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Balinese Earrings

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - 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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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dragon Splendor'

Amy C.

Mar 5, 2018

Perfect dragons!

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Nyoman Rena has done a superlative job. Both the attention to detail and the craftsmanship are outstanding. They are even more beautiful than pictured. Take note of the right/left pairing and the fact that the dragons are subtly different. I will definitely look for work by this artist in the future!

All Purpose Dangle Earrings

Fantasy Earrings

Jewelry For Dresses

Naga Dragon Jewelry

Wire Earrings<3

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Balinese Elephants'

charliegirl

Jun 16, 2016

Cute elephant earrings

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These are very cute and well made. The hooks are long enough that I don't feel they'll fall out. A larger size would also be nice.

Bohochic Dangle Earrings

Silver Elephants

Talented Artist Dangle Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

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Garnet dangle earrings, 'Dancing Angels'

Kathleen

Sep 8, 2018

So uniquely beautiful

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I love jewelry with the female face or figure and with the wings, these earrings are all the more fabulous. The carving is delicate and the drop garnets are a nice touch. They are longer than I thought but because the materials are so light they do not feel heavy. Beautiful artisanship. And the compliments are constant.

Guardian Angel Jewelry

Special Occasion Earrings

Unique Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Garnet Jewellery

Featured Artist

Nyoman Rena Sterling silver jewellery

(2218)

"I give thanks to God because, after having children, there was somehow always extra income to be found. I expect that my children can continue this workshop someday. "

Update (February, 2019)After learning to craft silver jewellery, I borrowed capital from my parents to start my own workshop. Things weren't as easy... read more

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