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 Inspirational at NOVICA Canada

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'My Peaceful Heart' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

Bestseller

My Peaceful Heart, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Audacious Inspiration' - Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

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Audacious Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Cyan Paws' - 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

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Cyan Paws, 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Omkara Orbs, 18k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Om Dangle Earrings

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(237)

$97.09CAD Wholesale

$97.09CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Peaceful Hamsa' - Sterling Silver Hamsa Peace Sign Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Peaceful Hamsa, Sterling Silver Hamsa Peace Sign Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

Axolotl Spirit, Polished and Oxidized Sterling Silver Axolotl Earrings

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(19)

$189.34CAD Wholesale

$189.34CAD

Chakra of Life, Chakra-Themed Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

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(6)

$88.35CAD Wholesale

$88.35CAD

Verdure Victory, Polished Leafy Ginkgo-Shaped 18k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

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$263.14CAD Wholesale

$263.14CAD

Royal Beetle, Beetle-Shaped Resin and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Del Toro Family

(21)

$101.95CAD Wholesale

$101.95CAD

Fluttering Sides, Polished and Oxidized Sterling Silver Wing Dangle Earrings

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(5)

$141.76CAD Wholesale

$141.76CAD

Crystal and glass beaded dangle earrings, 'Passion Lotus' - Lotus-Shaped Red Crystal and Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

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Passion Lotus, Lotus-Shaped Red Crystal and Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Domingo Reanda

(42)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Gold-plated multi-gemstone beaded dangle earrings, 'Chakra of Paradise' - 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Chakra of Paradise, 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

(6)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Taurus Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Taurus Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$148.56CAD Wholesale

$148.56CAD

Immortal Coffee, Polished Coffee Bean-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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(237)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

Into Infinity, Handcrafted Infinity Symbol Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Jantana

(710)

$38.83CAD Wholesale

$38.83CAD

Aries Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Aries Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Magical Chakra, Oxidized Sterling Silver Flower Chakra Button Earrings

Ego Agusnata

$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

Love & Light, Heart and Sun-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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(5)

$134.96CAD Wholesale

$134.96CAD

Joy of the Intellectual, Polished Freeform Citrine and Apatite Dangle Earrings

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(422)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Lunar Feline, Moon and Cat-Themed Natural Flower Round Dangle Earrings

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(21)

$115.54CAD Wholesale

$115.54CAD

Garnet beaded dangle earrings, 'Wisdom Feathers' - Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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Wisdom Feathers, Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Key to Joy, Key-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Asmara Putra

(237)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Courage Feathers, Handcrafted Red Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Intuition Feathers, Handcrafted Blue Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Dolphin Magic' - Handblown Dolphin-Shaped Glass Dangle Earrings in Blue

Bestseller

Dolphin Magic, Handblown Dolphin-Shaped Glass Dangle Earrings in Blue

Panapai

(35)

$27.18CAD Wholesale

$27.18CAD

Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Button Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Dangle Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Aquarius Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Aquarius Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Majestic Tree of Life, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Tree of Life Motif

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(1458)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Kuangen Offerings, Traditional Kuangen-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Made Tinon

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Stairs to Glory, Four-Carat Faceted Multi-Gemstone Drop Earrings from India

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(2379)

$88.35CAD Wholesale

$88.35CAD

Hamsa Gleam, Gold Accented Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings

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(619)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Flight to Harmony, Sterling Silver Wing Dangle Earrings with Rainbow Moonstones

Astiti Pratiwi

(1)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

Cancer Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Cancer Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Dolphin Vitality, Handblown Dolphin-Shaped Glass Dangle Earrings in Green

Panapai

(35)

$27.18CAD Wholesale

$27.18CAD

Glorious Dreams, Gold-Plated Dream Catcher-Themed Agate Chandelier Earrings

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Capricorn Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Capricorn Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Kahlo, Handmade Frida Kahlo Glass Bead Earrings from Guatemala

