Ear piercing has been a part of human culture ever since the earliest hunter gatherer tribes. Though the phrase ear piercing most often refers to a single hole in the earlobe, there are at least eight other locations for the ear to be pierced. The process of having your cartilage pierced is usually more elaborate and painful than a piercing in the lobe. Earrings, studs, and loops for ear piercings are made out of a wide variety of materials. These include metal, plastic, wood, stone, and glass. Many earrings are fairly cheap, and can be bought almost anywhere.

In recorded history, earrings have been traced back to the ancient city of Perspolis, Persia, where the illustrations on the walls depict soldiers wearing earrings. The oldest earrings ever discovered were crafted in 2500 BC Iraq. During the Dark Ages, when most of the populace was impoverished, the popularity of earrings and other pieces of jewelry sharply declined. As nations rose again, especially during the Roman Empire, jewelry was crafted and worn with gusto as a sign of status and luxury. The popularity of earrings also largely depended on the fashions that prevailed at the time.

During the Middle Ages, when attention was directed towards elaborate hairstyles and skillfully crafted dresses, earrings lost priority. However, as collars became higher and hair was worn up, earrings became more popular. Though there was no International Gem Institute back during this time, so IGI appraisals could not be given, there were still several jewel experts who could tell a customer if their jewel was high quality or not. Different types of earrings were designed as civilizations prospered and specialization of labor occurred.

During the 1850s, earrings lost popularity once again. Hair was tied behind the head, covering the ears, or bonnets and hats were worn. In addition, the religious and social sentiments of the time associated earrings with heathens, vanity, and excess. With the 1920s came the advent of the clip on earring, causing ear piercing to fall more out of favor. However, during this time, small groups of males were fond of piercing their ears. Sailors especially saw earrings as a symbol of their seafaring adventures.

They also wore earrings for acupuncture purposes in helping the eyesight and hearing, as well as payment for anyone who finds their shipwrecked bodies to give them a proper burial. Earrings rose in popularity, thanks to hippies and homosexuals in the sixties, punk rockers in the seventies (who inspired fashion trends in multiple piercings), and the majority of women in the eighties. Many people, when buying expensive earrings for themselves or loved ones, prefer to buy a set made with a non conflict diamond or Canadian diamonds.