Earrings and piercings: types and uses

Earrings and piercings: types and uses. The earring, also known as a hoop, is an object placed on the earlobe to adorn it. And is an accessory that complements our style and daily look.

 

The origin of this piece is ancient. Since evidence of its existence has been seen since the Bronze Age, being worn on the nose as an adornment. Likewise, in Egypt, earrings were recorded among the princesses of the 12th and 13th dynasties and the pharaohs of the 20th.

 

Other Eastern people use them, such as the Hebrews and the Phoenicians. It was later also adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who carved gold earrings and pendants of pearls and gems for women.

 

We find that although the use of earrings decreased considerably during the Middle Ages because the hairstyles of the time hid the ears, they recovered ground during the Renaissance. They were one of the most important confections. The earrings had enamels, precious stones, and pearls.

 

Already in the 16th and 17th centuries, in Europe and the rest of the West, goldsmiths incorporated the setting of precious stones, especially diamonds, into earrings.

 

The use of these earrings was very common in the area of ​​the ears. As well as mainly in the nose. And their use sometimes had a superstitious meaning. Such as warding off evil spirits to prevent them from entering the body through the ear.

 

Thus, the earring, or hoop, evolved to what we know today. When its use is not exclusive to the ears but throughout the whole body. Like in the eyebrows, nose, tongue, chest, among others, adopting now the name of piercing.

 

Difference between earring and piercing

 

An earring is everything you place in the ear’s lower lobe. In contrast, the piercing is located in the rest of the remaining space, even in the same lobe (other than the lower one).

 

Types of earrings

 

Ring

 

They are circular and normally wholly closed.

 

Although they can be found in semi-open models, they are also known by the name of a ring.

 

And there are countless models, styles, and colors. They are light and can be combined with piercings.

 

 

 

Long

 

They are pendants and seek to lengthen the face visually. They must have measurements of approximately 40 mm in length and less than 10 mm in width.

 

Climbers

 

A model that has been on trend for some time now and consists of a long earring.

 

But, as its name suggests, it climbs along with the ear from the lobe to the top of it, holding on under pressure.

 

Button or studs

 

Also known in some places as moles, they are a type of small earring worn attached to the lower lobe. And they are usually very informal and are not flashy in themselves.

 

They are generally for daily use, perfectly combinable with piercings together. And they are versioned in many models and materials such as zircon, pearls, the same material, enameled, etc.

 

Types of piercings

 

The most common place to use them is in the ear. And for this reason, there are ten types of piercings according to the exact location where the piercing will be.

 

Today, one of the most requested places for the piercing placement is in the cartilage area.

 

Because it has greater visibility and the perforation is not very painful.

 

However, healing can be longer comparing it to other areas.

 

Helix

 

It is located in the cartilage area, which is highly demanded due to its notoriety and ability to place more.

 

Healing time can be up to 1 year with a high risk of infection.

 

Rook

 

It is done on the inside of the ear, so we recommend small earrings.

 

Its healing can take between 6 to 9 months, with a high risk of infection.

 

Anti-helix

 

This perforation, also known as a counter helix, is located just in front of the helix area. And we also recommend the use of a small earring.

 

Healing can take up to 1 year with a high risk of infection.

 

Daith

 

Following in the area of ​​the antihelix but below it.

 

It is also a highly requested area for its visibility.

 

And like the previous types, this type of place is better with tiny or ball-type earrings.

 

The healing period could be between 3 to 6 months, with a high risk of infection.

 

Tragus

 

It is located in the ear’s inner cartilage, closest to the cheek, specifically in the complex lobe.

 

Healing time can range from 3 to 6 months, with a high risk of infection.

 

Antitragus

 

It is located just in front and diagonal to the tragus area, being the best option for a small earring.

 

It can take up to 9 months to heal with a high risk of infection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snail or Conch

 

This area is located in the upper part of where the antitragus is located, specifically in the small upper basin of the ear. For this perforation, rings or ear cuffs are customary if you do not like to do the perforation.

