Ear piercing
An earring is an ornament that is worn in the ear. Earrings are often made out of metal but can also be made out of bone or similar hard material.
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. 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.
Earrings are worn by both sexes, although they are generally more commonly worn by women. There is an urban legend to the effect that a man's choice of pierced ear indicates his sexual orientation, with a pierced right ear designating a gay man, and the left ear, a straight man. (Compare hanky code). If this was true at some time, it no longer is, and men of all sexual orientations have piercings in either ear.
Earring components can be made out of any number of materials, including metal, glass, precious stones and beads. Earring designs can range from small loops or studs to large plates or dangling items. Earring 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.
