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 Gemstone at NOVICA Canada

Turquoise chandelier earrings, 'Bird Heart in Green' - Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird & Heart Chandelier Earrings

Bestseller

Bird Heart in Green, Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird & Heart Chandelier Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$372.99CAD Wholesale

$372.99CAD

Bird Heart, Taxco 925 Silver Cultured Pearl Bird Chandelier Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$372.99CAD Wholesale

$372.99CAD

Turquoise waterfall earrings, 'Bird Fantasy' - Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird-Themed Waterfall Earrings

Bestseller

Bird Fantasy, Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird-Themed Waterfall Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$347.99CAD Wholesale

$347.99CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Love Doves' - Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

Bestseller

Love Doves, Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$347.99CAD Wholesale

$347.99CAD

Imperial Bliss, 17-Carat Pear and Marquise Lemon Quartz Dangle Earrings

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$345.99CAD Wholesale

$345.99CAD

Buddha Faith Pearls, White Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings with Traditional Motifs

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$340.99CAD Wholesale

$340.99CAD

Buddha Pearls, Black Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings with Traditional Motifs

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$340.99CAD Wholesale

$340.99CAD

Eastern Skies, 950 Silver And Turquoise Drop Earrings From Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$320.99CAD Wholesale

$320.99CAD

Green Quartet, Gold-Plated Green 60-Carat Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$320.99CAD Wholesale

$320.99CAD

Western Skies, Turquoise and Blue Topaz Silver Drop Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

$317.99CAD Wholesale

$317.99CAD

Caribbean Mosaic, Turquoise Sterling Dangle Earrings

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$296.99CAD Wholesale

$296.99CAD

Cultured pearl drop earrings, 'Classic and Modern' - Modern Taxco Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Classic and Modern, Modern Taxco Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$292.99CAD Wholesale

$292.99CAD

Shadow Vitality, Modern Sterling Silver Drop Earrings with Black Jade Jewels

Migliozzi Studio

(7)

$290.99CAD Wholesale

$290.99CAD

Loyal Clarity, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Faceted Blue Topaz Gems

Anant

(1)

$289.99CAD Wholesale

$289.99CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Sky-Kissed Sea' - Natural Turquoise Taxco Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Sky-Kissed Sea, Natural Turquoise Taxco Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$278.99CAD Wholesale

$278.99CAD

Constellation of the Sage, Star and Moon-Themed Dangle Earrings with Amethyst Jewels

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

$275.99CAD Wholesale

$275.99CAD

Ethereal Harmony, Sterling Silver Filigree Dangle Earrings with Amethyst

Eva Souto

(6)

$275.99CAD Wholesale

$275.99CAD

Vintage Gleam, 18k Gold Plated Citrine Dangle Earrings from Bali

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$271.99CAD Wholesale

$271.99CAD

Buddha's Curl Elegance, 25-Carat Chalcedony and Peridot Dangle Earrings from Bali

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$269.24CAD Wholesale

~~$299.99CAD~~ $269.24CAD

Fan Delight, Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Fan-Shaped Chandelier Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Exquisite Shapes, Modern Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Obsidian Stone

Roy Nilson

(132)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Fan Fantasy, Taxco Sterling Silver Turquoise Fan-Themed Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Gemstone Fountain, Green Onyx Chandelier Earrings from India

Bhavesh

(1335)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Vintage Gleam, Gold Plated Blue Topaz Half-Hoop Dangle Earrings from Bali

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Dazzling Quartet, 18k Gold-Plated 63-Carat Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$264.99CAD Wholesale

$264.99CAD

Floral Pond, Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings with Natural Turquoise

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$257.99CAD Wholesale

$257.99CAD

Spark of Blue, Turquoise and Taxco 950 Silver Artisan Crafted Earrings

Alon Diller

(455)

$257.99CAD Wholesale

$257.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Daily Stones' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bestseller

Daily Stones, Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$250.99CAD Wholesale

$250.99CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Modern Beauty' - Modern Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Turquoise Stone

Bestseller

Modern Beauty, Modern Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Turquoise Stone

Roy Nilson

(132)

$250.99CAD Wholesale

$250.99CAD

Abstract Flair, Modern Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Turquoise Stone

