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 Bohemian at NOVICA Canada

Shining Songket, Sterling Silver Cultural Dangle Earrings from Bali

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

$76.99CAD Wholesale

$76.99CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Crescent Moons' - Garnet and Silver Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Natural Moonlight, Garnet and Silver Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$84.99CAD Wholesale

$84.99CAD

Sterling silver flower earrings, 'Balinese Fern' - Balinese Style Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Balinese Fern, Balinese Style Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Kenari

(562)

$84.99CAD Wholesale

$84.99CAD

Gold-plated filigree dangle earrings, 'Gem Rain' - Gold-plated Agate And Swarovski Dangle Earrings From Mexico

Bestseller

Gem Rain, Gold-plated Agate And Swarovski Dangle Earrings From Mexico

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$110.99CAD Wholesale

$110.99CAD

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Chic Girl' - Polished Handbag-Shaped Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Chic Girl, Polished Handbag-Shaped Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$79.99CAD Wholesale

$79.99CAD

Peaks and Valleys in Purple, Blue and Purple Woven Bead Waterfall Earrings

Pearls of the Sea Youth Group

(14)

$75.99CAD Wholesale

$75.99CAD

Western Skies, Turquoise and Blue Topaz Silver Drop Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$314.99CAD Wholesale

$314.99CAD

Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Rainbow Hummingbirds' - Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Rainbow Hummingbirds, Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

$110.99CAD Wholesale

$110.99CAD

Rich Splendor, Chalcedony Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Shanker

(1425)

$82.99CAD Wholesale

$82.99CAD

Gold-plated chalcedony and hematite beaded earrings, 'Ocean Bohemian' - 18k Gold-Plated Beaded Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Ocean Bohemian, 18k Gold-Plated Beaded Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Sareeyakarn

(215)

$52.65CAD Wholesale

~~$61.99CAD~~ $52.65CAD

Thail Chic, colourful Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings with Silver Accents

Tipa

(167)

$58.55CAD Wholesale

~~$68.99CAD~~ $58.55CAD

Amber Sea, Ocean-Themed Amber Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

$123.99CAD Wholesale

$123.99CAD

Gold-accented cultured Mabe pearl dangle earrings, 'Starry Garden' - Gold-Accented Silver & Cultured Mabe Pearl Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Starry Garden, Gold-Accented Silver & Cultured Mabe Pearl Dangle Earrings

Dewi Putera

(350)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Night Owls, Dark Horn Owl-Shaped Dangle Earrings Hand-Carved in Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$52.99CAD Wholesale

$52.99CAD

Green Beauty, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Pear Peridot Stones

Budiharta

(84)

$99.20CAD Wholesale

~~$110.99CAD~~ $99.20CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Love Doves' - Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

Bestseller

Love Doves, Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$344.99CAD Wholesale

$344.99CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Thai Peacock' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Thai Peacock, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Jantana

(710)

$80.46CAD Wholesale

~~$84.99CAD~~ $80.46CAD

Chiang Mai Chimes, Modern Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Pichaya

(1256)

$50.54CAD Wholesale

~~$56.99CAD~~ $50.54CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Bat Duo' - Bat Hand-Carved Bone Dangle Earrings with 925 Silver Hooks

Bestseller

Bat Duo, Bat Hand-Carved Bone Dangle Earrings with 925 Silver Hooks

Ayu Ary

(249)

$52.99CAD Wholesale

$52.99CAD

Cascade of Blue, Handmade Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Mariana Llanes

(56)

$82.99CAD Wholesale

$82.99CAD

Leaf Chimes, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$60.09CAD Wholesale

~~$63.99CAD~~ $60.09CAD

Sterling silver ear cuff earrings, 'Sleek Filigree' (pair) - Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Bestseller

Sleek Filigree, Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$35.36CAD Wholesale

~~$39.99CAD~~ $35.36CAD

Junin Glam, Sterling Silver Filigree Earrings from Peru

Carlos Yauri

(44)

$55.99CAD Wholesale

$55.99CAD

Multicoloured Diamonds, Brown & Aqua Beaded Waterfall Earrings with Diamond Pattern

Pearls of the Sea Youth Group

(14)

$75.99CAD Wholesale

$75.99CAD

Black Soul, Balinese Horn Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Glass beaded dangle earrings, 'Coffee Convergence' - Brown Round Spiral Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Coffee Convergence, Brown Round Spiral Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Domingo Reanda

(42)

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Jade and quartz dangle earrings, 'Hill Tribe Adventure' - Beaded Dangle Earrings with Jade and Hill Tribe Silver

Bestseller

Hill Tribe Adventure, Beaded Dangle Earrings with Jade and Hill Tribe Silver

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$60.44CAD Wholesale

~~$63.99CAD~~ $60.44CAD

Horn and garnet dangle earrings, 'Abstract Cats' - Horn Garnet & Sterling Silver Cat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Abstract Cats, Horn Garnet & Sterling Silver Cat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Eastern Skies, 950 Silver And Turquoise Drop Earrings From Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$316.99CAD Wholesale

