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Earrings Gemstone

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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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Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Glittering Melody'

ERIKA

Jul 13, 2021

Pretty and sparkly!,Pretty and sparkly!

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Love these earrings . . . they are both dainty and showy at the same time, and versatile enough for everyday wear. I've received many compliments!,Love these earrings . . . they are both dainty and showy at the same time, and versatile enough for everyday wear. I've received many compliments!

Special Occasion Earrings

Stylish Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Citrine Jewellery

Amethyst Jewellery

Multigem Jewellery

Peridot Jewellery

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Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Radiant Allure'

Mary

Sep 28, 2017

For my former teacher on her 86th birthday

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I personally love carnelian since I first saw it in the wall panels inside the Taj Mahal. It's such a beautiful but someone mysterious stone and I love the fact that it glows when light is shined through it. My teacher, Joan, is a very elegant lady with still black hair and one striking streak of white at the front. I knew these would look fabulous on her. AND THEY DO!

A Singular Gemstone

Beautiful Design

Beautiful Stones

Carnelian Radiant Allure Dangle Earrings

Exceptional Range Of Hues

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Gold-plated gemstone earrings, 'Good Fortune'

Ellen

Dec 1, 2024

just as beautiful as I anticipated

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I actually got a major compliment from a salesperson at a fine jewelry store. She was quite enamored with them. I have been looking at these for quite awhile and glad that I finally got them

Great Color And Well-Made

Great Material. Very Comfortable!

Looks Great In My Lighted China Closet

Still Itchy But I Can Wear Something Underneath. Amazing Colors

Dangle Jewellery

Gold Plated Jewellery

Featured Artist

Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(2379)

"Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."

The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine.

"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... read more

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