Over $135.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!

Artisan Subscription Box

Earrings Natural Turquoise

44 items

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - Are there any earring designs or symbols that have a particular meaning?

Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.

+ - Are there any eco-friendly women’s earrings?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.

+ - What materials are best for women’s earrings?

There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.

+ - 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

Product picture

Turquoise stud earrings, 'Mayan Heritage'

Kathleen

Feb 3, 2021

Beautiful earrings

Product picture

These earrings are beautiful. The stones are wonderfully natural. They are a real connection to the artisan.

Birthday Earrings

December Birthstone Jewelry

Mom To Be Gifts

Office Appropriate Jewelry!

Office Wear Pieces

Outdoor Jewelry

Second Hole Earrings

These Are My Birthstones.. Love Them!!

Product picture

Turquoise button earrings, 'Allure'

Diane

Jan 17, 2018

Gorgeous.

Product picture

These earrings are beautifully made and go perfectly with the ring by the same artist. I will be wearing them often.

December Birthstone Jewelry

Delicate Piece Of Art

Elegant As Well As Practical

Turquoise Blue Jewelry

Fine Silver Jewelry

Natural Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise Jewelry

Product picture

Turquoise and sterling silver earrings, 'Taxco Violets'

KC

Jan 8, 2022

Sweet and Dainty

Product picture

Loving these beautifully designed earrings. I was drawn to them when I saw them on the Novica site but once I put them on, it dawned on me that my wonderful Grandmother had a similar pair and that's probably why I was drawn to them and now whenever I wear them, I'll think of her.

Earring Hooks Sterling Silver

Earrings Natural Stone

Turquoise Pearl

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Natural Turquoise Jewelry

Featured Artist

Guillermo Arregui

Guillermo Arregui Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(1070)

"I enjoy life and I love being alive… I feel happy when people like my designs. I love the idea that my jewelry becomes a part of yourself when you wear it."

Latest Update"For me, every moment is very important. I enjoy them to the fullest, since each one is a beautiful inspiration for me. "We... read more

The Holiday Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

SHOP THE CATALOG

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Product Image

Catalog Cover Image