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

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

Roy Nilson

(132)

£238.89 Wholesale

£238.89

Hearts and Nature, Taxco Sterling Silver Heart and Agave Chandelier Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£197.34 Wholesale

£197.34

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

Roy Nilson

(132)

£183.84 Wholesale

£183.84

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

Teresa Gonzalez

(11)

£178.65 Wholesale

£178.65

Eucalyptus, Nature-Inspired Leaf Drop Earrings

Migliozzi Studio

(7)

£172.42 Wholesale

£172.42

Beaded sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Cycles of Peace' - Romantic Nature-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Coming back

Cycles of Peace, Romantic Nature-Themed Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Eduardo Villegas Reyes

£165.14 Wholesale

£165.14

Garnet floral earrings, 'Crimson Leaves' - Fair Trade Jewellery Garnet Earrings India

Bestseller

Crimson Leaves, Fair Trade Jewellery Garnet Earrings India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£160.99 Wholesale

£160.99

Gemstone stud earrings, 'Lifetime Jewels' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bestseller

Lifetime Jewels, Set of 14 Polished Gemstone Stud Earrings Crafted in India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£160.99 Wholesale

£160.99

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Shining Life' (set of 14) - Set of 14 Sterling Silver Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Shining Life, Set of 14 Sterling Silver Stud Earrings in a Polished Finish

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£151.64 Wholesale

£151.64

Dazzling Dew, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Earring Floral Jewelr

Alok Jain

(1879)

£146.45 Wholesale

£146.45

Aural Leaf in Blue, Filigree Silver Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Eva Souto

(6)

£144.13 Wholesale

~~£160.99~~ £144.13

Regal Leaves, 24k Gold-Plated Filigree Leaf Earrings

Alfredo Inga

(186)

£138.14 Wholesale

£138.14

Golden Red Leaves, 22k Gold-Plated Leafy Garnet Dangle Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£132.94 Wholesale

£132.94

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Union of Branches' - Bali Leaf and Flower Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Coming back

Union of Branches, Bali Leaf and Flower Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ayu Puspita

£128.79 Wholesale

£128.79

Romance, Sterling Silver Carnelian Earrings

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

£128.79 Wholesale

£128.79

Bamboo Waterfall, Balinese Sterling Silver Handmade Engraved Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£128.79 Wholesale

£128.79

Tears of Peace, Drop-Shaped Blue Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Eduardo Villegas Reyes

£123.53 Wholesale

~~£138.14~~ £123.53

Blue Dew, Amazonite on Sterling Silver Earrings Peruvian Jewellery

Maria Huerta

(55)

£119.44 Wholesale

£119.44

Beaded sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Diamonds of Peace' - Diamond-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Coming back

Diamonds of Peace, Diamond-Shaped Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Eduardo Villegas Reyes

£117.77 Wholesale

~~£130.87~~ £117.77

Splendid Bamboo, Multi-gemstone Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Kadek Hendra

(693)

£115.29 Wholesale

£115.29

Ode to Nature, Oxidized Leafy Embossed Taxco Silver Half-Hoop Earrings

Alon Diller

(455)

£115.29 Wholesale

£115.29

Winter Leaves, Gold-Plated Smoky Quartz and Black Onyx Dangle Earrings

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

£115.29 Wholesale

£115.29

Sterling silver waterfall earrings, 'Bamboo Shoots' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bamboo Motif

Coming back

Bamboo Shoots, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bamboo Motif

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£115.29 Wholesale

£115.29

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

Afternoon Blooms, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Citrine & Vine Accents

Made Sugi

(291)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Shimmering Blooms, Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings with Vine Motifs

Made Sugi

(291)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Vibrant Blooms, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Amethyst & Vine Accents

Made Sugi

(291)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Pink Manor, Leafy Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Cubic Zirconia

Shawn Martin

(11)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Violet Story, Rhodium-Plated Dangle Earrings with Faceted Amethyst Gems

Tishita Jain

(43)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Tropical Cascade, Leaf Motif Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Juana Ramirez

(19)

£110.09 Wholesale

£110.09

Forest Illumination, 18k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with Pearls and Peridot Gems

Ketut Jagrasunu

(2)

£108.02 Wholesale

£108.02

Silver Trees, Tree Theme Taxco 950 Silver Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Romantic Bract, Balinese Amethyst Sterling Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings

Ayu Puspita

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Vine Lights, Sterling Silver Leafy Dangle Earrings with Labradorite Gems

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Passion Wings, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with 4-Carat Garnet Stones

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Peacock of Jewels, Peacock-Shaped Two-Carat Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings

Shawn Martin

(11)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Whistle Tree, Handmade Sterling Silver Whistle Tree Seedpod Drop Earrings

