EAR-RING, an ornament worn at the ear; a pendant or jewel suspended by means of a ring or a hook passing through the pendulous lobe of the ear. The use of this kind of ornament dates from the remotest antiquity, since the first mention of ear-rings occurs in the book of Genesis. Ear-rings of certain kinds were anciently, and still are, in the East, instruments or appendages of idolatry and superstition—being regarded as talismans and amulets. Such, probably, were the ear-rings of Jacob's family, which he buried with the strange gods at Bethel. This somewhat barbarous species of adornment was used (as it still is in some countries) by both sexes among many Oriental nations; especially by the Lydians, Persians, Babylonians, Libyans, and Carthaginians, as may be gathered from various ancient authors.
Among the Hebrews and the Egyptians their use appears to have been confined to women; but that they were extensively used by the men of various other nations is sufficiently proved by the Egyptian monuments.
Among the Greeks and Romans ear-rings were worn only by females, and were sometimes of enormous value. It is a curious fact that the ears of the Venus de' Medici, and of some other female statues, are pierced, as if for the purpose of bearing these appendages.