Ear piercing is one of the oldest forms of bodymodifications known to man. The Persians, Egyptians, and Romans all woreearrings for a variety of reasons ? protection, medicinal purposes, ordecoration. They have been a symbol of slavery, or of status, and worn by bothsexes throughout history.



 

Today, the most common reason for ear piercing is simply fordecoration. Individuals can pierce almost every part of the ear, but theearlobe is the most traditional. From modern custom silver jewelry to goldheirloom pieces, earrings can be crafted in a variety of styles to be worn inthis part of the ear:

 

Studs.The stud is perhaps the most common type of earring worn. Piercing studs orstarter studs are often used to make an initial piercing. A stud consists ofthe earring with a post that goes through the earlobe, held in place by aclutch. This backing is usually metal but can also be rubber too. Oftenearrings that contain valuable gemstones will have a back that literally screwson.

 

Hoops.A hoop earring is just as it sounds ? a loop of metal or plastic that hoopsthrough the ear. The hoop is often hollow, allowing the thinner portion thatslips through the earlobe to slide inside the back to close. A hoop earring mayalso not loop all the way around and instead have a post with a clutch closure.

 

Huggies.A huggy earring is a type of hoop earring that ?hugs? the ear. Essentially, itis a hoop that loops snugly around the earlobe. This is common with designersusing gemstones as they can be channel set within the circle.

 

Cuff. Anear cuff, although often worn on the cartilage of the ear, can also be worn onthe earlobe. This design is a small C-shaped earring that pinches closed on theear.

 

Bajoran.Also called a slave earring, this type of earring is a stud with some sort ofchain that attaches to an ear cuff placed upwards on the ear.

 

Dangle.A dangle earring actually dangles down from the ear, either a short distance orall the way to the shoulders. They are usually attached with a thin wire thatclasps to itself after being threaded through the ear. The French hook designsimply hooks through the ear and by design will not fall out (often, they willstill have a small rubber stopper that is placed at the end of the hook).Dangle earrings offer jewelry designers the most freedom and is often thepreferred design by custom silver jewelry makers.

 

Ear thread.A thread is a usually a thin chain narrow enough to thread through the piercingand dangles on either side. Some earrings are actually studs that achieve thesame look by having dangles on either side of the post.

 

Needle. A needle earring or stick earring is anything thatessentially sticks through the piercing ? similar to a stud post but does nothave a clasp on the back. It is able to stay put because it is slightly biggerthan the piercing. Larger versions are called plugs, which the wearer achievesby stretching the piercing hole over time.