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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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Gold accent hoop earrings, 'Two Tone Moon'

Anne

Jun 17, 2016

My First pick

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I love the size and design of these earrings . They are confortable to wear and I don't worry about them falling off. I wear them with jeans, to dress the look up, and wear them with fancy,, because they really fit.

Beautiful Hoop Earrings

Beautifully Unique

Clasps Work Well

Forever Jewelry

Forever Keepsakes

Gold And Silver

Granddaughter Gifts!

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Wood dangle earrings, 'Joyous Celebration'

Ama

Jan 28, 2022

Beautiful!

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I purchased these as a Christmas gift for my daughter. They are beautiful! Very well made! She absolutely loved them!

Chakra Earrings

Colorful Wooden Earrings

Exotic Earrings

Great Fine Wood Working

Great Party Wear

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Pearl flower earrings, 'White-Eyed Lotus'

Rena

Feb 1, 2017

Beautiful Detail

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I received these yesterday and couldn't be happier. The craftsmanship is exceptional. they are the perfect size as well, large enough to show all of the detail but not to heavy. Love them.

Beautiful White Earrings

Celtic Button Earrings

Drop Button Earrings

Every Jewelry Box Should Hold A Pair.

Fashionable Button Earrings

Featured Artist

Nyoman Rena Sterling silver jewellery

(2180)

"I give thanks to God because, after having children, there was somehow always extra income to be found. I expect that my children can continue this workshop someday. "

Update (February, 2019)After learning to craft silver jewellery, I borrowed capital from my parents to start my own workshop. Things weren't as easy... read more

The Holiday 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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