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.

Earrings Gifts for Teens at NOVICA United Kingdom

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Petite Bird' - Artisan Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Bird Earrings Thailand

Bestseller

Petite Bird, Artisan Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Bird Earrings Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£30.84 Wholesale

£30.84

Multi-gemstone stud earrings, 'Harmonious Pairs' (set of 7) - Handmade Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings (Set of 7)

Harmonious Pairs, Handmade Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings (Set of 7)

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£90.55 Wholesale

£90.55

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Everyday Pairs' (set of 7) - Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings from India (Set of 7)

Everyday Pairs, Multi-Gemstone Stud Earrings from India (Set of 7)

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£82.71 Wholesale

~~£87.56~~ £82.71

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Adorable Leaves' - Leafy Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Adorable Leaves, Leafy Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Gemstone stud earrings, 'colour Prism' (set of 3) - Gemstone Stud Earrings with Floral Motif (Set of 3)

Bestseller

colour Prism, Gemstone Stud Earrings with Floral Motif (Set of 3)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£53.73 Wholesale

£53.73

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Filled with Flowers' - Heart-Shaped Floral Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Filled with Flowers, Heart-Shaped Floral Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Aoy

(932)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Sterling silver ear cuff earrings, 'Sleek Filigree' (pair) - Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Bestseller

Sleek Filigree, Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Leisurely Felines' - Sterling Silver Cat Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Leisurely Felines, Sterling Silver Cat Stud Earrings from Thailand

Jantana

(710)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Birthstone flowers dangle earrings, 'Birthday Flowers' - Hand Crafted Birthstone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Birthday Flowers, Hand Crafted Birthstone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£42.78 Wholesale

£42.78

Tourmaline stud earrings, 'Winter Blooms' - Sterling Silver Pink Tourmaline Floral Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Winter Blooms, Sterling Silver Pink Tourmaline Floral Stud Earrings

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

£35.82 Wholesale

£35.82

Bone and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Stunning Feathers' - Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Stunning Feathers, Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

£20.89 Wholesale

£20.89

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'French Bulldog' - Sterling Silver French Bulldog Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

French Bulldog, Sterling Silver French Bulldog Stud Earrings from Thailand

Jantana

(710)

£17.90 Wholesale

£17.90

Little Lizard, Sterling Silver Lizard Ear Cuffs from Thailand

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Quartz and cultured pearl beaded dangle earrings, 'Soft Pink Love' - Pink Quartz and Cultured Pearl Beaded Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Soft Pink Love, Pink Quartz and Cultured Pearl Beaded Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Celuk Sandal' - Handmade Sterling Silver Dangle Sandal Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Celuk Sandal, Handmade Sterling Silver Dangle Sandal Earrings from Bali

Suar Dwipayana

(180)

£35.82 Wholesale

£35.82

Rose gold plated dangle earrings, 'Pink Frangipani' - Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Floral Dangle Earrings

Twinkling Flowers, Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Floral Dangle Earrings

Yuniati

(96)

£44.77 Wholesale

£44.77

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Happy Honeybee' - Honeybee Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Happy Honeybee, Honeybee Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Bunny Bliss'

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

£19.04 Wholesale

~~£22.88~~ £19.04

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Stellar Royalty' - Sterling Silver Sun and Moon Stud Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Stellar Royalty, Sterling Silver Sun and Moon Stud Earrings from Peru

Quipac

(23)

£33.82 Wholesale

£33.82

Sterling silver and copper stud earrings, 'Lucky Ladybug' - Sterling Silver and Copper Ladybug Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Lucky Ladybug, Sterling Silver and Copper Ladybug Stud Earrings

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

£16.18 Wholesale

~~£19.89~~ £16.18

Bone and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Antique Feathers' - Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Antique Feathers, Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings

Ayu Ary

(249)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Dancing Panda, Sterling Silver Panda Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

£19.04 Wholesale

~~£22.88~~ £19.04

Forest Whisper, Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs with Chain in Green from Thailand

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Little Birds' - Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bird Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Little Birds, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bird Stud Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£20.89 Wholesale

£20.89

Garnet stud earrings, 'Red Simplicity' - Genuine Garnet and Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Red Simplicity, Genuine Garnet and Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Bali

Kenari

(562)

£30.84 Wholesale

£30.84

Sterling silver ear cuff earrings, 'Modern Day' (pair) - Modern Sterling Silver Ear Cuff Earrings (Pair)

Bestseller

Modern Day, Modern Sterling Silver Ear Cuff Earrings (Pair)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£24.87 Wholesale

