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Earrings Hematite

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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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Recycled paper and hematite dangle earrings, 'Tribal Links in Blue'

Patricia

May 13, 2020

Very unique

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I make my own rolled paper earrings but I just couldnt pass these up. They are larger than you think. Great with jeans.

Environmental Gifts For Her

Original Earrings

Tribal Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Stainless Steel Jewellery

Paper Jewellery

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Lapis lazuli and hematite dangle earrings, 'Earth Orbit'

Sharon

Apr 29, 2023

Love these!

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Was looking for a pair of lapis earrings and came across these which are just perfect. Great color combination.

Beaded Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Lapis Lazuli Jewellery

Reconstituted Turquoise Jewellery

Turquoise Jewellery

Hematite Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

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Jasper and hematite dangle earrings, 'Open Skies'

Linda

Jul 19, 2023

Jasper & Hematite Earrings

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These earrings are very pretty and different. I was going to keep them but I ended up giving them to a niece and she really liked them. Your workmanship is very delicate and pretty. Thank you.

Beautiful And Delicate

Great Handiwork

Dangle Jewellery

Beaded Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Fine Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Jasper Jewellery

Featured Artist

Tipa Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(161)

"It's been very fulfilling to see women look gorgeous, confident and elegant in my jewellery. I believe everyday outfits can be eye-catching and stylish with the right accessories."

"I am a jeweller from Northern Thailand. I grew up in a small rural town and really wanted to explore the world. After graduating with a degree... read more

The Holiday 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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