An ear cuff is an ornament worn on the ear without the need for a piercing: it 'hugs' the edge of the ear or descends along it in a striking construction. The name comes from the English 'cuff'. An ear cuff allows expressive, complex ear ornaments to be worn without piercing and lets one experiment with asymmetry: a single striking cuff on one ear sounds modern and bold. It is a relatively young, very trend-driven accessory that came from avant-garde and street jewellery fashion and quickly became a designers' favourite. Ear cuffs range from thin minimalist bands to massive 'architectural' constructions that cover the whole ear. They draw attention to the line of the face and add a note of audacity and currency to a look. The ear cuff is an example of how an ornament becomes a tool of modern, free self-expression.
