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Earrings Opal

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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

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Opal stud earrings, 'Bright Ovals'

Pam

Feb 12, 2022

Pretty

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I am very pleased with these earrings. Delicate craftsmanship, reflects Narinee’s care and attention to detail.

Oval Gemstone Earrings

Second Hole Earrings

Sturdy Earrings

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Glass Bead Jewellery

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Sterling silver and opal button earrings, 'Child of the Sun'

roxanalopez

Dec 27, 2016

Astounding!!!

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Absolutely beautiful,!! I bought the matching necklace to go with the earings and was amazed by both pieces. It took less than a week to arrive and it looks even bether than the pictures. I am very happy with my buy. I highly recommend both pieces.

Birthday Earrings

Button Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Opal dangle earrings, 'Bauble Delight'

Carol

Mar 1, 2022

A perfect birthday gift

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I ordered these earrings for my daughter, and they are absolutely beautiful--even prettier than pictured here. They also come in a pretty gift packaging for a perfect birthday gift.

Birthday Earrings

Special Occasion Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Featured Artist

Patricia Jara Silver and gemstone jewellery

(123)

"It allows me to be in contact with my pueblo, people with a very special philosophy about life."

Update (June, 2019)"I was born in the city of Lima in 1962. Would you believe that almost a decade ago I was working in an office practising my... read more

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