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Earrings Leather

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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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Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Spring Passion'

Sandy

Feb 4, 2021

Valentine's Day gift for my mom

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These earrings are so well made. Delicate leather strips and silver cuffs with engraving. Simple and beautiful all in one. Can't wait to give them to her. They arrived packaged beautifully as Novica is known for. I may be ordering a pair for myself soon!

Dangle Jewellery

Fine Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Leather Jewellery

Carnelian Jewellery

Hill Tribe Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Bohemian Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

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Lapis lazuli and leather dangle earrings, 'Supple Petals in Teal'

SilverDi

May 20, 2021

Fun Earrings!

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These earrings are exactly as pictured! They are lightweight, colorful and fun! I get compliments every time I wear.

Contemporary Jewelry

Contemporary Silver Jewelry

Statement Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Leather Jewellery

Lapis Lazuli Jewellery

Bohemian Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Tiger's eye and leather dangle earrings, 'Aurora Leaves'

Randy

Dec 25, 2019

Aurora Leaves Leather Earrings

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Nicely crafted, natural look in leather with tiger eye accent. Beautiful and practical. So nice I actually ordered another pair.

Tigers Eye Dangle Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Leather Jewellery

Featured Artist

Chaloemphon Handcrafted leather bracelets, bags and accessories

(375)

"Leather craft is more than a source of income — through leather, I also meet many new friends around the world."

"I'm Chaloemphon Krasear, but you can call me 'Noi.' I was born in 1959 and grew up in Khonkaen Province. My childhood was very simple, like that... read more

The Spring Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

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