Earrings are a paired ornament for the ears, one of the oldest and most widespread in the world. Historically earrings had not only a decorative but also a protective and status meaning: in various cultures they marked age, marriage and belonging to a lineage. In Ukrainian folk dress silver earrings (kovtky) completed the festive look of a girl and a woman. Earrings frame the face, draw attention to it and can change the whole mood of a look — from severe studs to long dramatic drops. They are made of gold, silver, with stones, pearls, enamel or beads. Earrings are perhaps the most frequently worn ornament, because they are always on show.