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 Inspirational at NOVICA Canada

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Dolphin Magic' - Handblown Dolphin-Shaped Glass Dangle Earrings in Blue

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Dolphin Magic, Handblown Dolphin-Shaped Glass Dangle Earrings in Blue

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Into Infinity, Handcrafted Infinity Symbol Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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$39.99CAD Wholesale

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Garnet beaded dangle earrings, 'Wisdom Feathers' - Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Wisdom Feathers, Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Garnet beaded dangle earrings, 'Courage Feathers' - Handcrafted Red Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Courage Feathers, Handcrafted Red Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Cyan Paws' - 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

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Cyan Paws, 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

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Gold-plated cultured pearl button earrings, 'Oceanic Chakra' - 22k Gold-plated Cultured Pearl Chakra Button Earrings

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Oceanic Chakra, 22k Gold-plated Cultured Pearl Chakra Button Earrings

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Crystal and glass beaded dangle earrings, 'Passion Lotus' - Lotus-Shaped Red Crystal and Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

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Little Mates, Hand-Painted Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings from Mexico

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Infinite Style, Fair Trade Infinity Symbol Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver

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Intuition Feathers, Handcrafted Blue Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Audacious Inspiration' - Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

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Audacious Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Peaceful Hamsa' - Sterling Silver Hamsa Peace Sign Earrings from Thailand

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Peaceful Hamsa, Sterling Silver Hamsa Peace Sign Earrings from Thailand

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Sweet Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Bright Hues

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'My Peaceful Heart' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

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My Peaceful Heart, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

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Dulcet Hope, Gold-Accented Heart-Shaped Butterfly Howlite Stud Earrings

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

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Holy Hamsa, 925 Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Key to Joy, Key-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Round Chakras, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Chakra Button Earrings

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Tender Inspiration, Gold-Accented Dragonfly Howlite Stud Earrings in Sweet Hues

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Majestic Tree of Life, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Tree of Life Motif

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Magical Chakra, Oxidized Sterling Silver Flower Chakra Button Earrings

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Sterling silver button earrings, 'Little Triquetra' - Celtic Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings

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Little Triquetra, Celtic Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings

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Kahlo, Handmade Frida Kahlo Glass Bead Earrings from Guatemala

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Nocturnal Presence, Sterling Silver Whimsical Bat Hoop Dangle Earrings

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Starfish Happiness, Sterling Silver Starfish Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

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Scarlet Chakra, Root Chakra-Shaped Natural Garnet Dangle Earrings from India

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Harmonious Chakra, Sacral Chakra-Shaped Natural Peridot Dangle Earrings

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Enchanting Chakra, Crown Chakra-Shaped Faceted Amethyst Dangle Earrings

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Sunshine Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra-Shaped Faceted Citrine Dangle Earrings

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Fiery Chakra, Heart Chakra-Shaped Faceted Carnelian Dangle Earrings

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Rainbow's Memory, Polished Rainbow-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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$68.99CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Light of the Triquetra' - Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Light of the Triquetra, Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(4)

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Communication Chakra, Throat Chakra-Shaped Faceted Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings

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Hamsa Protection, Reconstituted Turquoise Sterling Silver Hamsa Hand Earrings

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Delicate Liberty, Inspirational Caged Bird Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Chalcedony and rose quartz dangle earrings, 'Paradise of Blessings' (set of 2) - Chalcedony and Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings (Set of 2)

Paradise of Blessings, Chalcedony and Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings (Set of 2)

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Your Melody, Guitar-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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The Dulcet Touch, Whimsical Ribbon-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Pink Aura Chakra, Chakra Themed Sterling Silver Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings

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Purple Crown Chakra, Chakra Themed Sterling Silver and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

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Yellow Manipura Chakra, Chakra-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Citrine

Wayan Trisna

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

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(21)

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Majestic You, Whimsical Crown-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Eye of Horus, Egyptian Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver 925 from Mexico

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$82.99CAD

Om Whisper, Inspirational Dangle Earrings Taxco Sterling Silver Jewellery

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Hamsa Swirls, Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Hamsa Hand Dangle Earrings

Suar Dwipayana

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Passionate Twins, Handcrafted Fantasy Moon-Themed Garnet Dangle Earrings

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Hamsa Gleam, Gold Accented Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings

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

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Chakra of Life, Chakra-Themed Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

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$89.99CAD Wholesale

$89.99CAD

Stairs to Glory, Four-Carat Faceted Multi-Gemstone Drop Earrings from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

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$89.99CAD

Gold-plated multi-gemstone beaded dangle earrings, 'Chakra of Paradise' - 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Chakra of Paradise, 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

(6)

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Joy of the Passionate, Polished Freeform Citrine and Garnet Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

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Leaves of Luck, Luck Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Yuniati

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Joy of the Intellectual, Polished Freeform Citrine and Apatite Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

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Kuangen Offerings, Traditional Kuangen-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Made Tinon

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Shri Yantra Mantra Victory, Shri Yantra Mantra Motif 22k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

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Immortal Coffee, Polished Coffee Bean-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Asmara Putra

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