8. Pirates’ Earrings

Pirates are often depicted in popular culture wearing bandanas, eye patches, and earrings, though real pirate and privateer garments varied through the centuries. Earrings were commonly worn by pirates, though their reasons for doing so varied according to the individual.

Especially popular among buccaneers during the 16th century, earrings were used to represent the extent of a seafarer’s travels. Silver and gold earrings could be a form of currency, or simply a way of keeping one’s wealth safely on one’s person amid a transient existence.

It’s believed that earrings were also worn for medicinal purposes, as they were thought to heal ailments or improve eyesight. Superstition also contributed to their presence, with earrings serving as protective charms.