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

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

Kahlo, Handmade Frida Kahlo Glass Bead Earrings from Guatemala

Mirian Zet

(163)

$65.05CAD Wholesale

$65.05CAD

Multiculturalism, Handcrafted Glass Beaded Salvadoran Woman Dangle Earrings

Pearls of the Sea Youth Group

(14)

$108.75CAD Wholesale

$108.75CAD

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

Domingo Reanda

(42)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Joy of the Passionate, Polished Freeform Citrine and Garnet Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

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

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(133)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

Intuition Feathers, Handcrafted Blue Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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(249)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

Holy Hamsa, 925 Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings from Bali

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$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Nocturnal Presence, Sterling Silver Whimsical Bat Hoop Dangle Earrings

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(792)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Starfish Happiness, Sterling Silver Starfish Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Suar Dwipayana

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$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Magical Chakra, Oxidized Sterling Silver Flower Chakra Button Earrings

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$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

To Sleep, To Dream, Inspirational Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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(237)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Hamsa Protection, Reconstituted Turquoise Sterling Silver Hamsa Hand Earrings

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$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

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

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Kuangen Offerings, Traditional Kuangen-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Made Tinon

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

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

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(6)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Passionate Twins, Handcrafted Fantasy Moon-Themed Garnet Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Courage Feathers, Handcrafted Red Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

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(249)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Hamsa Gleam, Gold Accented Sterling Silver Hamsa Dangle Earrings

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(619)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Cosmic Chakras, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Chakra Dangle Earrings

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(6)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

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

Komang Wijayana

(1458)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Light of the Triquetra' - Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Coming back

Light of the Triquetra, Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Sri Widiani

(4)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

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

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

Panapai

(35)

$27.18CAD Wholesale

$27.18CAD

Om Symbol, Polished Silver Om Symbol Stud Earrings from Thai Artisan

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(1675)

$37.86CAD Wholesale

$37.86CAD

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

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(1675)

$41.74CAD Wholesale

$41.74CAD

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

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(35)

$27.18CAD Wholesale

$27.18CAD

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

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(21)

$115.54CAD Wholesale

$115.54CAD

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

Del Toro Family

(21)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

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

Del Toro Family

(21)

$101.95CAD Wholesale

$101.95CAD

Axolotl Spirit, Polished and Oxidized Sterling Silver Axolotl Earrings

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$189.34CAD Wholesale

$189.34CAD

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

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$263.14CAD Wholesale

$263.14CAD

Fluttering Sides, Polished and Oxidized Sterling Silver Wing Dangle Earrings

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(5)

$141.76CAD Wholesale

$141.76CAD

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

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(5)

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$134.96CAD

Om Whisper, Inspirational Dangle Earrings Taxco Sterling Silver Jewellery

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

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$81.56CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

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

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$172.83CAD Wholesale

$172.83CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

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

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$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

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$81.56CAD

Lagoon Dragonfly, Blue and Green Sterling Silver Dragonfly Dangle Earrings

Del Toro Family

(21)

$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

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

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

Wayan Karang

(9)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Sweet Liaison, Natural Freeform Rose Quartz and Garnet Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

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

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

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

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

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

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$88.35CAD Wholesale

$88.35CAD

Enchanting Chakra, Crown Chakra-Shaped Faceted Amethyst Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Harmonious Chakra, Sacral Chakra-Shaped Natural Peridot Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Fiery Chakra, Heart Chakra-Shaped Faceted Carnelian Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

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

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Sunshine Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra-Shaped Faceted Citrine 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

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

Josefina and Cecilia

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$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

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

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(9)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

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

Asmara Putra

(237)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

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

Asmara Putra

(237)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

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

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

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

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Beautiful Mermaid, Polished Mermaid-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$65.05CAD Wholesale

$65.05CAD

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

(6)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

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

Wayan Trisna

(6)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

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

Sweet Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Bright Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

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

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

Sterling silver button earrings, 'Little Triquetra' - Celtic Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Coming back

Little Triquetra, Celtic Triquetra-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Sri Widiani

(4)

$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

Fruits of Hope, Tree-Themed Green Crystal and Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings

Domingo Reanda

(42)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

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

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

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

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

Wayan Trisna

(6)

$88.35CAD Wholesale

$88.35CAD

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

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

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

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Majestic You, Whimsical Crown-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Your Melody, Guitar-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

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

Bestseller

Wisdom Feathers, Handcrafted Purple Feather Dangle Earrings with Garnet Beads

Ayu Ary

(249)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$148.56CAD Wholesale

$148.56CAD

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

Ali Guzman

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

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

Bestseller

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

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Little Mates, Hand-Painted Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings from Mexico

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

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