|
Earring:
A woman's ear with a large silver earring.
Pairs of earrings for sale at a roadside stand in Costa
Rica.An earring is a piece of jewelry that is worn on the
ear. Earrings are often made out of metal, but can also be
made out of bone or similar hard material. Earrings are worn
by both genders, although in recent times they are generally
more commonly worn by women.
Earrings are attached to the ear through a piercing in the
earlobe or some other external part of the ear, except in
the case of a clip earring, which clips onto the lobe.
Common locations other than the earlobe for piercings
include the rook, tragus, or across the helix. The simple
term "ear piercing" usually refers to an earlobe piercing,
whereas piercings in the upper part of the external ear are
often referred to as "cartilage piercings." Cartilage
piercings are more complex to perform than earlobe piercings,
and take longer to heal.
Earring components can be made out of any number of
materials, including metal, plastic, glass, precious stones
and beads. Earring designs can range from small loops or
studs to large plates or dangling items. Earring size is
generally limited by the physical capacity of the earlobe to
hold the earring without tearing. People who habitually wear
heavy earrings may find that over time, the earlobe and
piercing stretch.
Earrings are worn around the world in most cultures, both
currently and historically. In many cultures, it is common
to pierce the ears of young girls soon after birth. This has
become somewhat controversial because of its involuntary
nature. Although not as common as with females, ear piercing
among males has also become popular in North America and
Europe.
|
