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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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Jade dangle earrings, 'Majestic Maya Queen'

Genevieve

Nov 5, 2024

Très belles !

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Ma fille les a reçues quelques jours plus tard que prévus, mais le voyage du Guatemala à l'Allemagne est long. Elle a été vraiment ravie de ce cadeau. L'argent de belle qualité, le design en forme de fleur et la beauté du jade forment un ensemble tout simplement exquis. Bravo pour ce beau travail d'artisanne !

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Gemstone Jewellery

Floral Jewellery

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Sterling silver flower earrings, 'Solola Bouquet'

Sharon

May 15, 2020

Lovely dangle earrings!

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While these earrings are not quite as large (showy) as I anticipated, I still love how they look on. The design is absolutely beautiful! They are small but would make a stunning gift for a young lady or anyone liking this style earring. You won’t be disappointed.

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Floral Jewellery

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Jade dangle earrings, 'Forest Cat'

Julia

Nov 17, 2019

Still a favorite.

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Purchased a couple years ago, still one of my favorite pairs of earrings. Not too heavy and the jade is dark enough to work as a neutral color with different outfits.

Dark Green Jade Jewelry

Favorite Victorian Earrings

Gifts4catlovers

Victorian Earring

Statement Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Featured Artist

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin Jade jewelry

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