$316.99CAD

Cultured pearl dangle earrings , 'Candy Pearl' - Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings From Thailand

Bestseller

Candy Pearl, Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings From Thailand

Matta

(498)

$62.82CAD Wholesale

~~$66.99CAD~~ $62.82CAD

Gold and Blue, Gold Plated Brass and Crystal Bead Earrings

Alejandra Torres

(21)

$61.99CAD Wholesale

$61.99CAD

Recycled glass beaded dangle earrings, 'Adiagba in Blue' - Eco-Friendly Blue Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Adiagba in Blue, Eco-Friendly Blue Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$66.99CAD Wholesale

$66.99CAD

Glass beaded waterfall earrings, 'Butterfly Spirit' - Butterfly-Themed Rainbow Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Bestseller

Butterfly Spirit, Butterfly-Themed Rainbow Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$52.99CAD Wholesale

$52.99CAD

Gold-accented wood dangle earrings, 'Smart Women' - Balinese 18k Gold-plated Brass and Wood Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Smart Women, Balinese 18k Gold-plated Brass and Wood Dangle Earrings

Kuera Putra

(8)

$66.99CAD Wholesale

$66.99CAD

Hot Pink Bloom, Pink Magnesite Floral Dangle Earrings with Brass Spirals

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$32.78CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $32.78CAD

Citrine dangle earrings, 'Party Queen in Yellow' - Sterling Silver Fashion Dangle Earrings with Citrine Stone

Bestseller

Party Queen in Yellow, Sterling Silver Fashion Dangle Earrings with Citrine Stone

Anya

(29)

$89.99CAD Wholesale

$89.99CAD

Horn and garnet dangle earrings, 'Midnight Bat' - Horn Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Midnight Bat, Horn Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Citrine dangle earrings, 'Kite Festival in Yellow' - Geometric Floral Silver Dangle Earrings with Citrine Stones

Bestseller

Kite Festival in Yellow, Geometric Floral Silver Dangle Earrings with Citrine Stones

Komang Wijayana

(1458)

$89.99CAD Wholesale

$89.99CAD

Vivid Diamonds, Gold-Accented and Hand-Woven Dangle Earrings in Red & Amber

Fher and Armando

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Taxco silver patterned stud earrings, 'Curvilinear' - Patterned Taxco Silver Square Stud Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Curvilinear, Patterned Taxco Silver Square Stud Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Gold-accented wood dangle earrings, 'Tamarind Twist' - Balinese 18k Gold-plated Brass and Wood Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Tamarind Twist, Balinese 18k Gold-plated Brass and Wood Dangle Earrings

Kuera Putra

(8)

$66.99CAD Wholesale

$66.99CAD

Karen Sunflowers, Handmade Karen Silver Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Chanatip Na Lampoon

(34)

$81.98CAD Wholesale

~~$96.99CAD~~ $81.98CAD

Resting Bats, Amethyst Bone and Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$66.99CAD Wholesale

$66.99CAD

Benoa Anchor, Sterling silver filigree earrings

Komang Wijayana

(1458)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Morning Boho in Brown, Hand Made Macrame Bohemian Dangle Earrings

Siriporn

(180)

$76.12CAD Wholesale

~~$89.99CAD~~ $76.12CAD

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Hollow Bell' - Women's Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Hollow Bell, Women's Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$73.49CAD Wholesale

~~$77.99CAD~~ $73.49CAD

Tangerine Glam, Orange Magnesite & Brass Beaded Double Hoop Dangle Earrings

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$30.44CAD Wholesale

~~$35.99CAD~~ $30.44CAD

Lights of Joy, Handcrafted Coconut Shell and Wood Beaded Dangle Earrings

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

$48.99CAD Wholesale

$48.99CAD

Onyx dangle earrings, 'Royal Medallion' - Handcrafted Sterling Silver and Onyx Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Royal Medallion, Handcrafted Sterling Silver and Onyx Dangle Earrings

Sukartini

(570)

$93.99CAD Wholesale

$93.99CAD

Sterling silver chandelier earrings, 'Jhumki Music' - Sterling Silver Jhumki Chandelier Earrings from India

Bestseller

Jhumki Music, Sterling Silver Jhumki Chandelier Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

$81.99CAD Wholesale

$81.99CAD

Silver Trees, Tree Theme Taxco 950 Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$151.99CAD Wholesale

$151.99CAD

Amor Eterno, Antiqued Sterling Silver Birds and Hearts Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$179.99CAD Wholesale

$179.99CAD

925 sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Strawberry Girl' - 925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Strawberry Girl, 925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$75.99CAD Wholesale

