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 Bone at NOVICA Canada

Pearl and peridot dangle earrings, 'Day Dreamers' - Pearl and Peridot Carved Bone Earrings

Bestseller

Day Dreamers, Pearl and Peridot Carved Bone Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$93.84CAD Wholesale

$93.84CAD

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

Bestseller

Owl Protector, Garnet and Bone Owl Themed Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$74.47CAD Wholesale

~~$79.18CAD~~ $74.47CAD

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)

$83.09CAD Wholesale

$83.09CAD

Resting Bats, Amethyst Bone and Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Visionary Sight' - Hand Crafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Visionary Sight, Hand Crafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$57.77CAD Wholesale

~~$61.58CAD~~ $57.77CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Flight in the Passionate Eden' - Wing-Shaped Natural Garnet Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Flight in the Passionate Eden, Wing-Shaped Natural Garnet Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$61.63CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $61.63CAD

Peridot dangle earrings, 'Face of the Soul' - Peridot Face Motif Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Face of the Soul, Peridot Face Motif Dangle Earrings from Bali

Buana

(2373)

$96.30CAD Wholesale

~~$101.66CAD~~ $96.30CAD

Faces of Trunyan, Hand-Carved Skull Bone Stud Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$27.56CAD Wholesale

~~$33.23CAD~~ $27.56CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Afternoon Bat' - Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Afternoon Bat, Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$77.04CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $77.04CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Gentle Rose' - Minimalist Rose-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Gentle Rose, Minimalist Rose-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$77.04CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $77.04CAD

Dove Couple, Garnet and Bone Dove Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

Happy Starfish, Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Starfish Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$32.15CAD Wholesale

~~$38.12CAD~~ $32.15CAD

Blue topaz and rainbow moonstone dangle earrings, 'Blue Light' - Hand Crafted Blue Topaz and Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

Bestseller

Blue Light, Hand Crafted Blue Topaz and Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$102.72CAD Wholesale

~~$108.51CAD~~ $102.72CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Celestial Siblings' - Hand Crafted Sun and Moon Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Celestial Siblings, Hand Crafted Sun and Moon Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$77.04CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $77.04CAD

Jepun Prince, Multi-Gemstone Face-Shaped Dangle Earrings from Bali

Buana

(2373)

$111.18CAD Wholesale

~~$130.99CAD~~ $111.18CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Glorious Rose' - White Rose Dangle Earrings Hand Carved of Bone

Bestseller

Glorious Rose, White Rose Dangle Earrings Hand Carved of Bone

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.71CAD Wholesale

~~$33.23CAD~~ $29.71CAD

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)

$30.36CAD Wholesale

~~$34.21CAD~~ $30.36CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Sunny Soul' - Handcrafted Sun-Themed Garnet Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Sunny Soul, Handcrafted Sun-Themed Garnet Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$71.36CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $71.36CAD

Pale Pear, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$57.44CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $57.44CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Glittering Crescents' - Garnet and Bone Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Glittering Crescents, Garnet and Bone Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$64.19CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $64.19CAD

Wise Archangel, Traditional Wing-Shaped Faceted Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

Blood Red Moon, Hand Made Bone and Garnet Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$51.69CAD Wholesale

~~$61.58CAD~~ $51.69CAD

Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Dusky Dreams' - Amethyst Dangle Earrings with Crescent Moon Motif

Bestseller

Dusky Dreams, Amethyst Dangle Earrings with Crescent Moon Motif

Made Wardika

(1081)

$77.04CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $77.04CAD

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)

$46.21CAD Wholesale

~~$51.81CAD~~ $46.21CAD

Rainbow moonstone and blue topaz chandelier earrings, 'Winged Harmony' - Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings in a Combination Finish

Bestseller

Winged Harmony, Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings in a Combination Finish

Buana

(2373)

$179.77CAD Wholesale

~~$189.65CAD~~ $179.77CAD

Regal Crescents, Gold Plated Amethyst Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$66.63CAD Wholesale

~~$79.18CAD~~ $66.63CAD

Peridot dangle earrings, 'Bun Moons' - Peridot Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Bun Moons, Peridot Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$57.44CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $57.44CAD

Bone and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Stunning Feathers' - Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Stunning Feathers, Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$31.62CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $31.62CAD

Blue topaz and bone dangle earrings, 'Sleepy Crescent Moon' - Blue Topaz and Bone Moon Earrings

Bestseller

Sleepy Crescent Moon, Blue Topaz and Bone Moon Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$91.91CAD Wholesale

~~$108.51CAD~~ $91.91CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Dancing Angels' - Garnet and Bone Angel Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Dancing Angels, Garnet and Bone Angel Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$64.19CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $64.19CAD

Loyalty Owl, Owl Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls and Blue Topaz Gems

