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Earrings Leaf and Tree

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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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Garnet and gold-accented natural rose petal dangle earrings, 'Red Rose of Autumn'

Yolanda

Oct 15, 2018

Awesome earrings!

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These earrings are so beautiful they just stand out with whatever I wear them. Very good quality at very good price from excellent seller.

Bold Earrings For Short Hair

Natural Jewelry

Stunning Museum Quality

Dangle Jewellery

Statement Jewellery

Resin Jewellery

Gold Plated Jewellery

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Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Ocean Avatar'

Darlene

Dec 26, 2017

Highly recommend!!!

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Just received my earrings and I am thrilled!!! The stones are gorgeous, the artistry is incredible and the international shipping was unbelievably fast! I highly, highly recommend this extremely talented artist!!!

Beautiful Earrings

Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings

Ocean Themed Jewelry

Over-Size Chandelier Earrings

Stylish Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Lapis Lazuli Jewellery

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Moonstone earrings, 'Shining Cloud'

David

Oct 7, 2017

Amazing earrings!

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This was the third item I've bought for my girlfriend from this artist. Thank you SO MUCH for creating jewelry like this! She loves good jewelry and especially moonstones, so this item was the best of all worlds for her and for me!

Evening Wear Gold Plated Moonstone Earrings

Gorgeous Earrings

Moonstone Dangle Earrings

Moonstone Fine Jewelry

Dangle Jewellery

Rhodium Plated Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Featured Artist

Jose Luis Pariona

Jose Luis Pariona Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(55)

"After working with my uncle, I still hoped that one day I'd go back to crafting jewelry. I felt as though my heart was saying, 'Come on, Jose, you have to do this!'"

"I was born in 1981 in a small and beautiful village in the Junin department in Peru. It's a small but prosperous city where people work in... read more

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

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