an ornament fastened to the ear, which is pierced for the purpose. Earrings are of very ancient origin, having been worn among the early Egyptians and Assyrians and also among the early Greeks and Romans. Among the earliest people they were regarded as a sign of rank, and were worn by kings, nobles, gods and genii. There was a great variety of design, the general form being a pendant in the shape of a cross, crescent or ring. The materials most used were gold and silver and pearls. Among the Greeks and Etruscans earrings were commonly worn by the women. The designs were very elaborate and beautiful, and the ornaments were prized for their workmanship. The Romans valued earrings according to the richness of the material, and cared less for artistic effect. The practice of wearing earrings is common to-day only among peasant classes in Europe and among Oriental nations.