The drop, dangle, or chandelier earring has been a fashion standard throughout history and numerous countries.  The look is classic, with appeal for a wide variety of hair styles, wardrobe and occasions. Earrings as a fashion accessory can be traced back to Egyptian and Byzantine Empires and the Roman Empire from 100 BC through 4^th century ADE. Gold earrings with decorative beading and enameling were a sign of affluence that differentiated both men and women from the lower classes.  During the Dark Ages adornment for European women (and men) became such a low priority that the jewelry trade nearly went extinct.  Slowly, as the Renaissance revitalized the nations more time for leisurely pursuits brought about the resurgence of personal aesthetics. In more recent history, even as today, celebrities set trends based on their own proclivity, as seen in Victorian England.  Queen Victoria was very partial to the chandelier earrings and this soon spread to other nobles and aristocrats. As the standard hairstyle for this era was with a center part and the sides swept over the ears or tightly behind the ears, clasped at the back and typically with a head cover, the drop earring- as seen here with the retro-gold agate cameo earrings from VanScoy, became an obviously practical jewelry design as it peeped from under the hair or headdress commonly worn. Celebrities at recent award shows this year have displayed a wide range of drop earrings.  From the MTV Movie Awards, Selena Gomez wore gold geometrically dainty drop earrings that barely hung below her lobes; Melissa McCartney donned dangling chain drop earrings with gemmed starburst which matched one of her necklaces; and Melanie Inglesias glammed it up with hanging teardrop earrings. At the 2013 CMT Awards there were a bevy of beautiful ladies showing off elegant variations of drop earrings, Kellie Pickler’s short-do showed off her long drop earrings that sparkled along with her gown; Jana Kramer showed another variation of the teardrop earrings with smoke colored gems matching her dress; and Sarah Darling looked darling with side-swept hair and cascading drop earrings similar to the VanScoy sterling silver drops pictured to the right. For a real treat check out the fantastic looks of the MET Costume Gala for 2013 where beautiful women such as Blake Lively, Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry and Uma Thurman show off looks from retro to contemporary, classically simple to ornate with their fashion selections. Today the drop earring can be seen on the runway, to the red carpet, in the board room or at the super market. The designs can be contemporary, elaborate, or simple and elegant and can enhance the look for any occasion regardless of hairstyle. As multiple ear piercings become more popular the drop earring can be paired with ear cuffs or studs. With drop earrings complimenting a menagerie of styles and trends, hanging just below the ear like the above pictured VanScoy Pink Tourmaline drops or dusting the shoulders, no woman should be without a few drops in her jewelry collection.