Designing ear jewelry that’s original yet wearable for everyone — that’s the promise of the earcuff. When I created Mayrena, offering this type of ear piece felt obvious, since many of my wire-inspired ideas come from ancient models.
Pair of ear ornaments, Indonesia, antiquity
and Oblong ear ornament, Indonesia, 10th century
Indeed, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Etruscans were ahead of their time when it came to jewelry. Ornaments adorned every part of the body. Across the ages, men and women wore ear jewelry as adornment and decoration, but also as a marker of belonging and a form of financial security.
Etruscan ear ornament, Italy, 3rd century BC
Often seen as original and avant-garde, the earcuff is, in fact, a very common type of jewelry.
In Antiquity, lobe piercing was widespread as part of religious traditions and rites of passage. In the 9th century, however, the practice receded because it became associated with marginalized groups such as prostitutes and slaves, and also for religious reasons. At the time, the body was viewed as divine creation; piercing the ears was considered mutilation — an offense to divine perfection. Through these swings in custom and fashion — pierced or unpierced — the idea of a ring that would wrap the lobe and adorn the ear emerged quite naturally.
Pair of ear jewels, Indonesia, 1200–1400
Note that from Antiquity to the present day, people didn’t speak of “earcuffs” per se, but of “ear ornaments.” The term “earcuff” only appeared at the very end of the 20th century.
All kinds of designs emerged: simple ring shapes, versions with pendants, oblong forms, twisted gold wire, square shapes, worn as a pair or solo…
Javanese ear ornament, Indonesia, 8th century and
Ear ornament, Indonesia, AD 700
Ear clip, Indonesia, 9th century and
Twisted spiral ear ornament, Indonesia, 8th century
Swing Earcuffs by Allan Scharff
In the 1980s, Allan Scharff designed the Swing earcuffs for Hans Hansen. More minimalist than their ancestors, they became a delicate, timeless fashion accessory that pairs easily with any outfit.
For me — and for Mayrena Paris — the earcuff carries special meaning, since La Virtuose was the first ear piece I ever created. Minimalist and traditional, yet powerful thanks to its 2-in-1 design: thicker or finer, for a discreet feel or a bolder look. The choice is yours!
Our earcuff Shell Our earcuff La Virtuose
Our Memphis earcuffs
