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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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Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Balinese Goddess'

Clifford

Nov 2, 2020

Exceptionally Beautiful Balinese Earrings

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These earrings in person far exceeded my expectations. What magnificent silver artistry and workmanship. Also the amethyst gemstones are AAA clarity quality and substantial size. The unusual discounted price paid for the gemstones alone was an exceptional steal. I was thrilled to grab the last pair quickly.

Great Goddess Jewelry

Sparkle Jewelry

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Amethyst Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Sterling silver filigree chandelier earrings, 'Diamond Fountains'

Alexandria

Jan 10, 2025

Breathtaking!

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These earrings are so beautiful. The way they catch and reflect the light makes them sparkle. I know earrings can't define me; but, I feel pretty when I wear these. The workmanship is superb. Thank you for the elegance of a crystal chandelier!

Artisan Earrings.

Dinner Earrings

Intricate Design

Chandelier Jewellery

Filigree Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

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Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Legacy'

Judith

Jan 14, 2017

Lapis is my special Love

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Just as I hoped it would be. As a lover of lapis this is the perfect piece for me. It is a lovely color blue, delicate in its details and professional to a "T". Would love to see more of kind of work from this artist. THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU!

Best Mix And Match Earring

Diamond Shape Earrings

Gorgeous Earrings

Lapis Lazuli Fine Jewelry

Natural Gemstone Jewelry

Featured Artist

Nyoman Rena Sterling silver jewelry

(2218)

"I give thanks to God because, after having children, there was somehow always extra income to be found. I expect that my children can continue this workshop someday. "

Latest Update"After learning to craft silver jewelry, I borrowed capital from my parents to start my own workshop. Things weren't as easy as I... read more

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