Over $139 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Artisan Subscription Box

Earrings Leather

21 items

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

Product picture

Leather dangle earrings, 'Leaf Feather'

Ashley

Oct 15, 2019

Lightweight and stylish

Product picture

The artist's attention to detail on these leather feather earrings is outstanding! I would definitely recommend them.

A Feather Earrings!

Artisan Earrings

Earrings Fair Trade

Silver Feather Earrings

Unique Earrings

Wooden Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Product picture

Leather and bone dangle earrings, 'Brown Feather'

Maria

Feb 18, 2021

So unique!

Product picture

I absolutely love these earrings! They are so unique and beautiful, I get lots of compliments on them. Also very comfortable to wear as they are really lightweight.

Artsy Earrings!!

Awesome Organic Earrings

Bone Carved Earrings

Earrings For Jeans

Peridot Carved Bone Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Leather Jewellery

Product picture

Tiger's Eye and Leather Dangle Earrings, 'Supple Petals in Rust'

LauraB

Jan 9, 2021

Perfect choice!

Product picture

I have these in the brown with turquoise and I absolutely love them and wear them with so much. So of course, I had to order the orange which goes with much of my wardrobe. They are very lightweight...hardly know they’re on. ??

Dangle Jewellery

Leather Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Tigers Eye Jewellery

Bohemian Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Featured Artist

Chaloemphon Handcrafted leather bracelets, bags and accessories

(375)

"Leather craft is more than a source of income — through leather, I also meet many new friends around the world."

"I'm Chaloemphon Krasear, but you can call me 'Noi.' I was born in 1959 and grew up in Khonkaen Province. My childhood was very simple, like that... read more

The Spring Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

SHOP THE CATALOG

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Cover Image