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.

Earrings at NOVICA

Bestseller

You, Ebony drop earrings

Length: 3.1" x 0.8" W

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Great White, Sterling Silver Bone and Horn Dangle Earrings

Length: 2.2" x 0.8" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Harbor Night, Horn half hoop earrings

Length: 0.9" x 0.4" W x 0.9" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Bone Fish Bone, Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Fish Bone Earrings

Length: 2.8" x 1.2" W

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Golden Oval, Brass Oval Drop Earrings with Sterling Silver Hooks

Length: 2.2" x 1.2" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Brass Ring, Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings with Brass Ring Detail

Length: 2" x 0.2" W x 1.2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Seagull, Sterling silver and cow horn dangle earrings

Length: 2" x 0.7" W

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Borneo Mysteries, Modern Horn Hoop Earrings

Length: 2.3" x 0.2" W x 2.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Sea Melody, Horn drop earrings

Length: 2.6" x 1.2" W x 0.3" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Coming back

White Nights, Artisan Crafted Bone and Sterling Silver Earrings from Bali

Length: 1.8" x 1.2" W x 0.2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Antique Gateways, Modern Antiqued Brass Dangle Earrings from Bali

Length: 2" x 0.8" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Benoa Moonlight, Hand Crafted Silver Accent Earrings with Water Buffalo Horn

Length: 2.1" x 0.2" W x 0.4" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Ocean Sunset, Handmade Silver Accent Brass Dangle Earrings

Length: 1.9" x 1.4" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Tribute, Coconut Shell Dangle Earrings

Length: 2" x 1" W

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Owl, Handcrafted Bone Earrings with Water Buffalo Horn

Length: 2.4" x 1.1" W x 0.2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Benoa Sunlight, Hand Crafted Brass Accent Earrings with Water Buffalo Horn

Length: 2.1" x 0.2" W x 0.4" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Classic Comb, Carved Bone and Horn Dangle Style Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.6" x 0.7" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Dawn to Dusk, Handcrafted Horn Dangle Earrings

Length: 1.8" x 0.3" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Sumatra Glyph, Contemporary Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.7" x 0.9" W x 0" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Coming back

Aksara Coins, Brass and Sterling Silver Old World Aksara Coins Earrings

Length: 2.4" x 0.9" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Coming back

Island Journey, 925 Sterling Silver Accent Brass Dangle Earrings from Bali

Size: 2" H x 0.2" W x 0.2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Purple Whisper, Gold-Accented Resin-Coated Natural Orchid Dangle Earrings

Danai

(358)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Natural Feeling in Peach, Resin-Coated Orange Orchid Gold-Accented Statement Earrings

Danai

(358)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Glorious Hoop, 18k Gold-Plated Snakeskin Textured Hoop Earrings from Bali

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Infinite Loop, Sterling Silver Textured Hoop Earrings

Length: 2" x 0.5" W x 1.8" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Coming back

Ubud Rainbow, Modern Sterling Silver and Brass Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.2" x 0.1" W x 1.4" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Bestseller

Spiral Tails, Simple Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.2" x 0.1" W x 2.4" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Moonlight Bliss, Handmade Horn and Bone Dangle Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.4" x 0.8" W x 0.2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Modern Rays, Line Pattern Modern Brass Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 1.4" x 0" W x 2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Beautiful Textures, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Gold Mica Accent

Length: 2.6" x 0.4" W x 0.1" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Crescent Soul, Modern Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 2" x 0.1" W x 2" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Modern Bali, Modern Brass Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 1.6" x 0" W x 1.6" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Modern Bali, Modern Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings from Bali

Length: 1.6" x 0.1" W x 1.6" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Balinese Classic, Modern Brass Hoop Earrings Crafted in Bali

Length: 1.7" x 1" W x 1.5" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Nine Rings, Modern Sterling Silver and Brass Dangle Earrings from Bali

Length: 2" x 1.1" W x 0.3" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Kuta Glimmer, Modern Sterling Silver and Brass Dangle Earrings from Bali

Length: 2.4" x 1.8" W x 0" D

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Featured Reviews

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Infinite Loop'

Gillian

Apr 24, 2021

Big hoop energy!

I bought these hoops when I was feeling a bit down about a few things. When I received them, things started turning around. Definitely found out what "big hoop energy" energy is. Love these! They are a go-to when I need that extra boost of confidence.

A Sterling Silver Hoop Earring Large

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Brass hoop earrings, 'Balinese Classic'

Paula

Jan 30, 2025

These are large

The earrings themselves are beautiful. They are well crafted and rustic. My problem is not with the quality of the item but with novicas website. I know that measurements are provided but these earrings are HUGE. If I rotate my head fast enough, Id take off like a helicopter. The 2 dimensional measurements provided were not enough. NOVICA really should provide a pic of someone actually wearing the jewelry. 2nd time this has happened to me.

Jewelry

Sterling silver and cow horn dangle earrings, 'Seagull'

Melanie

Mar 1, 2017

Admired these for a long time

After admiring these for a long time on Novica, I finally made a purchase. They arrived very fast, and were beautifully packaged. The earrings were even nicer "in person" than in the photos. Delighted with them.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

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