Buana

(2373)

$78.11CAD Wholesale

~~$92.87CAD~~ $78.11CAD

Hand-carved dangle earrings, 'Snowy Sunflower' - Hand-Carved Sunflower-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Snowy Sunflower, Hand-Carved Sunflower-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$36.49CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $36.49CAD

Garnet beaded dangle earrings, 'Creativity Feathers' - Handmade Vibrant Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Bestseller

Creativity Feathers, Handmade Vibrant Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$42.57CAD Wholesale

~~$47.89CAD~~ $42.57CAD

Rose gold-plated garnet dangle earrings, 'Moonlit Shadow' - Rose Gold-Plated Garnet Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Moonlit Shadow, Rose Gold-Plated Garnet Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$77.04CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $77.04CAD

Awake Moons, Garnet and Bone Crescent Moon Stud Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$43.65CAD Wholesale

~~$51.81CAD~~ $43.65CAD

Princess Aura, Hand Crafted Bone and Garnet Earrings

Komang Suastra

(619)

$156.13CAD Wholesale

~~$164.23CAD~~ $156.13CAD

Bone drop earrings, 'Peaceful Spirals' - Spiral Motif Bone Drop Earrings Crafted in Bali

Bestseller

Peaceful Spirals, Spiral Motif Bone Drop Earrings Crafted in Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$64.19CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $64.19CAD

Pura Plains, Artisan Crafted Bone Drop Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$57.44CAD Wholesale

~~$68.42CAD~~ $57.44CAD

Within my Heart, Garnet Sterling Silver Heart and Moon-Themed Dangle Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$101.10CAD Wholesale

~~$119.26CAD~~ $101.10CAD

Celuk Pangeran, Garnet and Carved Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Komang Suastra

(619)

$114.88CAD Wholesale

~~$135.88CAD~~ $114.88CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Bali Windows' - Hand-Carved Floral Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Bali Windows, Hand-Carved Floral Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$31.62CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $31.62CAD

Island's Passionate Blessing, Classic Balinese Dangle Earrings with Pearls and Garnet Gems

Buana

(2373)

$103.40CAD Wholesale

~~$122.20CAD~~ $103.40CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Love Grows Strong' - Garnet and Bone Heart-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Love Grows Strong, Garnet and Bone Heart-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$74.47CAD Wholesale

~~$79.18CAD~~ $74.47CAD

Flower Roofs, Floral Blue Topaz and Bone Dangle Earrings from Java

Rosalia Tarigan

(208)

$63.18CAD Wholesale

~~$75.27CAD~~ $63.18CAD

Garnet and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Krishna Feathers' - Hand-Painted Garnet and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Krishna Feathers, Hand-Painted Garnet and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$31.62CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $31.62CAD

Celuk Pangeran, Peridot and Carved Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Komang Suastra

(619)

$114.88CAD Wholesale

~~$135.88CAD~~ $114.88CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Bun Crescents' - Garnet Moon Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Bestseller

Bun Crescents, Garnet Moon Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$70.61CAD Wholesale

~~$75.27CAD~~ $70.61CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'White Elephant' - Sleek Cow Bone Carved Elephant Earrings with Silver Hooks

Bestseller

White Elephant, Sleek Cow Bone Carved Elephant Earrings with Silver Hooks

Made Wardika

(1081)

$36.49CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $36.49CAD

Garnet and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Mossy Rocks' - Artisan Crafted Garnet and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Mossy Rocks, Artisan Crafted Garnet and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$31.62CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $31.62CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Owl Bond' - Handcrafted Bone Owl Family Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Owl Bond, Handcrafted Bone Owl Family Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$45.95CAD Wholesale

~~$54.74CAD~~ $45.95CAD

Deity Mask, Traditional Balinese Mask-Shaped Brass Dangle Earrings

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$78.11CAD Wholesale

~~$92.87CAD~~ $78.11CAD

Friendly Octopus, Hand-Carved Bone Octopus Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$34.45CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $34.45CAD

Owl, Handcrafted Bone Earrings with Water Buffalo Horn

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$68.92CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $68.92CAD

Toraja Tux, Silver Accent Bone Earrings with Water Buffalo Horn

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$68.92CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $68.92CAD

Frangipani Moon Child, Citrine Moon Image Silver Earrings Crafted in Bali

Buana

(2373)

$109.14CAD Wholesale

~~$129.04CAD~~ $109.14CAD

Sukawati Guardian, Citrine and Bone Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Buana

(2373)

$158.54CAD Wholesale

~~$186.72CAD~~ $158.54CAD

Peridot dangle earrings, 'Plumage of Fortune' - Painted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Peridot Gems

Bestseller

Plumage of Fortune, Painted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Peridot Gems

Ayu Ary

(249)

