Earrings can hold various meanings and these meanings can often be influenced by cultural, personal or symbolic factors. Culturally, earrings may symbolize status, age or marital standing. On a personal level, they can serve as a form of self-expression and reflect individual style and mood. Some earrings may also carry symbolic meanings if they have particular shapes or gemstones, such as birthstones, while others might mark milestones or special memories.