Background

According to Krishnan (Indian Jewellery - Dance of The Peacock,pg168), Early sculptures demonstrate that ear ornaments were an important constituent of Indian Female Attire.


Symbolism
To a married woman, the ear ornament is auspicious, Bare earlobes signified widowhood.
Additionally a woman's wealth was conspicuously visible and the ear ornament became a statement of her status and power. Elongated earlobes were considered a sign of beauty and wealth. It was believed that the longer the earlobe , the greater the woman's wealth.