Over $135.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Artisan Subscription Box

Earrings Malachite

20 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

Malachite earrings, 'Forest Charm'

Ardyth

Sep 28, 2017

I love this design--it delights me.

Product picture

This set is so fun to look at and to wear with the matching necklace. The setting has substance and the stones are beautifully selected and displayed.

Dangles Earring Charms

Silver Forest Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Malachite Jewellery

Product picture

Sterling silver and malachite dangle earrings, 'Malachite Spheres'

Margaret

Mar 14, 2020

Green Beauty

Product picture

I really like these earrings. They are much smaller than pictured but they are a perfect size for me. The stones are very pretty.

Natural Stone Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Malachite Jewellery

Product picture

Malachite dangle earrings, 'Natural Majesty'

Robin

Aug 24, 2022

So beautiful I bought one for my mom

Product picture

The stones are lovely and the artistry of the design truly catches the eye. I love them so much I have them to my mother for her birthday and ordered another pair for myself.

Earrings Fair Trade

Malachite Stone

Natural Earrings

Natural Link Bracelet

See These In Motion

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Malachite Jewellery

Featured Artist

Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(2379)

"Collecting jewellery and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."

The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine

"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... 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