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.
Sandra Lorena Sajbin is a true artist! Her jewelry is beautiful, unique, and comfortable to wear! I own several of her pieces and am always on the lookout for her newest styles. Also, I?ve given several of her pieces as gifts. I love the way she shapes different shades of jade into all sorts of shapes?triangles, teardrops, hearts, rectangles, etc. Practically speaking, regarding these and many of her other earrings, I love that these are light weight and have hooks that close in the back. I rate this artist as a 10+ out of 10!
Elegant yet perfect for work or casual wear. Delighted that I bought both. I have a small, slightly squarish face with wide, flat cheek bones. I look better in small earrings but most styles are round, button or teeny. Such styles emphasize the roundness of my cheek bones. Finding contemporary earrings, not dated- not your grandma's big round earrings- such styles are a challenge to find. Add to this I have chubby earlobes. So quite often, the earrings will have short posts - putting in the earrings can be difficult. Artist Narayanni has created a contemporary style that is angled and de-emphasizes the width of may face, and posts that are well secured and can accommodate a chubby earlobe. They look beautiful! And I love the crystals (amethyst and moonstone for one; garnet and carnelian for the other.) Their energies further enhance mine. Thank you Narayanni and thank you Novica.
These black jade sterling earrings were absolutely perfect! They were not too long or big they are simply elegant!
My daughter loves them! They look beautiful and elegant on her! Thank you crafter! Nice job
In the design. Merry Christnas!
Cindy Monroe
"Actualmente trabajo con más de 100 familias, incluidos los orfebres Karen, que me ayudan a crear joyas artesanales".
"Mi nombre es Lalana Thawiaphiradimani y nací en el norte de Tailandia en una gran familia con diez hermanos y hermanas. Mi familia era pobre... read more
The Catálogo de verano
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.