Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

As the name implies, sterling silver stud earrings are not hoops, they are not dangles, they are not feathers or coins or amulets or beads or anything other than studs.

But that does not mean they are only silver! They can include a wide variety of other, beautiful gemstones or pearls or adorned with other metals. But typically the main body, the parts that hold the piece together will be made out of sterling silver.

Studs as they are commonly called are not simply used in the bottom of the earlobe although that is the most common location. Other common locations include the sides of the ear, the top of the ear and now even in the inside area of the exterior of the ear itself. See the picture, it shows where sterling silver stud earring can be used. Of course not all the areas shown can be used with studs and the picture indicates other styles of earrings that may be used. In some cases, it can be obvious that a stud would simply not 'look good' in that location and a small hoop may be the better choice.

As one of the earliest forms or types of body piercing, earrings have been found in artistic forms and written references going back thousands of years. There is even reference to earrings in the bible, in Exodus 32:1-4. Aaron commands that earrings be brought to him to be used in the making of the golden calf.

Evidence has also been found been found in ancient Persia. Images carved into walls in Persepolis show men wearing an ear ring. In more recent times, sailors would have a pierced earlobe to as a symbol that they had circumscribed the globe - sailed around the world. At other times in indicated that they had crossed the equator. Apparently the gold ring worn by sailors provide the funds for a "proper Christian burial" if they were lost in a shipwreck and their bodies washed up on shore.

Throughout the U.S., earrings became popular in the early 20th century. Ear piercing began making inroads again during the hippie movement of the 1960s and early 1970s. This also occurred in the gay communities in San Francisco, New York and other major cities.

Among teenagers and young women, there were held piercing parties where the participants would take turns piercing each other's ears. Remember the movie Grease? Set in 1959, Sandy is shown having her ears pierced by her friends.

The punk rock years saw amateur piercings spring up. Safety pins were common - all done without any regard to sanitary conditions except for a token cleaning with an antiseptic before the piercing took place.

Although most earrings are made to be removed easily, there are also more permanent earrings on the market. These were used in past years to show slave ownership but are simply another form of ear piercing today. In most cases today, a stud would not be used since it is too small to be fastened permanently to the ear.

When choosing sterling silver stud earrings, you have a multitude of choices for other materials to be included. A common type of stone would be the wearer's birthstone. Other gemstones that are often included at the tip of stud would be a diamond, which is perhaps the most common as tiny chip diamonds can be had at a very reasonable cost.

Other gemstones can include emeralds, cubic zirconia and moissanite. These last two being excellent diamond alternatives.

Your choices when choosing sterling silver stud earrings are almost endless. But the most important point to remember is that sterling silver has fewer allergic reactions for many people and thus makes a good choice when deciding on what type or earring to wear.

See other Hubs by beattiepedia including cubic zirconia jewelry, men's wedding rings, gift basket ideas and more.

(Portions of the information, including the picture, has been gathered from various websites including Wikipedia)