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 Stone at NOVICA United Kingdom

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dotted Arrows' - Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Pointed Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Dotted Arrows, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Pointed Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Cyan Paws' - 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

Bestseller

Cyan Paws, 14k Gold-Accented Cyan Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'Audacious Inspiration' - Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

Bestseller

Audacious Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Vibrant Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£32.87 Wholesale

£32.87

Gold-accented howlite stud earrings, 'To the Afterlife' - Handmade Day of The Dead 14k Gold-Accented Stud Earrings

Bestseller

To the Afterlife, Handmade Day of The Dead 14k Gold-Accented Stud Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Starlight Circles' - Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Starlight Circles, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

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)

£62.68 Wholesale

£62.68

Gold-plated howlite dangle earrings, 'Fluttering Joy' - 14k Gold-Plated Howlite Dangle Earrings with Rainbow Birds

Bestseller

Fluttering Joy, 14k Gold-Plated Howlite Dangle Earrings with Rainbow Birds

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£53.43 Wholesale

£53.43

Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Dotted Discs' - Dot Motif Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Dotted Discs, Dot Motif Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

Wisdom Dimension, Amethyst Stud Earrings with Sterling Silver Posts

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Wheels of Change, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Circle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Fascinating Delight, Natural Soapstone and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Golden Trunks, 14k Gold-Accented Howlite Stud Earrings with Elephant Motifs

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Bars of Midnight' - Rectangular Lava Stone and 925 Silver Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Bars of Midnight, Rectangular Lava Stone and 925 Silver Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Natural Half-Circles, Cat's Eye and Soapstone Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Gold-accented howlite button earrings, 'Harmonious Faith' - 14k Gold-Accented Hummingbird Cross Button Earrings

Bestseller

Harmonious Faith, 14k Gold-Accented Hummingbird Cross Button Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Reaching Vines' - Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Drop Shaped Earrings

Bestseller

Reaching Vines, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Drop Shaped Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Crescent Lace' - Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Crescent Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Crescent Lace, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Crescent Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

To Eternity, Handmade Day of The Dead 14k Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£53.43 Wholesale

£53.43

Creative Love, 14k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with Heart-Shaped Howlite

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£46.23 Wholesale

£46.23

Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Button Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dark Shards' - Sterling Silver Lava Stone Dark Shard Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Dark Shards, Sterling Silver Lava Stone Dark Shard Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Faith in Change, 14k Gold-Accented Dragonfly-Themed Howlite Dangle Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£55.48 Wholesale

£55.48

Elephant Habitat, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Elephant Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£46.23 Wholesale

£46.23

Batur at Night, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Lava Stone from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Opulent Drop, Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Kadek Jofana

(1)

£90.42 Wholesale

£90.42

Forest Whisper, Sterling Silver Ear Cuffs with Chain in Green from Thailand

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Triangle of Hope, Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Kadek Jofana

(1)

£92.48 Wholesale

£92.48

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Temple Bands' - Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Spiral Motif Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Temple Bands, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Spiral Motif Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Diversity Bloom, Gold-Accented Floral Howlite Dangle Earrings in Vibrant Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Exciting Vines, Vine Motif Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£53.43 Wholesale

£53.43

Floral Intuition, 14k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with Hand-Painted Flowers

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£59.59 Wholesale

£59.59

Dark Empress, Sterling Silver and Black Lava Stone Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Voyage Dimension, Malachite Stud Earrings with Sterling Silver Posts

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Oval Nature, Oval Soapstone and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Dark Sun, Sterling Silver Lava Stone Dark Sun Black Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Imagination Bloom, Gold-Accented Floral Howlite Dangle Earrings in Blue Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Kindness Bloom, Gold-Accented Floral Howlite Dangle Earrings in Pink Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Bali Fans, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Fan Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Contemporary Corners, Square Black Onyx Stud Earrings from India

Narayannii

(693)

£22.60 Wholesale

£22.60

Swinging Night Dream, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Lava Stone Made in Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£42.12 Wholesale

£42.12

Jolly Curls, Curling Openwork Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£32.87 Wholesale

£32.87

Round Royal, Red-Orange Agate Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£25.74 Wholesale

£25.74

Dulcet Hope, Gold-Accented Heart-Shaped Butterfly Howlite Stud Earrings

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

Stupa Pillar, Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Komang Yut

(4)

£71.92 Wholesale

£71.92

Frilly Fans, Frilly Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£62.68 Wholesale

£62.68

Tender Inspiration, Gold-Accented Dragonfly Howlite Stud Earrings in Sweet Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£36.98 Wholesale

£36.98

Dotted Walls, Sterling Silver and Lava Stone Rectangular Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

Silver Drizzle, Sterling Silver and Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Matta

(498)

£31.29 Wholesale

~~£34.93~~ £31.29

Africa Drops, Teardrop Soapstone and Bauxite Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Romantic Vines, Vine Pattern Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£83.23 Wholesale

£83.23

Black Fangs, Fang-Themed Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Lava Stone

Rupadana

(333)

£36.98 Wholesale

£36.98

Summer Pods, Pod Motif Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Pura Petals, Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Floral Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Fine Woman, Agate and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Wave Crests, Openwork Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Earrings from Bali

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£64.73 Wholesale

£64.73

Queen Blue, Cat's Eye and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Little Mates, Hand-Painted Heart-Shaped Howlite Stud Earrings from Mexico

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Golden Drizzle, Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Matta

(498)

£31.29 Wholesale

~~£34.93~~ £31.29

Mystery Dimension, Onyx Stud Earrings with Sterling Silver Posts

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£25.68 Wholesale

£25.68

Natural Kites, Natural Soapstone Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Wangi Rings, Circular Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£34.93 Wholesale

£34.93

Sweet Inspiration, Gold-Accented Firefly Howlite Stud Earrings in Bright Hues

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£32.87 Wholesale

£32.87

Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Sukawati Dominoes' - Indonesian Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings

Bestseller

Sukawati Dominoes, Indonesian Lava Stone and Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Long Oval Shadow, Sterling Silver and Black Lava Stone Oval Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£36.98 Wholesale

£36.98

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Shooting Arrows' - Shooting Arrows Sterling Silver Lava Stone Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Shooting Arrows, Shooting Arrows Sterling Silver Lava Stone Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£27.74 Wholesale

£27.74

Beautiful Veins, Nestled Agate Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Winged Rainbow, 14k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings with Hand-Painted Birds

Josefina and Cecilia

(9)

£59.59 Wholesale

£59.59

Natural Obaapa, Carved Soapstone Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

Odo Nkonsonkonson, Soapstone Disc and Bauxite Beaded Dangle Earrings from Ghana

Rachel Armah

(45)

£24.71 Wholesale

£24.71

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