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What is an Earring?

An earring is a piece of jewelry that is worn on the ear. They are worn by both
genders, although until recently in western cultures, they were more typically
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. Designs can range from
small loops or studs to large plates or dangling items. The 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.

Clip-on Earrings and other Non-Pierced Earrings

Several varieties of non-pierced earrings exist:

Clip-on earrings - Clip-on earrings have existed longer than any other variety
of non-pierced earrings.
Screw-on earrings - Earrings with screw type mechanism on back to tighten
onto the earlobe.
Ear cuff - An ear cuff is a curved band of metal that is pressed onto the helix
of the ear. It stays on by pinching the ear.
Magnetic earrings - Magnetic earrings simulate the look of a (pierced) stud
earring by attaching to the earlobe with a magnetic back that hold the earring
in place on by magnetic force.
Stick-on earrings - Stick-on earrings are adhesive-backed items which stick
to the skin of the earlobe and simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring.
They are considered a novelty item.
Spring hoop earrings- spring hoops are almost indistinguishable from
standard hoop earrings and stay in place by means of spring force.
Ear Hook earrings - A large hook like the fish hook that is big enough to
hook and hang over the whole ear and dangles.

Permanent earrings

Whereas most earrings worn in the Western world are designed to be
removed fairly easily to be changed at will, earrings can also be permanent
(non-removable). They were once used as a mark of slavery or ownership.  
They appear today in the form of larger gauge rings which are difficult or
impossible for the wearer to remove without assistance. Occasionally, hoop
earrings are permanently installed by the use of solder, though this poses
some risks due to toxicity of metals used in soldering and the risk of burns
from the heat involved. Besides permanent installations, locking earrings
are occasionally worn by people of both genders, due to their personal
symbolism or erotic value.

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Gleaned in part from: Earring. (2007, January 7). In Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:04, January 12, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/
w/index.php?title=Earring&oldid=99007954
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