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 Nature at NOVICA Canada

Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Rainbow Hummingbirds' - Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Rainbow Hummingbirds, Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

$97.13CAD Wholesale

~~$108.75CAD~~ $97.13CAD

Gold-accented drop earrings, 'Golden Wilderness' - Leafy 18k Gold-Accented Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Golden Wilderness, Leafy 18k Gold-Accented Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Lalana

(549)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

Onyx dangle earrings, 'Nature's Freedom' - Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Nature's Freedom, Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Leaf Drops in Aqua' - Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Bestseller

Leaf Drops in Aqua, Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Onyx dangle earrings, 'Dreamy Forest' - Onyx and Sterling Silver Floral Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Dreamy Forest, Onyx and Sterling Silver Floral Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Stunning Nature in Jade' - Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Bestseller

Stunning Nature in Jade, Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Danai

(358)

$55.34CAD Wholesale

$55.34CAD

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Gleaming Mushrooms' - Mushroom-Shaped Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Gleaming Mushrooms, Mushroom-Shaped Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Bali

Anya

(29)

$37.86CAD Wholesale

$37.86CAD

Bountiful Garden, Nature-Themed Onyx Half-Hoop Earrings

Dewi Putera

(350)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Tears from Nature, Drop-Shaped Leafy Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

$269.94CAD Wholesale

$269.94CAD

Amber Sea, Ocean-Themed Amber Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

$122.34CAD Wholesale

$122.34CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Spring Green Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Spring Green Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Sunflower Hearts, Heart-Shaped Natural Sunflower Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Emerson Zarate

(34)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Silver stud earrings, 'First Rose' - Thai Karen Hill Tribe Silver Flower Stud Earrings

Bestseller

First Rose, Thai Karen Hill Tribe Silver Flower Stud Earrings

Pakaon Sojintarit

(205)

$51.45CAD Wholesale

$51.45CAD

Sterling silver and copper dangle earrings, 'Koala Love' - Sterling Silver and Copper Koala Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Koala Love, Sterling Silver and Copper Koala Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Precious Porcine, Sterling Silver Pig Stud Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$29.12CAD Wholesale

$29.12CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Red Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Red Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Sterling silver and natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Nature's Gem in Blue' - Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Bestseller

Nature's Gem in Blue, Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Precious Puppy' - Sterling Silver Puppy Dog Stud Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Precious Puppy, Sterling Silver Puppy Dog Stud Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$29.12CAD Wholesale

$29.12CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dancing Owl' - Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Dancing Wise Owl, Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Dancing Dog, Sterling Silver Dog Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Lapis lazuli and onyx dangle earrings, 'Azure Hummingbirds' - Lapis Lazuli and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Azure Hummingbirds, Lapis Lazuli and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

$78.92CAD Wholesale

~~$88.35CAD~~ $78.92CAD

Natural Freedom, Nature-Inspired Sterling Amethyst Silver Dangle Earrings

Nicte Migliozzi

(47)

$230.12CAD Wholesale

$230.12CAD

Blue Flowery Hearts, Heart-Shaped Natural Flower Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Emerson Zarate

(34)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Hand-carved dangle earrings, 'Snowy Sunflower' - Hand-Carved Sunflower-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Snowy Sunflower, Hand-Carved Sunflower-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Orange Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Orange Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Jungle Love' - Nature-Themed Heart-Shaped Dangle Earrings with Garnet Gems

Bestseller

Jungle Love, Nature-Themed Heart-Shaped Dangle Earrings with Garnet Gems

Ayu Ary

(249)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Dancing Ram, Sterling Silver Ram Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Fuchsia Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Fuchsia Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Fuchsia Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Fuchsia Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

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

Asmara Putra

(237)

$105.83CAD Wholesale

$105.83CAD

Ayeyi Nka Boafo, Artisan Crafted Soapstone and Cat's Eye Beaded Earrings

Rachel Armah

(45)

$54.18CAD Wholesale

$54.18CAD

Sacred Tree of Life, 925 Sterling Silver Tree of Life Dangle Earrings from Peru

Carolina and Jorge

(13)

$92.24CAD Wholesale

$92.24CAD

Sterling silver half-hoop earrings, 'Karangasem Castle' - Petite Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Karangasem Castle, Petite Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings from Bali

Ni Wayan Astiti

(147)

$148.56CAD Wholesale

$148.56CAD

Bumblebee, Sterling Silver Bumblebee Stud Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Bunny Bliss'

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Dancing Piggy, Sterling Silver Pig Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Forest Visions, Mushroom-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Miriam Duran Castellanos

$162.15CAD Wholesale

$162.15CAD

Sylvan Victory, 22k Gold-Plated Wood-Shaped Drop Earrings from Bali

Yustiana Dewi

(1)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Oyster Mushroom' - Mushroom-shaped Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Earrings

Bestseller

Oyster Mushroom, Mushroom-shaped Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Earrings

Desi Antari

(583)

$92.24CAD Wholesale

$92.24CAD

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Blue Leaf Drops' - Andean Handmade Sterling Silver Blue Leaf Earrings

Bestseller

Blue Leaf Drops, Andean Handmade Sterling Silver Blue Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

Beloved Landscapes, Hand-Painted Cedarwood Dangle Earrings with Green Tassels

Meliza Tzay

(7)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Cactus Party, Gold-Plated Cactus Drop Earrings from Bali

