Page "Earring" Paragraph 12

Where most earrings worn in the western world are designed to be removed easily to be changed at will, earrings can also be permanent ( non-removable ).

They were once used as a mark of slavery or ownership ( e. g., see Ex. 21: 2 – 6, Deut. 15: 16 – 17 ).

They appear today in the form of larger gauge rings which are difficult or impossible for a person to remove without assistance.

Occasionally, hoop earrings are permanently installed by the use of solder, though this poses some risks due to toxicity of metals used in soldering and the risk of burns from the heat involved.

Besides permanent installations, locking earrings are occasionally worn by people of both genders, due to their personal symbolism or erotic value.