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Earrings Day of the Dead

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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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Hand-painted marble dangle earrings, 'Calavera Hummingbird'

Vanessa

Nov 11, 2023

Now My Favorite Earrings

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I get a lot of compliments on these. I feel they're unique, colorful and noticeable. I'm extremely impressed with Josefina and Cecilia's work.

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Skeletal Matador Dance'

Marilyn

Feb 9, 2019

BEAUTIFUL EARRINGS

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The workmanship on these earrings is outstanding They caught my eye when I was reviewing the earrings and when I received them I was pleasantly surpised. Beautiful .

Dia De Los Muertos Earrings

Mexican Jewelry Designer!!

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Sterling silver heart earrings, 'Love Waterfall'

Robin

Oct 23, 2022

Exquisite

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I love these earrings and their sentiment. The work is fantastic. In this case, you CAN go chasing waterfalls!

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Featured Artist

Roy Nilson Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(132)

"My designs are 100 percent handcrafted by artisans who preserve traditional techniques. I'd describe my style as simple and original, inspired by life and by my people."

I was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina on December 21, 1962. My childhood there with my family was a happy one. My parents weren't artists themselves... read more

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