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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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Recycled paper and wood dangle earrings, 'Naa Araa Royalty'

Ginger

Jun 3, 2021

I'm ordering again

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Pair number 2! It's so nice to know that I am doing something good for the planet...and Akwele has an eye for beauty!!

Sophisticated Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Recycled Plastic Jewellery

Paper Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Eco-Friendly Jewellery

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Wood dangle earrings, 'Brilliant Frida'

LAURA

Aug 29, 2024

Ear Art

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These earrings are absolutely stunning!. They speak for themselves. I onil wish they were a bit shorter and had a French wire. I would purchase them again.

Costume Jewelry

Guanajuato Jewelry

Summer Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Paper Jewellery

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Recycled paper dangle earrings, 'Our Friendship'

Mele

Jul 23, 2021

Subtle shades

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I really like the colors used in these earrings -- they are study and subtle and go well with a number of different outfits. I love that they are handcrafted and lightweight, as well.

Dangle Jewellery

Paper Jewellery

Brass Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Eco-Friendly Jewellery

Featured Artist

Akwele Suma Recycled paper and fashion jewelry, and original paintings

(22)

"One can never finish discovering what nature has to offer, so from a place of the spirit and with joy, gratitude, and delight I am going deeper with my work in order to share with the world."

Akwele Suma Glory is a multi award winning and dynamic mixed media artist. She belongs to the echelon of international Women artists who believe in... read more

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