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Balinese Earrings

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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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Cultured pearl and blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Sky Fantasy'

Barbara

Sep 12, 2017

Stunning earrings

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I found a ring I love on Overstock that came with a little Novica card with Buana's name on it. I immediately searched Novica.com for more of this artisan's beautiful work. I am thrilled with these earrings! Stunning. The French wire is a little longer than I prefer but that's fine.

Pearl And Blue Topaz Earrings

Pearl Raindrop Earrings

Very Comfortable Design

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Pearl Jewellery

Blue Topaz Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Sterling silver hoop earrings,'Good Spirit in Silver'

Susan

Mar 4, 2025

Beautiful Earrings!

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These beautiful earrings are perfect for wearing or giving as a gift. They can be worn with dressy or casual outfits. I live these earrings!

Hammered Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

My New Favorite Earrings

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

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Peridot dangle earrings, 'Inner Circles in Green'

Kristy

Jan 31, 2022

Bought As Gift

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I purchased these as a gift for my aunt as peridot is her birth stone and when they arrived they were so stunning I added them to my own wish list. I will be buying a set for myself in the near future, peridot is also my son's birthstone.

French Hook Earring.

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Peridot Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

Balinese Traditional Silver Jewellery

Featured Artist

Nyoman Rena Sterling silver jewelry

(2218)

"I give thanks to God because, after having children, there was somehow always extra income to be found. I expect that my children can continue this workshop someday. "

Latest Update"After learning to craft silver jewelry, I borrowed capital from my parents to start my own workshop. Things weren't as easy as I... read more

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