Roy Nilson

(132)

$250.99CAD Wholesale

$250.99CAD

Mixco Reflections, Shibuichi and Sterling Silver Lilac Jade Earrings

Nicte Migliozzi

(47)

$249.99CAD Wholesale

$249.99CAD

Traditional Taxco, Natural Turquoise Dove Motif Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$247.99CAD Wholesale

$247.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Magical Chants' (set of 7) - Set of 7 Gemstone Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Magical Chants, Set of 7 Gemstone Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$244.19CAD Wholesale

~~$271.99CAD~~ $244.19CAD

Lunar Divinity, 2-Carat Natural Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings from India

Shawn Martin

(11)

$243.99CAD Wholesale

$243.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Lifetime Jewels' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Lifetime Jewels, Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$243.99CAD Wholesale

$243.99CAD

Prasiolite dangle earrings, 'Dazzling' - Silver Earrings from Bali Featuring 10 Carats of Prasiolite

Bestseller

Dazzling, Silver Earrings from Bali Featuring 10 Carats of Prasiolite

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Daily Glamour' (set of 7) - Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings (Set of 7)

Bestseller

Daily Glamour, Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings (Set of 7)

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Bewitching Blooms, Taxco Sterling Silver Turquoise Floral Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Sacred Pearl, 24k Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Cross Statement Earrings

Ali Guzman

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Florid, Ornate Turquoise Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Enthralling Swirls, Hand Crafted Amethyst and Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$236.99CAD Wholesale

$236.99CAD

Traditional Blooms, Floral Turquoise Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$233.99CAD Wholesale

$233.99CAD

Expression, Dangle Earrings with Red Jasper

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

$233.99CAD Wholesale

$233.99CAD

Expression, Sterling Silver and Chrysocolla Earrings

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

$233.99CAD Wholesale

$233.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Life Gems' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bestseller

Life Gems, Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$229.99CAD Wholesale

$229.99CAD

Shimmering Cascade, Sterling Silver and Amber Chandelier Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

$229.99CAD Wholesale

$229.99CAD

Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Glistening Buddha's Curls' - Hand Made Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Indonesia

Bestseller

Glistening Buddha's Curls, Hand Made Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Indonesia

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$222.99CAD Wholesale

$222.99CAD

Northern Drops, Gold Plated 28-Carat Labradorite Earrings from India

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$222.99CAD Wholesale

$222.99CAD

Purple Snake Attack, 18k Gold-Plated Snake Drop Earrings with Amethyst Stones

Giri Tasmana

(80)

$222.99CAD Wholesale

$222.99CAD

Tulip Garden, 4-Carat Faceted Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Roongnapa

(1)

$222.99CAD Wholesale

$222.99CAD

Jade stud earrings, 'Natural Trio' - Modern 925 Silver Stud Earrings with Jade in 3 Colors

Bestseller

Natural Trio, Modern 925 Silver Stud Earrings with Jade in 3 Colors

Migliozzi Studio

(7)

$221.99CAD Wholesale

$221.99CAD

Natural Trio, Modern 925 Silver Earrings with Jade in 3 Colors

Migliozzi Studio

(7)

$221.99CAD Wholesale

$221.99CAD

Ancient Icons, Taxco Sterling and Turquoise Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$219.99CAD Wholesale

$219.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Yoga Delight' (set of 7) - Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bestseller

Yoga Delight, Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$219.15CAD Wholesale

~~$243.99CAD~~ $219.15CAD

Aural Leaf in Blue, Filigree Silver Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Eva Souto

(6)

$219.15CAD Wholesale

~~$243.99CAD~~ $219.15CAD

Mountains in Lilac, Silver and Lilac Jade Dangle Earrings from Guatemala

Carolina Quiroa

(4)

$218.99CAD Wholesale

$218.99CAD

Mountains in Jade, Silver and Apple Green Jade Dangle Earrings from Guatemala

Carolina Quiroa

(4)

$218.99CAD Wholesale

$218.99CAD

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Everyday Glamour' (set of 7) - Set of Seven 22k Gold-Plated Stud Earrings with Gemstones

