The History of Gold Earrings
The oldest known pair of gold earrings dates to 4,000 years ago. They were found in a grave near Stonehenge. This earliest style did not clip onto the ears nor pierce through the lobes. Instead, the gold earrings wrapped around the ears of the Bronze Age archer in whose grave they were discovered.

The earliest known clip-on style of gold earrings belonged to a royal child in the Valley of the Kings at around 1200 BC. The hoop earrings are inscribed with hieroglyphs which refer to an Egyptian queen named Tawosret. The gold earrings were unusual because the hieroglyphs were designed to be upside down when the earrings were worn. The ear lobe had to be stretched to pass through the opening in the earring.

Pierced earrings were popular from at least 1550 BC. There are many tomb paintings depicting both men and women wearing pierced ears. In addition, gold earrings have been recovered from several of the tombs of that era.

Today we still enjoy wearing all three styles of gold earrings. The clip-on earrings worn by the royal child 3,000 years ago is a classic style, although the ancient world did not have a hinged clip as do gold earrings today. Modern pierced earrings are more intricate than those of the ancient world. Our technology has advanced to enable jewellers to cut many reflective facets into a variety of stones. Also, there are more options with casting the gold and securing the gems. This technology allows for a wide choice of designs. And, for those who desire to decorate the entire ear with a large earring, people today still enjoy the same wrap-around style gold earrings as the Bronze Age archer.

One style of gold earrings which has never gone out of style is the hoop. They are a classic worn by both men and women and they look classy with all types of attire. Small gold hoops worn at the office can be easily replaced with larger hoops for informal occasions. The hoops can be smooth and shiny gold or be engraved with elegant designs which are studded with diamonds. Hoop earrings are a trend which never ends.

A current trend in pierced earrings is for the chandelier style. This style can vary from pretty gold chains hanging from a gold bar to having precious and semi-precious gems attached to each chain. A timeless trend in the pierced style is the stud earring. The many shapes, from oval to square and everything in between, offer a multitude of designs. This variety is further enhanced with the addition of beautiful polished stones. Stud earrings are popular with all types of clothing from jeans to that perfect black dress. Another current trend in pierced earrings is for small dangles. As with the other styles of pierced earrings, gold dangle designs can vary from casual to elegant.

Gold earrings should be part of everyone's wardrobe. They enhance natural beauty and help to complete an outfit. Gold is forever.