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Earrings Happiness

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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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Onyx dangle earrings, 'Vision Path'

Diana Cardone

Mar 31, 2017

Beautiful

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These earrings are so beautiful that I purchased two pairs. They are a go to type of design, clean and good looking.

Conversation Piece

Just Makes Me Feel Good To Wear Them.

Modern Dangle Earrings

Onyx And Citrine Earrings

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Gold vermeil onyx dangle earrings, 'Jaipur Sunshine'

Ardyth

Nov 29, 2019

Attractively Fun and Elegant!

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I liked the picture of these earrings, and it surprised me a little at how much lovelier they are in hand! So glad I bought them.

Dangle Jewellery

Vermeil Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Gold Plated Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Bollywood Jewellery

Happiness Jewellery

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Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Blue Teardrop'

My Jewelry

Jun 20, 2016

Lapis teardrops

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I bought these to wear with jeans and they really pair nicely with them. Not too big not too small just enough movement to enhance my denim look

Blue Fair Trade Jewelry

Daily Earrings That Go With Everything

Dark Blue Gemstones

Dark Blue Gemstones!

Graceful Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings

Featured Artist

Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(2379)

"Collecting jewellery and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."

The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine

"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... read more

The Summer 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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