Wayan Karang

(9)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

Nest of Love, Modern Sterling Silver Tree Drop Earrings from Costa Rica

Guisselle Mora

(49)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Nature's Gem in Aqua, Aqua Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Sterling silver and copper stud earrings, 'Lucky Ladybug' - Sterling Silver and Copper Ladybug Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Lucky Ladybug, Sterling Silver and Copper Ladybug Stud Earrings

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$29.12CAD Wholesale

$29.12CAD

Dancing Cow, Sterling Silver Cow Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Dancing Panda, Sterling Silver Panda Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Tiny Turtle, Sterling Silver Tiny Turtle Post Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Falcon Feather' - Handcrafted Carved Bone Falcon Feather Theme Earrings

Bestseller

Falcon Feather, Handcrafted Carved Bone Falcon Feather Theme Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

Azure Hummingbird, Chrysocolla and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

$101.95CAD Wholesale

$101.95CAD

Dancing Cat, Handmade Sterling Silver Cat Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Forest Leaves, Sterling Silver Leaf-Motif Drop Earrings

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

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

Del Toro Family

(21)

$115.54CAD Wholesale

$115.54CAD

Orchid petal dangle earrings, 'Forever Orchid in Blue' - Blue Orchid Petal Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Forever Orchid in Blue, Blue Orchid Petal Earrings from Thailand

Danai

(358)

$40.77CAD Wholesale

$40.77CAD

Precious Leaf, Leaf-Shaped 5-Carat Faceted Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$133.02CAD Wholesale

$133.02CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Plum Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Purple Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Plum Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Purple Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Dancing Bear, Sterling Silver Bear Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$23.29CAD Wholesale

$23.29CAD

Sylvan Protector, Mushroom-Shaped Natural Labradorite Dangle Earrings

Miriam Duran Castellanos

$146.62CAD Wholesale

$146.62CAD

Yellow Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Dried Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

$78.64CAD Wholesale

$78.64CAD

Bitter Beans, Sterling Silver Bean Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

$122.34CAD Wholesale

$122.34CAD

Kangaroo Girl, Polished Kangaroo-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Tiny Nature in Orange, Mushroom-Shaped Orange Recycled CD Dangle Earrings

Rosario Leiva

(29)

$74.76CAD Wholesale

$74.76CAD

Butterfly Heaven, Butterfly and Floral-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Drop Earrings

Komang Budiarta

(22)

$81.56CAD Wholesale

$81.56CAD

Garden of the Loyal, Floral Blue Topaz and White Pearl Dangle Earrings from Bali

Buana

(2373)

$134.96CAD Wholesale

$134.96CAD

Little Deer, Whimsical Deer-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Dancing Sheep, Sterling Silver Sheep Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Stunning Nature in Wisteria, Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Wisteria from Thailand

Danai

(358)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Queen Bee, Handmade Queen Bee Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$33.98CAD Wholesale

$33.98CAD

Mushroom World, Nature-Themed Round Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Yuli

(82)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Falling Leaves, Sterling Silver Leafy Plant Stud Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

$23.29CAD Wholesale

$23.29CAD

Beloved Forests, Hand-Painted Cedarwood Dangle Earrings with Tassels

Meliza Tzay

(7)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Karen Harvest, Handcrafted Karen Silver Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Pakaon Sojintarit

(205)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Heavenly Celebration, 22k Gold-Plated Natural Calabura Flower Dangle Earrings

Danai

(358)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Holy Tree, Polished Round Tree-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Bone dangle earrings, 'Fanciful Feathers' - Handcrafted Carved Bone Painted Feather Theme Earrings

Bestseller

Fanciful Feathers, Handcrafted Carved Bone Painted Feather Theme Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$35.92CAD Wholesale

$35.92CAD

Hummingbird Loops, Hummingbird-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Lalana

(549)

$67.96CAD Wholesale

$67.96CAD

Dew Glory, Nature-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Oval Pendant Necklace

Teresa Gonzalez

(11)

$95.15CAD Wholesale

$95.15CAD

Red Heart of Nature, Cultured Pearl and Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Red

Danai

(358)

$54.37CAD Wholesale

$54.37CAD

Turquoise Awakening, Floral 925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Costa Rica

Guisselle Mora

(49)

$122.34CAD Wholesale

$122.34CAD

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dancing Mushrooms' (large) - Mushroom-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings (Large)

Dancing Mushrooms, Mushroom-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings (Large)

Miriam Duran Castellanos

$65.05CAD Wholesale

$65.05CAD

Spring Origin, Sterling Silver Root Dangle Earrings Crafted in Bali

Zayd Makarim

(559)

$115.54CAD Wholesale

$115.54CAD

Snowy Margot, Hand-Carved Margot Bloom-Shaped Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

$47.57CAD Wholesale

$47.57CAD

Blessed, Wood Beaded Dangle Earrings Artisan Crafted Jewellery

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

$38.42CAD Wholesale

$38.42CAD

Nature's Path, Sterling Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Samart Takham

(205)

$61.16CAD Wholesale

$61.16CAD

Lunar Fineness, Embossed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Patricia Jara

(124)

$122.34CAD Wholesale

$122.34CAD

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