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Earrings Day of the Dead

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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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Hand-painted marble dangle earrings, 'Calavera Hummingbird'

Vanessa

Nov 11, 2023

Now My Favorite Earrings

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I get a lot of compliments on these. I feel they're unique, colorful and noticeable. I'm extremely impressed with Josefina and Cecilia's work.

Catrina Figurines

Earrings For Girls

Jewelry Designers

Jewelry Fashion Jewelry

Dangle Jewellery

Marble Jewellery

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Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Skull and Crossbones'

Kelly

May 1, 2020

Awesome

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Love these studs. Can wear in either lower or upper ear piercing (just a tad large on upper). The eye sockets are not as dark as they appear in picture. Like the detailing, especially the cross bones.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Halloween Jewellery

Day of the Dead Jewellery

Skull Jewellery

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Silver filigree earrings, 'Dancing Skeleton'

Roberto

Jun 16, 2016

Dia de los Muertos Gift

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Our kids' elementary school celebrates Dia de los Muertos and this was the perfect gift for my daughter's teacher. She loved them and wore them for the celebration.

Beautiful Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos Earrings

Everyday Dangle Earrings

Fantasy Earring Style

Halloween Earrings

Halloween Earrings

Halloween Jewelry

Skeleton Jewelry

Featured Artist

Roy Nilson Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(132)

"My designs are 100 percent handcrafted by artisans who preserve traditional techniques. I'd describe my style as simple and original, inspired by life and by my people."

"I was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina on December 21, 1962. My childhood there with my family was a happy one. My parents weren't artists... read more

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