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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 button earrings, 'Starry-Eyed'

Dianna

Aug 30, 2019

Star Shaped Pink Opal & Sterling Button Earrings

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These earrings look exactly as pictured. The earrings look beautiful on my earlobes. I am very pleased with my purchase. I am sure to enjoy wearing these earrings often.

Eye Catching!!!

Button Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Opal drop earrings, 'Caress of an Angel'

Mary Ann

Apr 1, 2022

Truly the caress of an angel.

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These were a gift for my daughterr, and she was delighted with these lovely earrings. The pink opals are such a pretty, soft color.

Gorgeous Earrings

Pink Stone Earrings

Pink Stones Jewelry

Pristine Earrings

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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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

Featured Artist

Tiberio Gonzales

Tiberio Gonzales

Tiberio Gonzales Silver and gemstone Jewellery

(190)

“My inspiration comes from the stones themselves. When I hold a gemstone in my hands, I see what that particular stone is best suited for and how to best develop it."

Born in Ayacucho in 1949, Tiberio Gonzales moved to Lima as a teenager to find work. "By chance, I was offered a job cutting gemstones, and... read more

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