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 Paper at NOVICA United Kingdom

Taifa Tangerine, Orange Handmade Earrings with Recycled Paper

Akwele Suma

(22)

£36.04 Wholesale

£36.04
Berries, African Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings

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(22)

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£32.03
Frida's Strength, Handcrafted Frida Kahlo Image Wood Frame Dangle Earrings

Ana Luisa Zavala

(11)

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Floral Twirl, Handmade Recycled Paper and Glass Bead Chandelier Earrings

Vrinda Gokhale

(10)

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£32.03
Bestseller

Heartfelt Frida, Handcrafted Frida Kahlo Sacred Heart Wood Dangle Earrings

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Saguaro Scene, Handcrafted Cactus Scene Wood Frame Dangle Earrings

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(11)

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Frida Adorned, Handcrafted Frida Kahlo and Flowers Wood Dangle Earrings

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Fortune Blooms, Eco-Friendly Floral Sese Wood Beaded Dangle Earrings

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(22)

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Eco Nkonson, Chain Motif Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings from Ghana

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(22)

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Colored Pencil, Handmade Eco-Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Tema Harbor, Recycled Paper Sailboat Earrings Crafted by Hand

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(22)

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Siren Call, Handcrafted Mermaid Wood Frame Dangle Earrings with Tassels

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(11)

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Spin the Top, Multicolor African Eco Earrings

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(22)

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Ring My Bell, Afro Ecology Recycled Earrings

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(22)

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My Piano, Recycled paper dangle earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

£32.03 Wholesale

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Grape Berry, Recycled Paper Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Pampam Store, Handcrafted Recycled Paper and Wood Dangle Earrings

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(22)

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Orange Glory, Orange Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Happy Soul, Multicolored Recycled Paper and Wood Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

£18.01 Wholesale

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Naa Araa Royalty, Recycled Paper and Sese Wood Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

£25.02 Wholesale

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Majestic Abladei, Handmade Recycled Paper and Wood Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

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A Story of Flowers, colourful Paper Recycled Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Hot Breakfast, Hand Crafted Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Fresh Start, Eco-Design Recycled Paper Earrings from Africa

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(22)

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Music Festival, Hand Made Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings

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(22)

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Yellow Boats, Recycled Paper Sailboat Earrings Crafted by Hand in Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Good-Natured, Artisan Crafted Recycled Paper and Wood Earrings from Ghana

Akwele Suma

(22)

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Friendship, Handcrafted Recycled Paper Dangle Earrings

Akwele Suma

(22)

£25.02 Wholesale

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Featured Reviews

Recycled paper dangle earrings, 'Our Friendship'

Mele

Jul 23, 2021

Subtle shades

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.

Eco-Friendly Jewellery

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