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 Sodalite at NOVICA United Kingdom

Bestseller

Geometric Movement, Triangular Sodalite Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jael Serna

(13)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Bestseller

Sensation, Sodalite dangle earrings

Ana Cristina Llapa

(51)

£97.58 Wholesale

£97.58
Hummingbird Joy, 950 Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Cristian Davila

(27)

£66.71 Wholesale

£66.71
Starting Point, Modern Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Leslie Granthon

(78)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Dual Enchantment, Silver Half-Hoop Earrings with Inlaid Sodalite Stone

Adriana de Gadea

(228)

£78.66 Wholesale

£78.66
Hug, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver and Sodalite Post Earrings

Leslie Granthon

(78)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Blue Moon Phase, Modern Circle Motif Sodalite Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jael Serna

(13)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Tropical Cascade, Leaf Motif Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Juana Ramirez

(19)

£102.56 Wholesale

£102.56
Serene Heroism, High-Polished Natural Sodalite Stud Earrings from Peru

Fermin

(52)

£39.82 Wholesale

£39.82
Creativity Points, Sterling Silver Button Earrings with Round Sodalite Gems

Leslie Granthon

(78)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Blue Dimension, Square Sodalite Stud Earrings Crafted in Peru

Sonia Cachi

(15)

£35.84 Wholesale

£35.84
Nature's Forge, Sodalite and Obsidian Stud Earrings from Peru (2 Pairs)

Fermin

(52)

£51.77 Wholesale

£51.77
Creativity Bouquet, Polished Floral Button Earrings with Natural Sodalite Gems

Leslie Granthon

(78)

£79.66 Wholesale

£79.66
Impulse, Artisan Crafted Sodalite Earrings

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

£122.48 Wholesale

£122.48
Possibility, Oval Sodalite Stud Earrings

Yan Fredy Bolivia

(64)

£39.32 Wholesale

~~£49.78~~ £39.32
Marine Universe, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Sodalite Stone from Peru

Yan Fredy Bolivia

(64)

£42.81 Wholesale

£42.81
Bestseller

Blue Curls, Sodalite and Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings from Peru

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

£26.88 Wholesale

£26.88
Radiant Color, Unique Carnelian Cluster Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

£26.88 Wholesale

£26.88
19th Century, Handcrafted Mexican Sterling Silver and Sodalite Earrings

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

£111.53 Wholesale

£111.53
High Point in Blue, Natural Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Leslie Granthon

(78)

£52.77 Wholesale

£52.77
Leaf in the Wind, Sterling Silver Leaf Filigree Dangle Earrings with Sodalite

Paola Siza

(52)

£84.64 Wholesale

£84.64
Cool Dream, Aquamarine and Freshwater Pearl Dangle Earrings

Nareerat

(1853)

£22.89 Wholesale

£22.89
Nature's Harmony, Handmade Sodalite Beaded Dangle Earrings

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

£20.90 Wholesale

£20.90
Queen of the Inca, Sterling Silver and Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

£51.77 Wholesale

£51.77
Blue Mountain Chakana, Sodalite Chakana Cross Filigree Dangle Earrings from Peru

Paola Siza

(52)

£93.60 Wholesale

£93.60
San Cristobal Tears, Handcrafted Gemstone Stud Earrings (Pair)

Fermin

(52)

£57.75 Wholesale

£57.75
Gate to the Sky, Sodalite dangle earrings

Ana Cristina Llapa

(51)

£120.49 Wholesale

£120.49
True Goddess, Polished Brass and Sodalite Beaded Dangle Earrings

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

£20.90 Wholesale

£20.90
Gentle Globe, Sodalite Sphere Dangle Earrings with Sterling Silver

Silvia Garcia

(60)

£22.89 Wholesale

£22.89
Dancing Desire, Sodalite Beaded Dangle Earrings Crafted in India

Rituu Agarwal

(1071)

£25.83 Wholesale

~~£30.86~~ £25.83
Blue Blossom, Sodalite dangle earrings

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

£97.58 Wholesale

£97.58
Coming back

Blue Crescent Moon Phase, Modern Semicircle Sodalite Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jael Serna

(13)

£70.70 Wholesale

£70.70
Coming back

Blue Elysium, Circular Natural Sodalite Stud Earrings from Peru

Yan Fredy Bolivia

(64)

£48.79 Wholesale

£48.79
Blue Evocation, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Sodalite Beads

Silvia Garcia

(60)

£42.81 Wholesale

£42.81
Neptune's Queen, Labradorite and onyx dangle earrings

Matta

(498)

£36.19 Wholesale

~~£40.82~~ £36.19

Featured Reviews

Sodalite chandelier earrings, 'Queen of the Inca'

rnj

Jun 22, 2016

very detailed and great craftsmanship

I bought this as a gift and recipient loved it. It has lovely intricate details and perfect length. I am planning to buy a pair for myself now

Chandelier Jewellery

Beaded Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Sodalite Jewellery

Jewellery

Sodalite dangle earrings, 'Blue Crescent Moon Phase'

Suzanne

Sep 22, 2020

So unique

I purchased both the pendant and earrings. Both are lovely and unique and I look forward to wearing them often.

Hanging Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Modern Jewellery

Sodalite dangle earrings, 'Gentle Globe'

Sally

Nov 13, 2023

These are absolutely beautiful

Just received these earrings.... had needed some blue ones, and decided to go with these. No regrets! They really are gorgeous.... the photo doesn't do them justice!

Blue Stone Earrings

Blue Stone Jewelry

Earrings For Jeans

Earrings For Young Women

Fashionable Earrings

Simple Jewelry

Earrings