$75.99CAD

Sterling silver ear cuff earrings, 'Two Epochs' (pair) - Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Bestseller

Two Epochs, Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$32.82CAD Wholesale

~~$36.99CAD~~ $32.82CAD

Elegant Drop, Turquoise & Garnet Ornate Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Ezequiel Tapia

(49)

$165.99CAD Wholesale

$165.99CAD

Alluring Elegance, Silver Dangle Earrings with Cultured Mabe Pearl & Amethyst

Made Sugi

(291)

$117.99CAD Wholesale

$117.99CAD

Blue Huichol Circles, Huichol Glass Beaded Earrings in Blue from Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Violet Bloom, Purple Magnesite Floral Dangle Earrings with Brass Spirals

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$32.78CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $32.78CAD

Frangipani Heart, 925 Silver Heart Dangle Earrings with Garnet & Gold Accents

Dewi Putera

(350)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Vibrating Flight' - Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Vibrating Flight, Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Floral Wheel, Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings with Garnets and Jali Accents

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$82.99CAD Wholesale

$82.99CAD

Bone and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Antique Feathers' - Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Antique Feathers, Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$34.99CAD Wholesale

$34.99CAD

Tiger's eye and carnelian cluster earrings, 'Thai Autumn' - Hand Crafted Tiger's Eye and Quartz Cluster Earrings

Bestseller

Thai Autumn, Hand Crafted Tiger's Eye and Quartz Cluster Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.07CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $35.07CAD

Beloved Landscapes, Hand-Painted Cedarwood Dangle Earrings with Green Tassels

Meliza Tzay

(7)

$96.99CAD Wholesale

$96.99CAD

Lapis lazuli beaded waterfall earrings, 'True Jewels' - Blue-Toned Lapis Lazuli and Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Bestseller

True Jewels, Blue-Toned Lapis Lazuli and Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.19CAD Wholesale

~~$41.99CAD~~ $37.19CAD

Christmas Wishes, Crystal & Glass Beaded Christmas Hat Mittens Dangle Earrings

Mirian Zet

(163)

$52.99CAD Wholesale

$52.99CAD

Thai Glam, Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings with Silver Hill Tribe Motifs

Tipa

(167)

$58.55CAD Wholesale

~~$68.99CAD~~ $58.55CAD

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Moon Sliver' - Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Hoop Style Earrings

Bestseller

Moon Sliver, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Hoop Style Earrings

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$84.99CAD Wholesale

$84.99CAD

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

Bestseller

Angelical Owl, Hand-Carved Owl Dangle Earrings with Silver Hooks from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$52.99CAD Wholesale

$52.99CAD

Pearl chandelier earrings, 'Indian Ivory' - Pearl chandelier earrings

Bestseller

Indian Ivory, Pearl chandelier earrings

Narayani

(693)

$112.99CAD Wholesale

$112.99CAD

Azure Hummingbird, Chrysocolla and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

$103.99CAD Wholesale

$103.99CAD

Wise Jewels, Purple-Toned Amethyst and Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$30.44CAD Wholesale

~~$35.99CAD~~ $30.44CAD

Rainbow Boldness, Handcrafted Rainbow Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$41.99CAD Wholesale

$41.99CAD

Royal Colors, Recon. Turquoise and Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Luminous Sentries, Double Disk Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Peru

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

$110.99CAD Wholesale

$110.99CAD

Golden Bees, Bee-Themed Amber Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

$165.99CAD Wholesale

$165.99CAD

Dream Harmony, Sterling Silver Agate and Rainbow Moonstone Dangle Earrings

Narayani

(693)

$93.99CAD Wholesale

$93.99CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Winged Appeal' - Bat-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Garnet Stone

Bestseller

Winged Appeal, Bat-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Garnet Stone

Ayu Ary

(249)

$68.99CAD Wholesale

$68.99CAD

Floral Corona, Flower-Shaped Gold Plated Sterling Silver Earrings from Peru

Marianela Vargas

(138)

$110.99CAD Wholesale

$110.99CAD

Falling Emeralds, Beige and Green Glass Beaded Waterfall Earrings

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$38.99CAD Wholesale

$38.99CAD

Balinese Style, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Combination Finish

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

$82.99CAD Wholesale

$82.99CAD

Teardrop, Peruvian 21K Gold Plated Filigree Dangle Earrings

Giuliana Valz-Gen

(183)

$161.99CAD Wholesale

$161.99CAD

Heaven's Treasure in Black, Sterling Silver and Onyx Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Anya

(29)

$61.99CAD Wholesale

$61.99CAD

Cultured pearl and aquamarine cluster earrings, 'Clover' - Pearl Aquamarine Quartz Cluster Earrings

Bestseller

Clover, Pearl Aquamarine Quartz Cluster Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.14CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $35.14CAD

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