Earrings Bug

72 items

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - 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 hoop earrings, 'Monarch Magic'

Kathryne

Dec 28, 2021

They are my favorite EVER!!!!

I love monarchs and Mexico and these are beautiful the craftsmanship is exquisite I love them so much I bought two pair for my friends

Elegant

Fair Trade Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

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Animal Themed Jewellery

Earrings

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Happy Honeybee'

Cynthia

Jan 18, 2017

I LOVE my Bees!

I purchased 2 pairs. First a pair for myself that I wear daily, then a second pair for giving as gift. I'm tempted to buy a third pair as a spare in case I should loose mine....they are just soooo sweet, and the perfect size. Beautiful detail. Love Love

Animal

Cute

Daily Or Doecial Event... Always Wear It!

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Free Fluttering'

Sandra

Apr 24, 2025

Sterling Butterflies are 'Free Fluttering.'

Ms. Griya Suarningsih is a modern silversmith who created these lovely earrings 'Free Fluttering.' I bought these as a birthday gift for a friend. Thank you!

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Animal Themed Jewellery

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Jewellery

Featured Artist

Ayu Ary Handcrafted sterling silver jewellery

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

I was born in Bali in 1989, the second of two children. In my village, many of the villagers work as bone carvers. My father works as a driver in... read more