Features:

Share on:

The interesting history of wearing earrings unveiled

Gold and diamond earrings are absolutely one of the best possible gifts for the modern woman. But who invented the first pair of earrings? And what have earrings symbolised in the fields of economics, politics, and faith throughout the course of history? BAUNAT explains all about the history of earrings.

Read summary

What's the fascinating history behind the earrings we wear today?

Earrings have adorned human ears for millennia, with their earliest appearances dating back to the Minoan civilization (3000-1200 BC). Throughout history, these accessories have carried powerful symbolism across cultures. In the Renaissance, both men and women embraced earrings, including notable figures like Shakespeare and Drake.

Pirates wore gold earrings as burial insurance if they died at sea, while Black communities in the 1960s adopted them as proud symbols of African heritage. During this era, earrings also represented non-conformism among hippies and sexual orientation among men.

Today, styles like Creole earrings have become fashion statements transcending their cultural origins, while men's earrings have returned to mainstream acceptance. From ancient status symbols to modern expressions of identity, earrings continue to evolve while maintaining their place as one of humanity's most enduring accessories.

Read more below

Most viewed diamond jewels

     

Wearing earrings throughout the course of history

Earrings have had a long and varied history, serving different functions depending on the period and the people wearing earrings.
vintage portrait of William Shakespeare wearing an earring during Renaissance

Early civilizations


Gold, silver, and bronze earrings were already known in the Minoan civilization (3000 - 1200 BC). The Minoans, who lived on the Greek island of Crete, were skilled metalworkers and created intricate jewellery out of bronze, copper, silver, and gold. These earrings were worn as body decorations and may even date back further, as mummies with pierced ears have been discovered from earlier times.

Biblical references


Gold earrings are mentioned in the Bible as well. During the time Moses was on Mount Sinai, his brother Aaron asked the Israelites to melt down their gold earrings to create a golden calf, which was worshipped as the God who delivered them from Egypt.

The Middle Ages


In the Middle Ages, women often wore jewellery in their hair, which typically covered their ears, making earrings less common.

The Renaissance and beyond


The popularity of earrings resurged in the 16th century, becoming fashionable for both men and women. Notable figures such as William Shakespeare and Francis Drake were often depicted wearing earrings. Sailors also wore earrings symbolically during this time.

The 1960s and Modern Times

By the 1960s, ear piercing became more common among women again, marking a significant shift in the history of earrings. Earrings acquired new meanings during this time, such as a sign of non-conformism among hippies, a tribute to cultural roots for Black people, and an expression of sexual orientation for men.

The symbolic meaning of earrings throughout history

Earrings have carried significant symbolic meanings across different cultures and eras. From pirates using them as a form of insurance to the Black community embracing them as a symbol of heritage and pride, the history of earrings is rich with diverse narratives.

Pirates wearing earrings

The most common depiction of a pirate is as a bearded man with an eye patch, wooden leg and earring. Earrings seem perfectly respectable. So why do pirates wear them? The most plausible explanation is that the jewellery was a kind of insurance for when pirates and sailors died at sea. If their bodies washed up somewhere, selling the gold earrings would pay for their burial. Others claim gold earrings were a sign of experience or a status symbol: the larger the earrings, the longer the wearer had sailed the world's oceans.
That pirates wore gold earrings is no myth, but a historical fact.
a woman in a purple sari adorned with jewellery, looking elegant and graceful with big gold earrings
Fishermen also wore an earring as identification in case their ship was wrecked, or to pay for their burial. Today, earrings are more a tradition with fishermen and a tribute to the profession.
According to yet another theory, the tradition has something to do with Eastern medicine, and, more specifically, auriculotherapy. This is a form of acupuncture performed on the outer ear. Doctors were using this technique widely in the 18th and 19th centuries. In traditional medicine in the Netherlands, wearing a gold earring was recommended for curing and preventing eye problems. Pirates might have worn earrings to see better.

The Black population wearing earrings

Some white Americans remained convinced that the white race was superior, long after the abolition of slavery. Following the Second World War, self-awareness grew among the Black population. Martin Luther King's “I have a dream speech” set in motion the movement that fought for racial equality in America. The Black Power movement emerged in the late 1960s, which proudly promoted collective values and interests. Supporters wore gold earrings to honour their African descent.

In the 60s, hippies used to wear earrings as a symbol of rebellion and non-conformism. Men also started wearing earrings to show their sexual orientation. Heterosexual men wore their earring in the left ear, homosexual men wore one in the right. That distinction is much less pronounced these days.

