Earrings Handblown

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.

+ - What is the origin of handblown glass?

The art of glass blowing dates back to almost 50 BC when Syrian craftsmen invented the technique. Its popularity grew with the rise of the Roman Empire, taking it through Europe and then to parts of Asia and the Middle East. Soon after, the beauty and utility of blown glass made it widely known and desired around the world.The first glass made in North America was produced in Puebla, Mexico around 1535 by artisans from Spain. Handblown glass arrived in the Guadalajara area in 1820.Central Americas first blown glass factory opened in Guatemala in 1970. Its founders learned the art from local people, which made them valuable assets for two more factories that opened in 1972. Over the years, a small community of artisans from Quetzaltenango came together to create Cantel Blown Glass Artisans, a cooperative that works together with Novica to share these unique creations with the world.

Featured Reviews

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Fuchsia Tree'

JJMarin

Oct 11, 2024

Finely crafted but very 'Barbie' pink!

These are beautiful earrings that I bought for myself but will be giving to my young niece instead. Despite the clue in the name 'fuchsia tree," I did not expect these to be quite so hot pink. I guess my monitor color was muted a bit. They are really nicely made and not as fragile as one might expect. I'm sure my niece will be thrilled to receive them!

Dangle Jewellery

Glass Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Hand Painted Jewellery

Handblown Jewellery

Jewellery

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Foliage in Blue'

Sara

Nov 28, 2025

A beautiful gift

I bought these earrings as a gift and, while the recipient has not seen them yet, I personally find them gorgeous. I'm sure the person who receives them will be delighted.

Leaf and Tree Jewellery

Jewellery

Handblown glass dangle earrings, 'Green & Blue Berries'

Allison

Aug 27, 2024

So Fun!!

Each time I wear these earrings, I receive many compliments. I proudly tell admirerers that they came from Novica and made by Panapai.

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Hand Painted Jewellery

Jewellery

Featured Artist

Panapai Handblown glass figurines and jewelry

(35)

We are grateful for the journey we have undertaken, driven by our love for this art form.

"Hello! My name is Panapai, and I specialize in creating blown glass products, particularly in various animal shapes and earrings. My wife... read more