$46.21CAD Wholesale

~~$51.81CAD~~ $46.21CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Falcon Feather' - Handcrafted Carved Bone Falcon Feather Theme Earrings

Bestseller

Falcon Feather, Handcrafted Carved Bone Falcon Feather Theme Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$31.62CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $31.62CAD

Queen of Plumeria, Blue Topaz and Cow Bone Silver Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$151.86CAD Wholesale

~~$178.90CAD~~ $151.86CAD

Tasseled Moon, Garnet Dangle Earrings with Crescent Moon Motif

Made Wardika

(1081)

$66.63CAD Wholesale

~~$79.18CAD~~ $66.63CAD

Sunshine Princes, Amethyst and Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings from Bali

Buana

(2373)

$112.58CAD Wholesale

~~$132.95CAD~~ $112.58CAD

Bali Palm Trees, Palm Tree Earrings on 925 Silver Hooks Crafted by Hand

Andi Rachmansyah

(90)

$43.65CAD Wholesale

~~$51.81CAD~~ $43.65CAD

Bali Pride, Bone Dangle Earrings with Intricate Openwork from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

$29.86CAD Wholesale

~~$35.19CAD~~ $29.86CAD

Garnet beaded dangle earrings, 'Wisdom Feathers' - Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Bestseller

Wisdom Feathers, Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$36.49CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $36.49CAD

Jepun Janger, Citrine and Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings from Bali

Buana

(2373)

$109.14CAD Wholesale

~~$129.04CAD~~ $109.14CAD

Courage Feathers, Handcrafted Red Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$34.45CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $34.45CAD

Intuition Feathers, Handcrafted Blue Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$40.20CAD Wholesale

~~$47.89CAD~~ $40.20CAD

Sage's Loyalty, Owl Dangle Earrings with Pearls and 3-Carat Blue Topaz Gems

Buana

(2373)

$101.10CAD Wholesale

~~$119.26CAD~~ $101.10CAD

Celuk Prince, Blue Topaz and Cow Bone Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Komang Suastra

(619)

$112.58CAD Wholesale

~~$132.95CAD~~ $112.58CAD

Mystic Guide, Sterling Silver Compass Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

Cheek to Cheek, Peridot and Sterling Silver Moon Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$80.41CAD Wholesale

~~$94.82CAD~~ $80.41CAD

Swirling Wings, Handcrafted Bone Wing-Shaped Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$32.15CAD Wholesale

~~$38.12CAD~~ $32.15CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Grizzly Brothers' - Handcrafted Bone Grizzly Bear Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Grizzly Brothers, Handcrafted Bone Grizzly Bear Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$36.49CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $36.49CAD

Dreams, Cultured Pearl and Amethyst Sterling Silver Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$114.41CAD Wholesale

~~$134.90CAD~~ $114.41CAD

Goodnight Moon in Blue, Blue Topaz and Cultured Pearl Crescent Moon Dangle Earrings

Buana

(2373)

$120.63CAD Wholesale

~~$142.73CAD~~ $120.63CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Light's Edge' - Modern Garnet Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Light's Edge, Modern Garnet Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Ayu Ary

(249)

$48.65CAD Wholesale

~~$54.74CAD~~ $48.65CAD

Twinkle Star, Star-Shaped Button Earrings with Sterling Silver Posts

Ayu Ary

(249)

$27.56CAD Wholesale

~~$33.23CAD~~ $27.56CAD

Divine Wings, Wing Drop Earrings with Stainless Steel Clasps

Kuera Putra

(8)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

Sea Turtle Bond, Handcrafted Bone Sea Turtle Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$34.45CAD Wholesale

~~$41.05CAD~~ $34.45CAD

Garnet and bone dangle earrings, 'Sanur Crescents' - Garnet and Crescent Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Sanur Crescents, Garnet and Crescent Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$43.65CAD Wholesale

~~$51.81CAD~~ $43.65CAD

Tender Beauty, Floral Dangle Earrings with 13-Carat Blue Topaz Stones

Buana

(2373)

$126.37CAD Wholesale

~~$149.57CAD~~ $126.37CAD

Bone stud earrings, 'Trunyan Skulls' - Skull-Shaped Bone Stud Earrings Crafted in Bali

Bestseller

Trunyan Skulls, Skull-Shaped Bone Stud Earrings Crafted in Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

$34.05CAD Wholesale

~~$38.12CAD~~ $34.05CAD

Love in the Moonlight, Crescent Moon Garnet Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$68.92CAD Wholesale

~~$81.13CAD~~ $68.92CAD

Illuminated Night in Green, Bat-Shaped Sterling Silver and Natural Peridot Drop Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$55.14CAD Wholesale

~~$65.49CAD~~ $55.14CAD

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