Over $139.1 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Artisan Subscription Box

Earrings Under $20

16 items

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

Product picture

Natural horn drop earrings, 'Nina'

Kathleen

Mar 29, 2025

Pure delight

Product picture

I looked at these for too long before buying. I‘d worried about them being too heavy. Instead they are as light as a feather I love the simple but focused craftsmanship. They truly make a statement ~ without shouting it out

No Stone Jewellery

Product picture

Beaded button earrings, 'Litmus Star'

Linda

Sep 29, 2024

Fantastic Earrings

Product picture

These earrings are wonderful! I absolutely LOVE them. They come in several other colors, so naturally I had to buy several.

Beaded Jewellery

Button Jewellery

Gold Plated Jewellery

Glass Bead Jewellery

Crystal Jewellery

Product picture

Horn dangle earrings, 'Lauren'

Jeanine

Jul 19, 2023

I love these earrings

Product picture

These are so gorgeous and unique. I wore them to work and another person asked me to buy them a pair! So many compliments.

Dangle Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Featured Artist

Christelle Chignard Paul

Christelle Chignard Paul

Christelle Chignard Paul

Christelle Chignard Paul

Christelle Chignard Paul Horn, wood and bone jewellery, accessories and tableware

Entrepreneur Christelle C. Paul, based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, created Atelier Calla back in 2007. Though she had a full-time job at the time, her... 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.

SHOP THE CATALOG

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Cover Image