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(163)

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$65.05CAD

Shining Infinity, Infinity Symbol Sterling Silver Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Scorpio Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Scorpio Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Purple Crown Chakra, Chakra Themed Sterling Silver and Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

(6)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Infinite Style, Fair Trade Infinity Symbol Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$41.74CAD Wholesale

$41.74CAD

Virgo Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Virgo Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Hope Feathers, Handcrafted Feather Dangle Earrings with Amethyst and Garnet

Ayu Ary

(249)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

Flutter to Harmony, Dragonfly-Shaped Resin and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Del Toro Family

(21)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Glory of the Moon, Moon-Shaped Crystal and Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Domingo Reanda

(42)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Pisces Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Pisces Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Libra Galaxy, Gold-Plated Cubic Zirconia Libra Zodiac Sign Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Hands of Fatima, Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ketut Darmawan

(3)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Believe in Peace, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Asmara Putra

(237)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Passionate Twins, Handcrafted Fantasy Moon-Themed Garnet Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Gemini Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Gemini Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Leo Galaxy, Cosmos-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Brass Leo Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Traditional Chakras' (set of 7) - Set of 7 Traditional Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Traditional Chakras, Set of 7 Traditional Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$115.54CAD Wholesale

$115.54CAD

Crescent Cosmos, Moon and Star-Themed 24k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

Ali Guzman

$172.83CAD Wholesale

$172.83CAD

Leaves of Luck, Luck Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Yuniati

(96)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Flying to Peace, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Globe and Bird Details

Jantana

(710)

$37.86CAD Wholesale

$37.86CAD

Communication Chakra, Throat Chakra-Shaped Faceted Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

Starfish Happiness, Sterling Silver Starfish Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Sunshine Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra-Shaped Faceted Citrine Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Rainbow's Memory, Polished Rainbow-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Lagoon Dragonfly, Blue and Green Sterling Silver Dragonfly Dangle Earrings

Del Toro Family

(21)

$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

Enchanting Chakra, Crown Chakra-Shaped Faceted Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Om Whisper, Inspirational Dangle Earrings Taxco Sterling Silver Jewellery

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Dulcet Hope, Gold-Accented Heart-Shaped Butterfly Howlite Stud Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

Yellow Manipura Chakra, Chakra-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Citrine

Wayan Trisna

(6)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Gold-plated cultured pearl button earrings, 'Oceanic Chakra' - 22k Gold-plated Cultured Pearl Chakra Button Earrings

Bestseller

Oceanic Chakra, 22k Gold-plated Cultured Pearl Chakra Button Earrings

Wayan Karang

(9)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Spirit Om, Small Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Om Symbol

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Scarlet Chakra, Root Chakra-Shaped Natural Garnet Dangle Earrings from India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Sweet Liaison, Natural Freeform Rose Quartz and Garnet Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

You The Star, Star-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

Hamsa Swirls, Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Hamsa Hand Dangle Earrings

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Beautiful Mermaid, Polished Mermaid-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$65.05CAD Wholesale

$65.05CAD

Shri Yantra Mantra Victory, Shri Yantra Mantra Motif 22k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Harmonious Chakra, Sacral Chakra-Shaped Natural Peridot Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Tender Inspiration, Gold-Accented Dragonfly Howlite Stud Earrings in Sweet Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Eye of Horus, Egyptian Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver 925 from Mexico

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

The Dulcet Touch, Whimsical Ribbon-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Green Knot, Hand-Painted Geometric Green and Red Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

To Sleep, To Dream, Inspirational Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Asmara Putra

(237)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Fiery Chakra, Heart Chakra-Shaped Faceted Carnelian Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Delicate Liberty, Inspirational Caged Bird Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

Pink Aura Chakra, Chakra Themed Sterling Silver Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings

Wayan Trisna

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$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Nocturnal Presence, Sterling Silver Whimsical Bat Hoop Dangle Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

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