Over $135.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Artisan Subscription Box

Earrings Dolphin

25 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

Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Dolphin Gift'

Catherine

Oct 10, 2017

Stunning!

Product picture

These are even more gorgeous in person than on the website! Love them! going to be the perfect Christmas gift for my friend.

Great Gifts For Mom

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

PEARL Cultured Jewellery

PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

Product picture

Jade dangle earrings, 'Dark Green Dolphin'

Anita

Dec 30, 2019

Will make wonderful gift

Product picture

I bought these earrings by artist Zandra Lorena Sajbin for my granddaughters birthday. They are exquisite. She will love them.

Dark Green Jade Earrings

Dark Green Jade Jewelry

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Animal Themed Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Product picture

Jade dangle earrings, 'Pale Green Dolphin'

Joni

Jul 11, 2021

Truly luved

Product picture

I saw these and bought them as a gift. The very special person I gave them to wears them frequently. She receives compliments and luvs them. They are beautifully made.

A Classic Jewelry!

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Animal Themed Jewellery

Featured Artist

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin Jade jewelry

(613)

"I strongly believe that everything is possible if one has dreams, and that nothing is impossible if you work hard to achieve your goals."

"My son's pediatrician and a priest from San Lucas Toliman, whom I regard as my father, are my guardian angels. I'm a happy person who loves to... read more

The Catalogue Collection

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

SHOP THE CATALOGUE

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Cover Image