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African Earrings
246 items
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amivi, Aretes colgantes con cuentas de vidrio reciclado hechos a mano en Ghana
Mary Dzidzienyo
$34.99 Wholesale$34.99 -
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Aseda, Pendientes artesanales con cubos de ágata blanca
Length: 2.2" x 0.4" W
Rachel Armah
$37.99 Wholesale$37.99 -
Dzika, Pendientes colgantes de cuentas de madera y vidrio reciclado ecológicos
Mary Dzidzienyo
$25.99 Wholesale$25.99 -
Anidaso, Pendientes de cuentas de esteatita
Length: 2.4" x 0.6" W
Rachel Armah
$34.99 Wholesale$34.99 -
Toca mi timbre, Pendientes reciclados afro ecología
Length: 2" x 0.6" W
Akwele Suma
$49.99 Wholesale$49.99 -
Gyidi Y Rojo, Pendientes colgantes con cuentas de vidrio reciclado amarillo y rojo
Tina Quaye
$23.99 Wholesale$23.99 -
Kekele, Pendientes colgantes ecológicos con cuentas de vidrio en rojo y negro
Victor Dushie
$34.99 Wholesale$34.99
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Katheryn
Sep 25, 2021
Lovely work
My daughter got me these for my birthday. Such lovely stones! The color is beautiful and they have a wonderful irridesance. My daughter said they are perfect with my eyes.
Eleanor
Jul 19, 2021
Gorgeous!
I wear these all the time! They're very light despite being large. An easy fashion statement, and a personal favorite purchase.
They Are Natural Beauty
Each animal is different so none of these items will be the same. The ones I received are a sort of grey-ish brown, have a silvery aspect to them. They will go with anything. I didn't know the artist's story until I received these. His death is such a tragic waste of a wonderful artist. I'm even more glad I bought these because it will at least help his family get on with their lives.
Featured Artist
Rachel Armah Joyas con cuentas
"Soy madre soltera de dos hijas y debido a las dificultades que he enfrentado como madre soltera, he hecho todo lo posible para mantener a mis hijas a través del pequeño comercio y la enseñanza".
"Crecer en Abiriw fue agradable y emocionante. Era en gran medida una vida comunal, y todos los años en septiembre celebramos el Odwira festival... read more
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