Animal Themed Earrings

850 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

Garnet and bone dangle earrings, 'Brown Bats'

Linda

Jan 31, 2025

Cutest earrings!

I bought these for myself because I absolutely adore bats, and wasn't disappointed! They're detailed, beautiful, and just so cute. The very first day that I got them, I put them in and wore them to the grocery store. The young cashier commented on them, saying how much she liked them, and I told her all about them and wrote down the Novica website for her because she was interested in checking out the things available on it. She was so impressed that it features handmade pieces from real artisans around the world.

Dangle Jewelry

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Balinese Traditional Silver Jewelry

Hand-painted dangle earrings, 'Magical Feathers'

Fiona

Oct 12, 2025

So, so gorgeous!

These hummingbird earrings are truly a work of art. They are vibrantly coloured and hang well, like little jewels. For other’s benefit I will point out that they are not 5cm long as described, but are 4cm in total length including the hooks. Each bird is about 2.8cm long and 2.5cm wide. While smaller than described, they are still significant and certainly could not be thought of as too small. I really love them.

Inspirational Jewelry

Nature Jewelry

Animal Themed Jewelry

Jewelry

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Mythical Bird'

Aissa2

Jun 1, 2021

Reborn and beautiful

These were purchased because I think the mythical bird they represent is the phoenix. It burns to ashes and is reborn. These are symbolic of that rebirth and on the ear, they definitely are those others will want to come closer to see. They are just the right length. They have enough presence to not get hidden or forgotten. They are special for wearing casually and for a night out on the town. Short hair or hair worn up will definitely draw attention, but they will not get forgotten in long hair either. They are a statement pair of earrings. Definitely detailed in silver of the mythical creature which is ultimately reborn again, and again.

Earrings

Eclectic

Silver

Dangle Jewelry

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry

No Stone Jewelry

Animal Themed Jewelry

Jewelry

Featured Artist

Ayu Ary Handcrafted sterling silver jewelry

(249)

"Sometimes life isn't easy and, when going through hard times, we need to keep telling ourselves that we can do it — 'Do your best, as hard as you can, and results will follow.'"

"I was born in Bali, the second of two children. My father works as a driver. In my village, many neighbors work as bone carvers. Like other... read more