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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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Gold plated sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Mystic Loops'

Marcie

Aug 27, 2024

Beautiful!!

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I was first drawn to these earrings because of their unique shape. The 22k plating and hammering finish reflect the light like crazy! They are very lightweight and "swingy". I appreciate this artisan's quality craftsmanship, just superb!

Hammered Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Gold Plated Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Modern Jewellery

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Gold plated filigree flower earrings, 'Yellow Rose'

Tamara Sturner

Apr 11, 2019

Delicate filigree earrings

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The filigree design is one of my favorites, and when I received these earrings I was pleasantly surprised. They are gorgeous. The earrings are not too big, and look lovely when worn. What a wonderful gift to be able to make such artisan jewelry.

An Example Of Fantastic Earrings

Beautiful Wedding Earrings

Delicate And Very Wellmade

Delicate Jewelry

Fine Workmanship

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Gold plated cultured pearl and tourmaline earrings, 'Thai Vineyard'

Karen

May 30, 2019

"Thai Vineyard" Pearl and Tourmaline w/Gold

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Most beautiful earrings I have. I have cultured pearl earrings that look boring when you look at this beautiful arrangement. Many compliments, wish my neck was longer to accommodate the length.

Beautiful Earrings

Beautiful Little Tourmaline Beads

Beautifully Made

Earrings For Short Hairstyles!!

Enjoy These Lovely Beauties!

Fashion Earrings

Hanging Earrings

Jewelry For Dresses

Featured Artist

Neetu Barathi Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(1609)

What I like best about this craft is how it takes my mind in different directions to come up with new designs... I hope to keep going until I touch the sky!

"I come from a beautiful city in Gujarat, where I was born in 1984. As a child, I was mesmerized by our beautiful and intricate silver jewelry. I... read more

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