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 Dragonfly at NOVICA Canada

Amber and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Golden Dragonflies' - Amber and Amethyst Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

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Golden Dragonflies, Amber and Amethyst Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

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Garden Companions, Sterling Butterfly and Dragonfly Earrings

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Gold-plated drop earrings, 'Enchanting Dragonfly' - Polished Dragonfly-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Drop Earrings

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Enchanting Dragonfly, Polished Dragonfly-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Drop Earrings

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Blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Dragonfly Fun' - Artisan Crafted Blue Topaz Earrings

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Dragonfly Fun, Artisan Crafted Blue Topaz Earrings

Ni Wayan Astiti

(147)

$162.58CAD Wholesale

$162.58CAD

Gold accented sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Shimmering Wings' - Gold Accented Sterling Silver Dragonfly Earrings from Bali

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Shimmering Wings, Gold Accented Sterling Silver Dragonfly Earrings from Bali

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Sterling silver and marcasite stud earrings, 'Petite Dragonflies' - Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Stud Earrings from Thailand

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Petite Dragonflies, Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Stud Earrings from Thailand

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$79.35CAD

Rainbow moonstone dangle earrings, 'Harmony Prophecy' - Rainbow Moonstone Dragonfly Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Harmony Prophecy, Rainbow Moonstone Dragonfly Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Wisdom Prophecy, Faceted Amethyst Dragonfly Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Onyx dangle earrings, 'Magic in the Dark' - Traditional Dragonfly-Themed 5-Carat Onyx Dangle Earrings

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Magic in the Dark, Traditional Dragonfly-Themed 5-Carat Onyx Dangle Earrings

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Garnet dangle earrings, 'Dragonfly Fantasy in Red' - Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings of Dragonflies

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Dragonfly Fantasy in Red, Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings of Dragonflies

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Lapis lazuli and chrysocolla stud earrings, 'Night Dragonflies' - Lapis Lazuli and Chrysocolla Dragonfly Earrings from Peru

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Night Dragonflies, Lapis Lazuli and Chrysocolla Dragonfly Earrings from Peru

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$94.84CAD

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Wings of Love, Handmade Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Button Earrings

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Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Dangle Earrings

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Garnet dangle earrings, 'Enchanted Dragonfly' - Handcrafted Indonesian Silver and Garnet Earrings

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Enchanted Dragonfly, Handcrafted Indonesian Silver and Garnet Earrings

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(693)

$237.56CAD Wholesale

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Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Dragonfly Intricacy' - Sterling Silver Dragonfly Stud Earrings from Bali

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Dragonfly Intricacy, Sterling Silver Dragonfly Stud Earrings from Bali

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Skyward Wanderers, Dragonfly Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Thailand

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Flutter to Harmony, Dragonfly-Shaped Resin and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Kintamani Dragonfly in Crimson, Silver Dragonfly Earrings with 1 Carat Garnet Accents

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Suar Dwipayana

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Dragonfly Altar, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Garnet Dragonfly Earrings

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Dragonfly Complexity, Dragonfly Wing Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Dragonfly Altar, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Dragonfly Earrings

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$79.35CAD

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Joyous Dragonfly, Floral and Dragonfly-Themed Yellow Pearl Button Earrings

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Euphoric Flight, Dragonfly-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Enchanted Dragonfly, Reconstituted Turquoise and Silver Earrings

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Dragonfly Wrap, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Dragonfly Drop Earrings

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Capung Dragonflies, Sterling Silver Dragonfly Shaped Dangle Earrings

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Dragonfly's Rest, Dainty Egg Shaped Silver Earrings with Dragonflies

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Passionate Change, Dragonfly Dangle Earrings with Natural Garnet Stones

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Kintamani Dragonfly in Blue, Dragonfly Theme Earrings Crafted from Sterling and Topaz

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Baby Dragonfly, Silver Button Earrings

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$40.64CAD

Frangipani Dragonflies, Balinese Blue Topaz Half Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver

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$268.06CAD

Sweet Dragonfly, Cubic Zirconia Dragonfly Dangle Earrings

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Dragonfly Altar, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Amethyst Dragonfly Earrings

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$81.28CAD

Dragonfly Fantasy in Blue, Reconstituted Turquoise and Silver Dragonfly Dangle Earrings

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Heaven's Dragonfly, Dragonfly-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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$81.28CAD

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