£24.87

Faithful Blessing, 22k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Cross Dangle Earrings

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£39.58 Wholesale

~~£44.77~~ £39.58

Baby Sea Turtle, Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Garnet and carnelian beaded dangle earrings, 'Tropical Oasis' - Beaded Dangle Earrings with Garnet and Carnelian

Bestseller

Tropical Oasis, Beaded Dangle Earrings with Garnet and Carnelian

Nareerat

(1853)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Shady Lady, Sunglass Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

£37.96 Wholesale

~~£42.78~~ £37.96

Walking Elephant, Karen Hill Tribe Silver Elephant Motif Dangle Earrings

Sasithon Saisuk

(142)

£35.82 Wholesale

£35.82

Infinite Style, Fair Trade Infinity Symbol Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£24.87 Wholesale

£24.87

Angelic, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£24.87 Wholesale

£24.87

Frog and Turtle, Frog and Turtle Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs from Thailand

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£13.72 Wholesale

~~£16.91~~ £13.72

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Energizing Days' (set of 7) - Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Energizing Days, Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£75.52 Wholesale

~~£89.55~~ £75.52

Sol Key, Musical Sol Key Note G Clef Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£24.87 Wholesale

£24.87

Mount Kenya, White and Turquoise Beaded Long Earrings

BeadWORKS

(22)

£15.25 Wholesale

~~£18.90~~ £15.25

Happy Seahorses, Bone Seahorse Dangle Earrings with Pearl and Amethyst

Ayu Ary

(249)

£20.89 Wholesale

£20.89

Celtic Trinity, Handcrafted Celtic Trinity Knot Sterling Silver Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Life Gems' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bestseller

Life Gems, Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£109.99 Wholesale

~~£116.42~~ £109.99

Glowing Night, 18k Gold-plated Silver Star and Moon Stud Earrings from Peru

Marianela Vargas

(138)

£44.77 Wholesale

£44.77

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Lifetime Jewels' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Lifetime Jewels, Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£100.16 Wholesale

~~£111.45~~ £100.16

Cool Charm, Floral and Rope Motif Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Leafy Cross, Sterling Silver Cross and Ivy Dangle Earrings from India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£23.43 Wholesale

~~£26.86~~ £23.43

Faithful Dazzle, Sterling Silver Cross Dangle Earrings from India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£25.93 Wholesale

~~£30.84~~ £25.93

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Daily Stones' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bestseller

Daily Stones, Set of 14 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£109.99 Wholesale

~~£116.42~~ £109.99

Sword Majesty, Sterling Silver Sword-Shaped Dangle Earrings from India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£23.43 Wholesale

~~£26.86~~ £23.43

Gentle Tear, Blue Chalcedony and Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£25.93 Wholesale

~~£30.84~~ £25.93

Elephant Greeting, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Jantana

(710)

£60.69 Wholesale

£60.69

Hummingbird Aloft, Hummingbird Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Precious Energies' (set of 7) - Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Precious Energies, Set of 7 Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£71.71 Wholesale

~~£84.58~~ £71.71

Slippers, Hand Crafted Rose Gold Plated Dangle Earrings

Yuniati

(96)

£35.82 Wholesale

£35.82

Ties That Bind, Braid Motif Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs from Thailand

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Cool Bloom, Floral Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Adriana Trejo

(140)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

Sterling silver ear cuff earrings, 'Sea Whisper' (pair) - Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Sea Whisper, Sterling silver ear cuff earrings (Pair)

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£30.84 Wholesale

£30.84

Spiral Melody, Spiral and Braid Motif Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Desert Morning, Handmade Upcycled Plastic Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rita Addo Zakour

(273)

£17.90 Wholesale

£17.90

Garnet and marcasite button earrings, 'Glistening Elephants' - Marcasite and Garnet Elephant Button Earrings from Thailand

Coming back

Glistening Elephants, Marcasite and Garnet Elephant Button Earrings from Thailand

Narinee

(637)

£57.71 Wholesale

£57.71

Expanding Beauty, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Kadek Satya

(181)

£26.86 Wholesale

£26.86

Gold-plated ear cuff, 'Three Golden Lives' - Modern Three-Strand Gold-Plated Ear Cuff from Armenia

Coming back

Three Golden Lives, Modern Three-Strand Gold-Plated Ear Cuff from Armenia

Movses Hovsepian

(1)

£22.88 Wholesale

£22.88

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