Modern earrings in the 21st Century

Earrings have long been a staple in the world of fashion, transcending cultures, and eras. In the 21st century, they continue to be a powerful form of self-expression and a prominent fashion accessory for both women and men. This enduring popularity is reflected in the evolving designs and the rich symbolic meanings they carry.
a woman wearing a diamond creole earring

Women’s earrings: the Creole earring

The Creole earring is very popular today with trendy women. Creole earrings are large, round earrings which have recently gained in popularity. They symbolise resilience, strength, and identity in some Black and Caribbean cultures. In recent years, these earrings have grown into a true fashion item and a popular accessory, with the stunning Rihanna wearing conspicuous, large gold earrings, bringing creole earrings back into fashion.

Browse these smaller creole earrings from BAUNAT now

"Women should never go without earrings. Passing on them is an opportunity missed."
Jennifer Lopez
Rihanna's posing at the fashion school opening in NYC with her Creole earring - Rihanna
Creole earrings are now a distinct form of self-expression inspired by African and Caribbean ancestry and are regarded as one of the most historic design styles ever created.

Men wearing earrings

In contemporary fashion, earrings have transcended traditional gender norms, becoming a popular accessory for men. This resurgence can be attributed to several factors, including evolving cultural perceptions, celebrity influence, and the broader acceptance of diverse expressions of masculinity.

While the trend may seem modern, men wearing earrings is not a new phenomenon. Historically, earrings have been worn by men in various cultures for centuries. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Persia, earrings symbolised wealth and status. During the Renaissance period, prominent figures like William Shakespeare and Francis Drake were often depicted with earrings, showcasing their status and style.

Discover meaningful diamond earrings at BAUNAT

Are you not sure which type of earrings you like? There are plenty of designs, so you can certainly find a style which makes your personality shine through. As well as creole earrings, we also have stud earrings and drop earrings in our extensive earring collection. Would you prefer to come in and try them first, instead of ordering online? Book an appointment online at one of our showrooms.

What else should you know about earrings?

After reading this blog, you already know a little more about earrings in all shapes and sizes. There is much more to discover in the blogs below about earrings, stud earrings, wedding earrings, which earrings suit you best or how to wear statement earrings. For other questions and specialist advice, you can always get in touch with our experts.

Frequently asked Questions

What are diamond earrings?

Diamond stud earrings are the perfect gift for your girlfriend, wife or fiancée. Every woman wants a pair. Diamond earrings are probably the most versatile piece of jewellery out there. You can wear them with anything and on every occasion. Diamond earrings can be worn for casual evenings out but are well suited for work and formal occasions as well.

Brilliant earrings are the most magnificent variety of diamond earrings. Also with the precious metal you have a wide array of options, with earrings in white gold, yellow gold, red gold and platinum. Certain earrings for women, such as the diamond studs, saw big changes and are now suited for both genders.

Related information:

1. What are diamond necklaces?

2. What are diamond pendants?

What are diamond necklaces?

The diamond necklace is a jewellery designer's most expansive canvas. It is a medium for expressing both the sublime and the beautiful. The allure of our diamonds, in the hands of the world's most skilled artisans, produces jewellery of outstanding quality and significance.

Related information:

1. What are diamond earrings?

2. What are diamond pendants?

What are diamond pendants?

Throughout time, pendants and diamonds have held a special meaning for various cultures. Diamond pendants are worn for more than just their ornamental value, as they also express the identity and social status of the person wearing them. What a diamond pendant is depends on the culture it comes from and the meaning behind it. Diamond pendants have also been associated with mysterious powers of protection.

Related information:

1. What are diamond earrings?

2. What are diamond necklaces?

  • Kim Wouters

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • Kim, BAUNAT-certified is quite the Jill of all trades. After being submerged into all aspects of the brand, and being responsible for customer success, order & sales, office management, product management, she has become an expert in everything diamond and jewellery related. Apart from this product expertise, Kim’s master’s degree in communications makes her an excellent Diamond Jewellery Advisor to help you discover your personal taste and make sure all your expectations are exceeded.

Kim, BAUNAT-certified is quite the Jill of all trades. After being submerged into all aspects of the brand, and being responsible for customer success, order & sales, office management, product management, she has become an expert in everything diamond and jewellery related. Apart from this product expertise, Kim’s master’s degree in communications makes her an excellent Diamond Jewellery Advisor to help you discover your personal taste and make sure all your expectations are exceeded.