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.
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.
Very cute ! Last year I bought the necklace that goes with these so treated myself to these . I love this artists jewelry .This is such a fun look and Elephants are my favorite! The package came much sooner than expected--another plus.
So far I have received first a peridot ring which I love, it's pretty and smooth and very comfortable to wear. The earrings pictured arrived yesterday and they are just beautiful and I ordered a pendant that matches and it arrived with the earrings in a beautiful little box. I'm very pleased with the quality and the price. With reasonable prices like these I can afford to order myself a little present every month. It was a gift to me from me.
I just received my earrings. They're a perfect match to a lovely Lapis Lazuli pendant I purchased from a crafter in the U.S. They were a bit smaller than I had imagined, but they're truly brilliant craftsmanship!
I won't hesitate to order from NOVICA again. Thank you!
"I want everyone to look nice every day, for I believe that when your clothes and your jewellery look good, you feel good too!"
"I come from a family of farmers so I grew up surrounded by rice paddy fields and green landscapes. My family is not rich; my parents had to work... 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.