Soledad Borel

(4)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Hawaiian Orchid Leaf, Sterling Silver Hawaiian Orchid Leaf Drop Earrings

Soledad Borel

(4)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Agave Heart, Sterling Silver Agave Heart Button Earrings

Rosa Rojo

(19)

£100.74 Wholesale

£100.74

Red Rose, Handcrafted Floral Sterling Silver and Garnet Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£99.71 Wholesale

£99.71

Loop of Leaves, 22k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Drop Earrings with Leaves

Tishita Jain

(43)

£99.71 Wholesale

£99.71

Snowy Christmas Tree, Cultured Pearl Christmas Tree Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£99.71 Wholesale

£99.71

Christmas Tree, Sterling and Garnet Holiday Themed Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£99.71 Wholesale

£99.71

Flourishing Peace, Rhodium-Plated Dangle Earrings with Faceted Amethyst Stones

Tishita Jain

(43)

£96.59 Wholesale

£96.59

Purple Fantasy, Hand-Painted Amethyst Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Sapna Mehta

(50)

£96.59 Wholesale

£96.59

Bamboo Chain, Bamboo Look Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£96.59 Wholesale

£96.59

Innocent Desire, 18k Gold-Plated Rose-Themed Dangle Earrings with Pearls

Ketut Jagrasunu

(2)

£96.59 Wholesale

£96.59

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

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

Daydream, Fair Trade Floral Earrings of Silver with Natural Turquoise

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Sweet Acacia, Hand Made Taxco Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

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

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Radiant Red Leaves, Garnet and Sterling Silver Leafy Dangle Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Leafy Romance, 22k Gold Plated Green Onyx Dangle Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Violet Leaves, Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Amethyst Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Leaf in the Wind, Sterling Silver Leaf Filigree Dangle Earrings with Sodalite

Paola Siza

(52)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Glowing Pink, Glossy Pink Chalcedony Earrings on 925 Silver from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£92.43 Wholesale

£92.43

Shimmering Leaf, Polished Sterling Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings

Budiharta

(84)

£90.36 Wholesale

£90.36

Purple Nest, Faceted Five-Carat Amethyst Leafy Button Earrings from Bali

Ayu Puspita

£90.36 Wholesale

£90.36

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Root of Life' (.8 inch) - Cactus Motif Drop Earrings (.8 inch)

Root of Life, Cactus Motif Drop Earrings (.8 inch)

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

£90.36 Wholesale

£90.36

Gold-plated cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Pearly Luck' - 18k Gold-Plated Clover-Themed Dangle Earrings with Pearls

Coming back

Pearly Luck, 18k Gold-Plated Clover-Themed Dangle Earrings with Pearls

Ketut Jagrasunu

(2)

£90.36 Wholesale

£90.36

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

Blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Loyal Summer' - Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Bestseller

Loyal Summer, Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Made Sugi

(291)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Red Summer, Sterling Silver Garnet Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Made Sugi

(291)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Wise Summer, Sterling Silver Amethyst Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Made Sugi

(291)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Harmonious Summer, Leafy Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone Dangle Earrings

Made Sugi

(291)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Joyous Summer, Sterling Silver Citrine Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Made Sugi

(291)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Poplar Leaf, Artisan Crafted Silver Drop Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Leafy Blossom, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Composite Turquoise

Sapna Mehta

(50)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Fronds, Thai Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Leaf Design

Lalana

(549)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Eden of Passion, Polished Classic Leafy Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Griya Suarningsih

(16)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Active Passion, Sterling Silver Button Earrings with Natural Garnet Stones

Parul

(359)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Tree Grandeur, Tree Pattern Carnelian Dangle Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Two Orchids' - Leaf-Themed Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Coming back

Two Orchids, Leaf-Themed Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Astiti Pratiwi

(1)

£87.24 Wholesale

£87.24

Green Summer, Sterling Silver Peridot Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motif

Made Sugi

(291)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Magical Innocence, Leafy and Floral Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls

Kadek Hendra

(693)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Fern Hearts, Heart Sterling Silver Earrings with Amber Droplets

Flora Maria

(92)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Leafy Spring, Sterling Silver Leaf Motif Hoop Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Gleaming Paddy, Handmade Onyx and Sterling Silver Earrings from Indonesia

Wayan Asmana

(910)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Seed Garden, Leaf and Buds Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Puspita

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Spring Plumeria, 18k Gold-Plated Floral Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls

Ayu Puspita

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Perfection, Handcrafted Floral Pearl and Sterling Silver Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Lost in Romance, Leaf Motif Green Onyx and Garnet Earrings from India

Alok Jain

(1879)

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

Conical Leaf, Blue Topaz Amethyst and Sterling Silver Leaf Drop Earrings

Ayu Puspita

£83.09 Wholesale

£83.09

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