Bestseller

Everyday Glamour, Set of Seven 22k Gold-Plated Stud Earrings with Gemstones

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$215.99CAD Wholesale

$215.99CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Taxco Lovebirds' - Lovebird Turquoise Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Taxco Lovebirds, Lovebird Turquoise Dangle Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$215.99CAD Wholesale

$215.99CAD

Gold accent blue topaz drop earrings, 'Ocean Arch' - Sterling Silver Gold Accent Blue Topaz Drop Earrings

Coming back

Ocean Arch, Sterling Silver Gold Accent Blue Topaz Drop Earrings

Deni Aryasa

(5)

$215.99CAD Wholesale

$215.99CAD

Jasmine Stars, Sterling Silver Filigree and Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Eva Souto

(6)

$215.99CAD Wholesale

$215.99CAD

Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Moonlight Dazzle' - Buddha Curl Motif Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Moonlight Dazzle, Buddha Curl Motif Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Bali

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$213.99CAD Wholesale

$213.99CAD

Ruby dangle earrings, 'Leaf Cascade' - 40-Carat Ruby Dangle Earrings from India

Bestseller

Leaf Cascade, 40-Carat Ruby Dangle Earrings from India

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Garnet and agate hoop earrings, 'Magic Dragonfly' - Garnet and Agate Dragonfly Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Magic Dragonfly, Garnet and Agate Dragonfly Hoop Earrings

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Navajo Inspiration, Hammered Sterling Earrings with Turquoise

Roy Nilson

(132)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Dinner Party, Sterling Silver Chandelier Dangle Earrings with Smoky Quartz

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Nepenthes in Green, Checkerboard Faceted Prasiolite Drop Earrings

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Zocalo, Dangle Earrings with Natural Turquoise

Alon Diller

(455)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Contemporary Moon, Modern Moon Themed Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Drop Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Dual Persona, Balinese Blue Topaz & Sterling Silver Knots Drop Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Secrets, Opal dangle earrings

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Successful Sailing, Modern Abstract Drop Earrings with Amazonite Cabochons

Laurent Leger

(3)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Primaveral Wisdom, Star-Shaped Sterling Silver Drop Earrings with Amethyst Gems

Sapna Mehta

(50)

$208.99CAD Wholesale

$208.99CAD

Octagonal, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Rhodonite Stones

Carolina Quiroa

(4)

$207.99CAD Wholesale

$207.99CAD

Purple Striking Snake, 18k Gold-Plated Snake Drop Earrings with Faceted Amethyst

Giri Tasmana

(80)

$201.99CAD Wholesale

$201.99CAD

Green Snake Attack, 18k Gold-Plated Snake Drop Earrings with Peridot Stones

Giri Tasmana

(80)

$200.36CAD Wholesale

~~$222.99CAD~~ $200.36CAD

Laurel Leaf, Mexican Sterling Silver Filigree Dangle Earrings

Eva Souto

(6)

$200.36CAD Wholesale

~~$222.99CAD~~ $200.36CAD

Gold-plated rainbow moonstone dangle earrings, 'Heaven's Dazzle' - Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with 6-Carat Rainbow Moonstones

Bestseller

Heaven's Dazzle, Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with 6-Carat Rainbow Moonstones

Alok Jain

(1879)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Rainbow moonstone and blue topaz chandelier earrings, 'Winged Harmony' - Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings in a Combination Finish

Bestseller

Winged Harmony, Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings in a Combination Finish

Buana

(2373)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Divine Blue Touch' - Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Lapis Lazuli Stones

Bestseller

Divine Blue Touch, Taxco 925 Silver Dangle Earrings with Lapis Lazuli Stones

Roy Nilson

(132)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Turquoise Candy' - Sterling Silver and Turquoise Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Turquoise Candy, Sterling Silver and Turquoise Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Onyx dangle earrings, 'My Shadow' - Hand Crafted Sterling Silver and Onyx Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

My Shadow, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver and Onyx Dangle Earrings

Mutiara Collection

(194)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Nepenthes in Brown, Checkerboard Faceted Smoky Quartz Drop Earrings

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

Ocean of Hope, Ocean-Themed Natural Turquoise Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Roy Nilson

(132)

$194.99CAD Wholesale

$194.99CAD

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