Earring, an ornament suspended by a ring or hook passing through the lobe of the ear. In all historical times, earrings have been made of gold or silver adorned with precious stones. The earring is believed to be of oriental origin. Certainly its use was known among the most ancient nations. Originally it was, no doubt, worn as a charm to frighten away evil spirits. Among the oriental races earrings were in general use for both sexes. Among the Hebrews, the Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans, however, they were worn only by women. Among Europeans the wearing of earrings is now confined largely to the two extremes of society,-the bejeweled rich and the peasantry. One who has observed steerage passengers coming ashore at New York is struck by the large number of men, particularly Italians, who wear earrings.