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Earrings Day of the Dead

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - Are there any earring designs or symbols that have a particular meaning?

Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.

+ - Are there any eco-friendly women’s earrings?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.

+ - What materials are best for women’s earrings?

There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.

+ - What is the history of women’s earrings?

While modern shapes and patterns may be new, earrings have actually been in existence for more than 7,000 years. In ancient cultures throughout Asia and Northern Africa, these pieces were traditionally worn by the wealthy elite who relied on accoutrements to communicate their status and position in society. In the Mesoamerican region of what is now Central America, earrings had religious significance and were worn by both men and women to honor pre-Hispanic deities. In ancient Peru, leaders adorned themselves in ceremonial garb, including earrings, which may have been used to indicate rank, function, religious codes, as well as emblems of power and prestige. Throughout history, earrings have been markers of social position and identity. While we may forget that this tremendous history lies behind a pair of modern earrings, global artisans work to keep ancient traditions alive.

+ - Are there any traditional methods for making women’s earrings?

Attention to detail, patience and expert craftsmanship are the essential ingredients that go into every pair of traditional earrings. Whether the style involves hand-beading, copal wood carving, metal work, fabric or filigree, processes often date back generations, and are handed down through families and artisan communities. One of the oldest methods of earring-making is jewelry casting. It is an art form that has been in existence for thousands of years. From the time that ancient civilizations learned to melt metal, they have been pouring molten gold and silver into cavities of stone, plaster, sand, and cuttlefish bone. Once hardened, castings were then broken free from their encasings and tooled into shape. While much has changed since these primitive forays, much remains the same. Around the world, artisans still use metal casting as an important process in jewelry making. Many cultures also make use of metal threads in their jewelry. Silver alloy, for example, is made in sheets or fine threads using a range of tools. Filigree, a delicate and beautiful art form, uses a process of weaving thin metal threads into a particular pattern or design. Regardless of the method of production, each pair of traditional earrings reflects the artisan's unique vision combined with processes passed down through generations.

Featured Reviews

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Silver filigree earrings, 'Dancing Skeleton'

Roberto

Jun 16, 2016

Dia de los Muertos Gift

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Our kids' elementary school celebrates Dia de los Muertos and this was the perfect gift for my daughter's teacher. She loved them and wore them for the celebration.

Beautiful Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos Earrings

Everyday Dangle Earrings

Fantasy Earring Style

Halloween Earrings

Halloween Earrings

Halloween Jewelry

Skeleton Jewelry

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Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Skull and Crossbones'

Kelly

May 1, 2020

Awesome

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Love these studs. Can wear in either lower or upper ear piercing (just a tad large on upper). The eye sockets are not as dark as they appear in picture. Like the detailing, especially the cross bones.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

No Stone Jewelry

Day of the Dead Jewelry

Halloween Jewelry

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Skeletal Hat Dance'

Jeanne

Nov 4, 2020

Always get lots of compliments on these earrings

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I love these and wear them often. Seems like a lot of my friends and family love them also. Great workmanship.

Dia De Los Muertos Earrings

Sterling Silver Jewelry

No Stone Jewelry

Day of the Dead Jewelry

Taxco Silver Jewelry

Featured Artist

Roy Nilson Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(132)

"My designs are 100 percent handcrafted by artisans who preserve traditional techniques. I'd describe my style as simple and original, inspired by life and by my people."

"I was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina on December 21, 1962. My childhood there with my family was a happy one. My parents weren't artists... read more

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