Over $135.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!
Artisan Subscription Box
Passport Club
Member Zone
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Featured Sale
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Coming back
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Member Zone
Every purchase supports NOVICA's mission to spread happiness by celebrating exploration, empowering artists, and preserving global culture. Our Mission
Earrings
9,849 items
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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
Patricia
Jun 13, 2019
Very Pleased
These were a little smaller than I expected...I didn't read the measurements. However they are beautiful, and stand out just as well as a larger stone would have. Chalcedony tends to be an expensive stone, so I believe it was money well spent for these.
Serita
Jan 30, 2023
Elegant and Timeless
Absolutely in love the quality and workmanship of these earrings. The size is perfect since I have long hair I wanted something that would show up.
Robin
Oct 23, 2022
Beautiful design.
I love the patterns applied to these earrings and have worn them many times. It can be dressed up or down. Just sexy somehow! Love them!
Featured Artist
Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry
"Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."
The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine.
"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... read more
The Catalogue Collection
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.
SHOP THE CATALOGUE
