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 Bead at NOVICA Canada

Fantastic Veins, Oval Resin Beaded Cluster Earrings from India

Sabir

(99)

$20.99CAD Wholesale

$20.99CAD

Upturned Drops, Sky Blue Resin Beaded Cluster Earrings from India

Sabir

(99)

$20.99CAD Wholesale

$20.99CAD

Mount Kenya, White and Turquoise Beaded Long Earrings

BeadWORKS

(22)

$23.36CAD Wholesale

~~$27.99CAD~~ $23.36CAD

Beaded button earrings, 'Litmus Star' - Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Bestseller

Litmus Star, Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Beaded button earrings, 'Lapis Star' - Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Bestseller

Lapis Star, Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Black Star, Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Natural Sunset, Eco-Friendly Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Phelicia Darko-Quagriane

(2)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Aqua Yellow Star, Mexican Handcrafted Star-shaped Beaded Button Earrings

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Cheerful Oasis, Colorful Recycled Plastic and Glass Earrings

Salome Korkor Kpokli

(7)

$24.99CAD Wholesale

$24.99CAD

Naturally Blue, Sterling Earrings with Lapis Lazuli

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Queen for a Day, Eco-Friendly Dangle Earrings with Brass Hooks

Ivy Mowtey

(5)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Proud Queen, Natural Agate and Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Victor Dushie

(46)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Oyerepa, Handcrafted Orange Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Janet Donkor

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Turquoise Glory, Modern Brass Dangle Earrings with Calcite Beads from India

Sabir

(99)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Precious Feline, Eco-Friendly Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Janet Donkor

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Intense Sapphire, Sapphire Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Janet Donkor

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Gentle Red, Eco-Friendly Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings in Red

Janet Donkor

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Fine Evening, Eco-Friendly Brown Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Mary Gyamfua Ansah

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Cheerful Beauty, Recycled Glass Bead Dangle Earrings

Ivy Mowtey

(5)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Dela Dem, Earthy Wooden Bead Earrings from Ghanaian Artisan

Ivy Mowtey

(5)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Power Stones, Recycled Glass and Ceramic Beaded Dangle Earrings

Grace Bernice Buamah

(1)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Nuku, Agate and Recycled Glass Bead Dangle Earrings

Harriet Faako Adjei

(4)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Pampam Store, Handcrafted Recycled Paper and Wood Dangle Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Good-Natured, Artisan Crafted Recycled Paper and Wood Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Eco Grace, Eco-Friendly Agate and Cat's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Graceful Complement, Cat's Eye and Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Adom Nkoaa, Handcrafted Blue and Black Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

You Can, Cat's Eye and Tiger's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Eco Cuteness, Tiger's Eye and Agate Earrings Crafted in Ghana

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Eco Discs, Cat's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Lovely Beads, Cat's Eye and Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Dzidudu, Wood Beaded Dangle Earrings Artisan Crafted Jewellery

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Happy Soul, Multicolored Recycled Paper and Wood Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Miyanko Beauty, Agate and Tiger's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Confidant, Cat's Eye and Tiger's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings

Justina Botwey

(16)

$27.99CAD Wholesale

$27.99CAD

Smoky quartz beaded dangle earrings, 'Global Wonder' - Smoky Quartz Beaded Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Global Wonder, Smoky Quartz Beaded Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Kai Kittima

(61)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

~~$41.99CAD~~ $32.99CAD

Renewed Strength, Brown-Black Recycled Glass and Plastic Bead Dangle Earrings

Eva Asantewa Amakye

(30)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Blooming Aqua, Aqua Floral Beaded Dangle Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Sky Bound, Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings in Light Blue & White

Victor Dushie

(46)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Gyidi & Red, Yellow and Red Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Blue Gyidi, Eco-Friendly Pastel Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Blooming Yellow, Yellow Floral Beaded Dangle Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Pretty Girl, Hand Crafted Eco-Friendly Dangle Earrings

