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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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Multi-gemstone chandelier earrings, 'Wondrous Colors'

Kerryanne

Dec 13, 2021

Wonderful and more beautiful than the picture!

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I bought these for a friend for her birthday and she said these were her favorite earrings of all time. A wonderful artisan!

Certain To Impress

Dressy Earrings

Elegant Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Garnet Jewellery

Multigem Jewellery

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Ruby dangle earrings, 'Passionate Muse'

Joyce

Apr 27, 2023

Eye-Catching, Unique, True Red

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'Passionate Muse,' ruby, 24 carats total, dangle earrings are as pictured with intense, red color. Medium size earrings are easy to notice. The setting does not interfere or overpower the color, shape or workmanship of the gemstone. Will enhance the appearance of the wearer and outfit. The earrings coordinate with Neetu Barathi's necklace, 'Glittering Gemstones'. Happy with purchase.

Birthday Earrings

Diamond Shape Earrings

Understated Elegance

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Citrine and blue topaz chandelier earrings, 'Indian Sonnet'

Lady Wanda

Oct 17, 2019

Most Elegant

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These are the most gorgeous pair of earrings I own. The words elegant and exquisite are the best words to use to describe these earrings. To be made by hand is awesome! So glad I purchased these.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Citrine Jewellery

Iolite Jewellery

Multigem Jewellery

Cubic Zirconia Jewellery

Blue Topaz Jewellery

Bridal Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Featured Artist

Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(2379)

"Collecting jewellery and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."

The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine

"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... 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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