Earrings

11,928 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

Sterling silver chandelier earrings, 'Inca Royal'

Mariarosaria

Dec 5, 2024

I feel like a Inca Royal !!!

Yes, I admit I bought the earrings because I feel like a queen, and the earrings will prove it !!!! But mainly to capture an ancient culture art beauty and have it on me, what a treat !! The filigrane work is beautiful, my daughter liked it too. No wonder Alfredo Inga is considered a master in this filigrane craft. Thank you for your art!

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Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Oyster Treasure'

Anita

Sep 16, 2024

Beautiful

These earrings are so beautiful. My sister has been wanting a pair of oyster earrings. I have been searching since June, but couldn't find any. I saw these on Novica and bought them immediately. We paid extra to expedite them and I think it took about 7 days. We gave them to her yesterday and she LOVES them. They are so comfortable and look great!

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Blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Buddha Hoops'

Nancy Hoit

May 19, 2021

among my all--time favorites!

they are beautifully made, lovely stones, an unusual design that's just the right length... lovelovelove

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Featured Artist

Chintan Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(321)

"There is no other feeling that can surpass the feeling of working together with your own family and enjoying the fruit of your success."

"I am basically a Gujrati but have settled in Mumbai. I grew up in a joint family with many cousins and relatives living under one roof. We led a... read more