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 Leaf and Tree at NOVICA United Kingdom

Agate dangle earrings, 'Vine' - Leaf Motif Agate Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Vine, Leaf Motif Agate Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Diana Solis

(50)

£54 Wholesale

£54

Atlantis Leaves, Sterling Silver and Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£50.89 Wholesale

£50.89

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Turquoise Leaf Drops' - Andean Handmade Sterling Silver Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Bestseller

Turquoise Leaf Drops, Andean Handmade Sterling Silver Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Gold-plated cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Bearing Fruit' - Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Bearing Fruit, Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Lalana

(549)

£73.74 Wholesale

£73.74

Gold-accented dangle earrings, 'Natural Law' - Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motif

Bestseller

Natural Law, Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motif

Lalana

(549)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Petite Leaves, Leaf Stud Earrings Crafted of Sterling Silver and Marcasite

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Silver flower earrings, 'Cherry Tree' - Artisan Crafted Taxco Silver Hook Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Cherry Tree, Artisan Crafted Taxco Silver Hook Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Afternoon Bat' - Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Afternoon Bat, Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Energy Tree' - Multi-Gemstone Chakra Tree Dangle Earrings from India

Bestseller

Energy Tree, Multi-Gemstone Chakra Tree Dangle Earrings from India

Chintan

(321)

£49.41 Wholesale

~~£55.04~~ £49.41

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Phantom Leaves' - Collectible Taxco Silver Jewellery Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Phantom Leaves, Collectible Taxco Silver Jewellery Drop Earrings

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Crimson Passion' - Handcrafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Crimson Passion, Handcrafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Bestseller

Moonlit Avatar, Handcrafted Rainbow Moonstone and Sterling Silver Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£60.23 Wholesale

£60.23

Multi-gemstone half-hoop earrings, 'Bamboo Glitter' - Gold Accent Multi-Gemstone Bamboo Half-Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Bamboo Glitter, Gold Accent Multi-Gemstone Bamboo Half-Hoop Earrings

Kadek Hendra

(693)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Petal Essence in Blue' - Blue Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Petal Essence in Blue, Blue Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Petal Essence in Aqua' - Aqua Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Petal Essence in Aqua, Aqua Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Rhodium-plated rainbow moonstone stud earrings, 'Oneiric Leaf' - Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

Bestseller

Oneiric Leaf, Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£50.89 Wholesale

£50.89

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Charming Shields' - Balinese Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Floral Motif

Bestseller

Charming Shields, Balinese Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Floral Motif

Wayan Lasti

(106)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Root of Life' (.6 inch) - Handmade Heart Cacti Earrings (.6 inch)

Root of Life, Handmade Heart Cacti Earrings (.6 inch)

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Furling Fern, Fernlike Sterling Silver Drop Earrings from Bali

Ketut Adimasta

(1)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Orange Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Orange Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£54 Wholesale

£54

Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Iridescent Pears' - Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls and 925 Silver Leaves

Bestseller

Iridescent Pears, Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls and 925 Silver Leaves

Flora Maria

(92)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Leaf Drops in Aqua' - Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Bestseller

Leaf Drops in Aqua, Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf Cluster' - Handmade Thai Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Leaf Cluster, Handmade Thai Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Pichaya

(1256)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Tree Bells, Tree-Themed Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings from Bali

Ari Gunawan

(246)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Spring Green Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Spring Green Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£54 Wholesale

£54

Gold-plated dangle earrings, 'Blue Desert' - Cactus-Themed Gold Plated Earrings

Bestseller

Blue Desert, Cactus-Themed Gold Plated Earrings

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Bamboo Leaf' - Handblown Leaf-Shaped Green Glass Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Bamboo Leaf, Handblown Leaf-Shaped Green Glass Dangle Earrings

Panapai

(35)

£18.69 Wholesale

£18.69

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Branches Above' - Sterling Silver Tree-Shaped Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Branches Above, Sterling Silver Tree-Shaped Stud Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£25.96 Wholesale

£25.96

Pumpkin shell dangle earrings, 'Enchanted Copse' - Leafy Sterling Silver and Pumpkin Shell Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Enchanted Copse, Leafy Sterling Silver and Pumpkin Shell Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

New Luck, Clover-Themed Round Natural Green Agate Dangle Earrings

Nancy Quispe

(23)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Sterling silver half -hoop earrings, 'Rice Garland' - Sterling Silver Rice Stalk Half-Hoop Earrings

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Rice Garland, Sterling Silver Rice Stalk Half-Hoop Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Maya Leaf, Carved Jade Leaf Earrings

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

£51.24 Wholesale

~~£64.39~~ £51.24

Tiny Sages, Hand-Painted Elephant-Themed Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Ritu Thapar

(133)

£22.84 Wholesale

£22.84

Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Blue Gala' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Blue Cultured Pearls

Bestseller

Blue Gala, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Blue Cultured Pearls

Dewi Putera

(350)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Glowing Green, Glossy Green Earrings with Onyx and Chalcedony from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Celtic Tree' - Celtic Style Tree Earrings Handmade in Sterling Silver

Bestseller

Celtic Tree, Celtic Style Tree Earrings Handmade in Sterling Silver

Pichaya

(1256)

£32.19 Wholesale

£32.19

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Voluptuous Leaf' - Ornate Leaf Theme Balinese Sterling Silver Artisan Earrings

Bestseller

Voluptuous Leaf, Ornate Leaf Theme Balinese Sterling Silver Artisan Earrings

Komang Suastra

(619)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Bestseller

Ocean Avatar, Fair Trade Lapis Lazuli Handcrafted Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£53.52 Wholesale

