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.

Earrings Bird at NOVICA Canada

Brass dangle earrings, 'Peacock Memories' - Peacock-Themed Painted Green Brass Dangle Earrings

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dancing Owl' - Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Mexico

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$37.39CAD Wholesale

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Bone and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Delightful Feathers' - Hand-Carved Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings

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Bone and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Fascinating Feathers' - Feather-Shaped Bone and Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Gold-plated papier mache hoop earrings, 'Blue Affection' - 14k Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings with Blue Papier Mache Hearts

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Blue Affection, 14k Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings with Blue Papier Mache Hearts

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Gold-accented howlite button earrings, 'Harmonious Faith' - 14k Gold-Accented Hummingbird Cross Button Earrings

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'My Peaceful Heart' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

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Hand-carved dangle earrings, 'Angelical Owl' - Hand-Carved Owl Dangle Earrings with Silver Hooks from Bali

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Owl Love' - Hand Crafted Owl Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver 925

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Chiang Mai Owl' - Sterling Silver Perched Owl Dangle Earrings from Thailand

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Chiang Mai Owl, Sterling Silver Perched Owl Dangle Earrings from Thailand

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Fly Me Away, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Bird Hook Earrings

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Night Vision' - Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from India

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Bone dangle earrings, 'Watchful Owls' - Bone and Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Watchful Owls, Bone and Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Dove Couple, Garnet and Bone Dove Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Hand-painted marble dangle earrings, 'Hummingbird Flower' - Flower-Shaped Marble Hummingbird Earrings

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Petite Sparrows, Relief Sparrow-Themed Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

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Twin Birds, Twin Bird Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Thailand

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Calavera Hummingbird, Artisan Crafted Skull Earrings

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Light as a Feather, Animal Themed Garnet Sterling Silver Earrings

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Dewdrops, Pearl Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Baby Owl' - Sterling Silver and Amethyst Bird Earrings

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Parrot Song, Garnet and Peridot Parrot Dangle Earrings from India

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$72.29CAD Wholesale

~~$80.99CAD~~ $72.29CAD

Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Avian Curiosity' - Carnelian and 925 Silver Bird Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Indian Peacock in Red, Garnet and Sterling Silver Peacock Dangle Earrings

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$76.99CAD

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Garnet and bone dangle earrings, 'Owl Protector' - Garnet and Bone Owl Themed Dangle Earrings

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