These small pieces of jewelry may look mysterious today, but they were once a practical solution for women who wanted to wear earrings without having pierced ears. They are vintage clip-on earrings, a style that became especially popular during the middle decades of the 20th century.

Instead of a post passing through a pierced earlobe, each earring has a hinged metal clip on the back. The wearer opened the clip, positioned the decorative part against the front of the earlobe, and then closed the mechanism behind it. The pressure kept the earring securely in place without requiring a piercing.

Clip-on earrings came in countless designs, from inexpensive costume jewelry to elaborate pieces decorated with glass, imitation pearls, colorful stones, and polished metal. Rounded designs like these were especially common because they could create the appearance of a substantial earring while concealing much of the fastening mechanism.

Anyone who wore them for several hours probably remembers one disadvantage: they could become uncomfortable. The clips needed enough pressure to prevent the earrings from falling off, and that pressure could eventually make the earlobes sore. Later designs attempted to improve comfort with adjustable clips and small cushions.

So the mystery is solved: they are vintage clip-on earrings for non-pierced ears. They’re still made today, but older examples instantly bring back memories for generations who remember when opening a jewelry box and finding a pair like these was completely ordinary.