin and copper that has a gold-like appearance, but can often have traces of green. It Bracelets is typically polished or plated with rhodium, silver or gold to enhance its appearance.
Aluminum – A naturally occurring metal, aluminum is commonly used in jewelry and other items that touch the skin, but it can cause reactions in some people. Avoid aluminum earrings if you have a metal allergy or skin sensitivity.
Polymer Clay – This is another very versatile material for making jewelry. It can be sculpted into miniatures, rolled into beads, and shaped into earrings.
Care
The best way to ensure your earrings last a long time is by taking proper care of them. You’ll need to clean them, disinfect them and keep them in a safe place.
First, keep your hands clean to avoid getting bacteria on your earring. Make sure you wipe your hands before handling your earrings and after you use them. Also, keep your jewelry box or bag clean and dry to prevent catching germs.
You can also protect your ears from catching dirt and dust with a plastic or fabric-lined earring case. If you need to take your earrings off, use a soft cloth to clean them with water and rinse them thoroughly to remove any tarnish or debris that may have collected on them.
After you’ve wiped them down, put your earrings into a bowl filled with warm water and about a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Scrub them gently, working the soap into crevices and edges to make sure that everything is cleaned well.
Another great way to clean your earrings is to fill a small container with water and hydrogen peroxide, about half-full. Then, place your earrings in the solution and allow them to soak for about twenty minutes.
Once you’ve soaked them, remove your earrings from the solution and wash them with a mild detergent, gently rubbing them to get all of the soap out. Then, rinse them carefully and dry them to remove any residual moisture or dust.
Diamond earrings are particularly prone to grime and tarnish, so it’s important to clean them regularly. You can do this with a simple earring cleaner solution, made by pouring one-quarter cup of ammonia and one-half cup of water into a bowl.
Earring backs can also build up with oil and dead skin cells, so you’ll want to clean them as well. A baking soda and water combo is great for this, but you can also mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a cup of water to create an alternative cleaning solution.
It’s also a good idea to change your earrings regularly as the dirt that collects on them can lead to infections in your ear. You’ll know you need to change your earrings if they’re itchy, have red or hot spots or ooze a thick yellow-white fluid called pus.