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Dark of the Night, Artisan Crafted Eco-Friendly Beaded Dangle Earrings

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Sparkles at Night, Eco-Friendly Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Blooming Red, Red Floral Beaded Dangle Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Renewed Cheer, Yellow Recycled Glass and Plastic Beaded Dangle Earrings

Eva Asantewa Amakye

(30)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Floral Liaison, Heart and Flower-Themed Recycled Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Rainbow Petals, Floral Wood and Recycled Plastic Beaded Dangle Earrings

Salome Korkor Kpokli

(7)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Bless You Twice, Eco-Friendly Ghanaian Dangle Earrings with Brass Hooks

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Ahomka Experience, Recycled Plastic Dangle Earrings in Red and Pink from Ghana

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Fire Essence, Golden and Red Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Trust in Love, Heart-Themed Golden and Black Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Vivid Celebration, Wood and Recycled Plastic Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Esther Narh

(7)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

African Monolith, Sese Wood Coconut Shell and Plastic Earrings from Ghana

Catherine Offei Kwapong

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Afternoon Gathering, Eco-Friendly Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Sunshine Grace, Eco-Friendly Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$32.99CAD Wholesale

$32.99CAD

Midnight Mood, Lapis Lazuli Beaded Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Matta

(498)

$34.64CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $34.64CAD

Berry Lover, colourful Multi-Gemstone Cluster Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$34.64CAD Wholesale

~~$38.99CAD~~ $34.64CAD

Garnet and carnelian beaded dangle earrings, 'Tropical Oasis' - Beaded Dangle Earrings with Garnet and Carnelian

Bestseller

Tropical Oasis, Beaded Dangle Earrings with Garnet and Carnelian

Nareerat

(1853)

$34.99CAD Wholesale

$34.99CAD

Multi-gemstone beaded dangle earrings, 'Sunset Atoms' - Sunset-Toned Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Sunset Atoms, Sunset-Toned Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Aquatic Atoms, Blue-Toned Howlite and Lapis Lazuli Beaded Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Multi-gemstone beaded dangle earrings, 'Dawn Atoms' - Warm-Toned Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Dawn Atoms, Warm-Toned Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Beaded dangle earrings, 'Floral Dream' - Floral Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings Handmade in Guatemala

Bestseller

Floral Dream, Floral Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings Handmade in Guatemala

Mirian Zet

(163)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Beautiful Veins, Nestled Agate Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Queen Blue, Cat's Eye and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Fine Woman, Agate and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Scarlet Pines, Handmade Red and Green Beaded Long Waterfall Earrings

Mirian Zet

(163)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Beautiful Glam in Green, Multi-Gemstone Beaded Cluster Earrings in Green

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Yellow Glam, Yellow Magnesite & Brass Beaded Double Hoop Dangle Earrings

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Summer Blossoming, Floral Howlite and Glass Beaded Clip-On Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Watercolour Woman, Handmade Eco-Friendly Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor

(25)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Vivacious Color, Multi-Gemstone Cluster Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Red Paradise, Handcrafted Multi-Gemstone Red Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Oceanic Orbs, Blue Cat's Eye Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Sweet Home, Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings with Warm Palette

Janet Donkor

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Divine Blue Gyidi, Eco-Friendly Blue Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Dapper Joy, Eco-Friendly Recycled Glass and Onyx Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Indigo Glam, Blue Magnesite & Brass Beaded Double Hoop Dangle Earrings

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Ntoboase Ye, Tiger's Eye and Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Victor Dushie

(46)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Black and White Grace, Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings in Black and White

Janet Donkor

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

White Flower Garden, Floral Quartz and Carnelian Clip-On Earrings from Thailand

Nareerat

(1853)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

Charming Flora, Floral Black Recycled Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tina Quaye

(14)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

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

Adriana Trejo

(140)

$35.99CAD Wholesale

$35.99CAD

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