 

It heals between 6 and 9 months, presenting a high risk of infection.

 

Snug

 

Located in the middle of the ear, near the upper lobe, it is one of the least frequent areas for piercing.

 

It can heal between 6 and 9 months with the risk of infection.

 

Lobe

 

It is not really considered a piercing area since this is where the everyday earring or earring is located.

 

Newborn girls usually have earrings placed right away at this point.

 

Its healing is fast and can last up to 2 months with a low risk of infection.

 

Upper lobe

 

It is located above the lower lobe and is the most common area to get a piercing or piercing.

 

In some places, this piercing is recognized as a “second hole”. And it offers the possibility of using both small, medium, and large earrings according to your taste and style.

 

As in the lobe, healing can take between 1 and 2 months with a low risk of infection.

 

Earcuff

 

It is a variant of earrings that have been very popular in recent years. Because it gives the possibility of using a piercing without the need for drilling.

 

This type of earring is held under pressure, and there is a wide variety of models for every taste.

 

Uses of the earring according to the type of face

 

As in the case of bodies, which depending on the type, a particular piece of clothing fits better than another; the same thing happens with our face and earrings.

 

According to the shape of the face, there will be tendrils that favor us more than others.

 

To do this, we know what type of earring we should use depending on our face.

 

Long or oval face

 

This type of face is very privileged because all kinds of earrings go well with it. So, the selection will depend on your taste, style, and type of clothing that you are going to wear. And, of course, the occasion.

 

Square face

 

It is a type of face that we identify by the straight hairline. Presenting both the forehead and the jaw in similar dimensions.

 

Therefore, tiny hoops, in oval shapes, button type, and long, with pendants, are favored to give symmetry and visually round the face. Avoid long circles or rings because they would accentuate the face’s natural shape.

 

Round face

 

Here the formula to apply is the opposite of the previous one. You should look for triangular, square, large, or medium earrings to show that the face is longer. Avoid button earrings and hoops.

 

Heart-shaped face

 

The forehead and cheekbones are wider than the chin, this lower area being pointed. So, we recommend you use large hoops or long earrings. Avoid small earrings and those with geometric shapes.

 

Rectangular face

 

There is symmetry between the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. With the chin being round compared to the rest of the face, which is square.

 

The suitable earrings for this type of face are short and round. And for those that present volume, you should not wear long earrings.

 

Trends that last

Pearls

 

It is the quintessential basic. They are synonymous with elegance, simplicity, and delicacy. It goes well with most clothes and is suitable for almost all occasions.

 

Hoop Earrings

 

Also known as rings, there are different sizes for all tastes and various colors and materials.

 

They can be informal or casual. However, some with embedded stones are used for more elegant occasions.

 

Always try to have a pair among your clothes. Because it is a type of earring that will get you out of trouble.

Especially if you do not want to use many more additional accessories.

 

Chandelier

 

As its name indicates, this type of earring alludes to the shape of a chandelier. Since chains, stones, and appliqués link it together.

 

There are different types of lengths. And they can be more or less elegant depending on the material with which they are made.

 

Just make sure that, when using them, you don’t wear a necklace.

 

Zircon

 

They are mini earrings, but they provide a lot of delicacy and elegance. Especially when we want to give that chic touch to our not-so-formal outfit.

 

There are various sizes depending on each person’s taste and how striking they want it to be.

 

Minimalists

 

Here, as its name indicates, we find simple, avant-garde earrings without being too much.  And which offer the great advantage of being able to be used for both day and night. Also, they bring that chic touch to each outfit no matter the occasion.

 

Let’s never skimp on the power of an earring. It will undoubtedly give us that touch of femininity and grooming even on the most informal days, whether large, medium, or smallest.

 

Just know your face, tastes, and style and choose the one you consider best for you.