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.
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.
These earrings are lovely and very elegant. The artist has layered the black, white and pale pink colors in a manner that perfectly sets off my white hair.
I just received them and wore them to a brunch this past weekend. A designer friend gushed over how the colors perfectly set off my hair and black outfit.
The colors in these earrings were what attracted me at first, as I wanted a gift for my sister who is an artist. She loved them immediately and appreciates the delicate design as well as the way the stones catch the light. She tells me that she will be wearing them often.
"Sometimes life isn't easy and, when going through hard times, we need to keep telling ourselves that we can do it — 'Do your best, as hard as you can, and results will follow.'"
"I was born in Bali, the second of two children. My father works as a driver. In my village, many neighbors work as bone carvers. Like other... read more
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The Catalogue Collection
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.