Ever wondered what compelled early humans to adorn their bodies with precious metals and stones? For centuries, we’ve worn earrings and other jewelry to accentuate our features, signify status and denote our belonging to a certain group of people. Diamond earrings in particular have a rich history as symbols of status. In this blog, we’ll examine how diamond earrings transformed into the cultural phenomenon they are today.
The Ancient Origins of Earrings
There are numerous theories on when, why and how earrings were created. Records indicate that they’ve been around for centuries, including mentions in the Bible. The oldest known pair of earrings found are over 7,000 years old, in fact.
Throughout history, earrings have been made from all kinds of materials. Before metal jewelry was popular, it wasn't uncommon for earrings to have been made out of wood, bone, hair and even flower petals. Since early ornate earrings often acted as status symbols, they were usually made with fine metals and precious stones such as gold and carnelian. When diamonds were introduced to earrings, luxury was given a new definition.
A Diamond’s Sparkling Past
One of the oldest sets of diamond earrings dates back to the Mughal Empire in the 15th century and were worn as ceremonial jewelry. At this time, diamonds were extremely valuable and only the most affluent could afford them. It wasn’t until the 20th century that diamond earrings became more affordable and popular outside of high society.
From the Big Screen to Every Teen
Let’s fast forward to the 1950’s. This was when diamonds began to solidify themselves as a staple of modern fashion thanks to many iconic moments in cinema. Whether it was the ear piercing scene in Grease or Marilyn Monroe’s performance in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, these iconic films inspired fans to find a pair of dazzling diamond earrings for themselves.
By the 1960’s, American teens were enthralled by the idea of diamond earrings and popularized them in the United States. Their impact is still just as massive today. Just think of that dilemma during the Kardashian vacation when Kim’s earring sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Today, diamond earrings are a part of nearly every woman’s jewelry collection.
Celebrate with Sparkle and Shine at Thomas Markle
Diamond earrings have long been the perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones. At Thomas Markle, we pride ourselves in our ability to find the perfect jewelry for any of life’s special moments. If you want to gift a pair of diamond earrings to your special someone, stop by one of our locations in Memorial and the Woodlands for the best selection.
Looking to enhance your pair? We offer an amazing diamond stud upgrade program. Simply bring in your original diamond studs that were purchased from Thomas Markle and get what you initially paid put towards a bigger pair! Whether you’re celebrating your everlasting love or just because, Thomas Markle will help you mark any occasion through our glorious diamond earring selection.