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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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Wood beaded earrings, 'Edinam'

BrightSun

Feb 20, 2017

What does Edinam mean? I need to know.

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These earrings are a little large for me to wear, but I wouldn't think of sending them back to Novica. These are beautiful, Rita, and to me you have used good balance. The hanging beads contrast so nicely with the round beads. I do have a dress that these earrings match nicely, and I have worn them even if a little long. I think you paired these beads very nicely, Rita. Will be looking to buy from you in the future. Keep up the good work.

Affordable Jewelry

Best Durable Earring

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Pearl and rose quartz cluster earrings, 'Petal Romance'

Edwige

Sep 28, 2017

A nice and luck earrings

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I love my pearl and rose quartz earrings, you can feel they were made with simplicity of the heart and soul. I believe in gemstone power and benefits so I hear them when thing get tough to illuminate my day. Well-made with real gemstone ! Thank you Nareerat !

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Romantic Heart Earrings

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Pearl Jewellery

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Agate and wood beaded earrings, 'Stay with Me'

Cricket

Jan 18, 2020

Lightweight and stylish!

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I purchased these earrings to wear with Una Gupta's Ivory Garden dress and they are a perfect match! Thank you, Rita Addo Zakour!

Ethnic Jewelry<3

Fair Trade Gifts For Her.

Recommended Gift

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Featured Artist

Nareerat Hand crafted gemstone and pearl jewellery

(1853)

"To create my jewellery, I like to sit in the middle of the materials – colourful stones and pearls in many shapes. Nature is a reference for my designs."

"Working with you has made me realise that my inner passion is in creatively crafting jewellery. I enjoy creating new designs. I have great... read more

The Fall Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

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