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.
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.
These are so very creative and innovative. They are not just chandeliers, not just well-crafted disks, they are totally in a wonderful class by themselves with their design. (tighten the disk in the center an the three hanging ones so they do not come loose while wearing. They are too pretty to lose. The length can definitely be seen with long hair flowing or short to none. They are attention-getters!
The unique style of these earrings caught my eye and when I received them and tried them on I was delighted with the way they hang so perfectly from the ear and frame your face - very flattering, feminine and lightweight. I want these in every color gemstone imaginable!
BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR FRIEND IN NEED OF PRECIOUS HOPE
These earrings were as beautiful in person as online. They were for a friend going through a hard time. Their name, “Precious Hope”, embodied what she needed at that time. Also, the gorgeous stones matched my friend’s eyes.
"Our motifs are Balinese and include jawan (silver bubbles) and bun (swirls). These motifs are challenging because they require a delicate hand for an intricate process."
"I'm Made Sugi and I was born in Bali in 1975 as the second of four children. My hometown has a lot of jewellery artisans working with silver who... read more
The Holiday Catalog
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