Earrings Cross

53 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 cross earrings, 'To Each a Cross'

Nancy

Dec 27, 2020

Beautiful dainty earrings!

Love the Faith Statement and delicate design of these earrings. So very comfortable and just the right size!! Thank you for creating them.

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Amethyst cross earrings, 'Floral Cross'

Constance

May 1, 2023

Beautiful and unique cross earrings

These beautiful silver earrings depict an abstract Jesus on the cross. Even the cross is a unique design, showing a rugged shape, which is probably more real than a perfect cross shape. I love them! They're not too big, but not too small. The amethyst gems at the top also represent a regal king despite the circumstances of Jesus' horrific death, reminding us what came afterward!

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver button earrings, 'Sweeping Faith'

Kathleen

Apr 9, 2020

Perfect for Easter

Excellent silver-work. Love wearing these understated yet clear affirmation of faith. Great piece to offset other silver pieces purchased from Novica?s artisans

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Featured Artist

Yuniati Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(96)

"My designs are inspired by the shape of plants and animals, and most especially, by Balinese art and culture."

Yuniati is a Balinese woman who married a silversmith from Celuk, which is known for its legacy of gold and silver jewelry. Little by little, I... read more