~~£60.23~~ £53.52

Spiraling Veins, Sterling Silver Filigree Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf Chimes' - Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Leaf Chimes, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Nest of Lilies, Unique Pearl and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Buana

(2373)

£62.31 Wholesale

£62.31

Tears from Nature, Drop-Shaped Leafy Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£183.84 Wholesale

£183.84

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Clover Hearts' - Heart-Shaped Natural Clover Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Clover Hearts, Heart-Shaped Natural Clover Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Emerson Zarate

(34)

£35.31 Wholesale

£35.31

Morning Garden, Amethyst Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Indonesia

Wirabhuwana

(433)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Silver Olives, Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Olive Earrings Crafted in Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£71.66 Wholesale

£71.66

Tropical Tree, Garnet and Sterling Silver Tree of Life Earrings

Budiharta

(84)

£71.66 Wholesale

£71.66

Fern Flair, Sterling Silver Fern Leaf Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Jantana

(710)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Goddess' Moonlight' - Classic Balinese Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Goddess' Moonlight, Classic Balinese Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Putu Gede Darmawan

(374)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Gold plated chalcedony dangle earrings, 'Garden Glory' - Handmade 22k Gold Plated Chalcedony Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Garden Glory, Handmade 22k Gold Plated Chalcedony Dangle Earrings

Vivek Nathany

(171)

£50.89 Wholesale

£50.89

Sterling silver half-hoop earrings, 'Garden Waves' - Sterling Silver Vine Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Garden Waves, Sterling Silver Vine Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£62.31 Wholesale

£62.31

Orchid Essence, Polished Nature-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Drop Earrings

Komang Budiarta

(22)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Leaves of Bamboo in White, Cultured Pearl and Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Kadek Wijanegara

(337)

£60.23 Wholesale

£60.23

Forest Treasure, Sterling Silver and Green Onyx Fair Trade Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£62.31 Wholesale

£62.31

Olive Leaves, Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£25.96 Wholesale

£25.96

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Stunning Nature in Jade' - Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Bestseller

Stunning Nature in Jade, Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Danai

(358)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Spiritual Leaves, Sterling Silver Filigree Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Paola Siza

(52)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Verdure Victory, Polished Leafy Ginkgo-Shaped 18k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

Teresa Gonzalez

(11)

£178.65 Wholesale

£178.65

Catrina Splendor, Taxco 925 Silver Day of the Dead Catrina Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£238.89 Wholesale

£238.89

Leaf Silhouette, Handmade Leaf Earrings in Sterling Silver from Bali

Lalana

(549)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Heart of Frangipani, Sterling Silver Heart Dangle Earrings with Frangipani Motifs

Ari Gunawan

(246)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Dazzling Dew, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Earring Floral Jewelr

Alok Jain

(1879)

£146.45 Wholesale

£146.45

Willow Leaf, Leaf Earrings Handcrafted of Sterling Silver in Bali

Desi Antari

(583)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Tropical Leaf, Handcrafted Thai Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings

Lalana

(549)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Wooden Slice, Modern Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Wood Details

Wayan Trisna

(6)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Red Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Red Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Tropical Taste, Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings with Leaf Motif

Lalana

(549)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Fiery Avatar, Fair Trade Sterling Silver Carnelian Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£60.23 Wholesale

£60.23

Forest Style, Leaf-Shaped Onyx Dangle Earrings from India

Shubhra Singh

(205)

£54 Wholesale

£54

Brown Leaves, Recon. Turquoise and Leather Leaf Dangle Earrings

Chaloemphon

(375)

£32.19 Wholesale

£32.19

Sterling silver and natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Nature's Gem in Blue' - Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Bestseller

Nature's Gem in Blue, Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£55.04 Wholesale

£55.04

Peacock Leaves, Sterling Silver Leafy Dangle Earrings with Peacock Pearls

Patricia Jara

(124)

£37.38 Wholesale

£37.38

Gleaming Stars, Sterling Silver Star-Motif Drop Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£41.54 Wholesale

£41.54

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Enchanted Circle' - Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Bestseller

Enchanted Circle, Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£46.73 Wholesale

£46.73

Blissful Vine in Blue, Sterling Silver Blue Chalcedony Vine Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

Gleaming Paddy, Handmade Onyx and Sterling Silver Earrings from Indonesia

Wayan Asmana

(910)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Parrot Song, Garnet and Peridot Parrot Dangle Earrings from India

Chintan

(321)

£54 Wholesale

£54

Tropical Cascade, Leaf Motif Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Juana Ramirez

(19)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Blue Dew, Amazonite on Sterling Silver Earrings Peruvian Jewellery

Maria Huerta

(55)

£119.44 Wholesale

£119.44

Mexican Fall, Taxco Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings with Leaf Motif

Oscar Figueroa Escorcia

(704)

£60.23 Wholesale

£60.23

Baby Rose, Openwork Sterling Silver Rose & Leaf Stud Earrings from Bali

Desi Antari

(583)

£35.31 Wholesale

£35.31

Nature Leaf, Leafy Rhodium Plated Amethyst Stud Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£44.65 Wholesale

£44.65

Gold-accented dangle earrings, 'Gold Enchanted Leaves' - Sterling Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings with 18k Gold Accents

Bestseller

Gold Enchanted Leaves, Sterling Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings with 18k Gold Accents

Lalana

(549)

£64.39 Wholesale

£64.39

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)

£23.88 Wholesale

£23.88

Dark Green Clover, Jade dangle earrings

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

£29.28 Wholesale

~~£37.38~~ £29.28

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