Earrings Silk

23 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

Quartz dangle earrings, 'Happy Bunch'

SHARON W.

Sep 28, 2017

Love these beautiful and festive earrings!

I love these earrings! I got a pair for my mother as a gift because she wears a lot of blue, and then I loved them so much that I ordered another pair for myself. LOVE!

Coloured Stone Earrings

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Silk Jewellery

Multigem Jewellery

PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

Earrings

Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Wistful Memory'

Lucinda

Sep 25, 2019

Perfect earrings with my favorite colors!

I couldn't be happier with these earrings! They are exactly as pictured and are the perfect splash of color for numerous outfits!

Holiday Jewelry

Iridescent Jewelry

Natural Stone Earrings

Beaded Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Silk Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Onyx and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Vivid Dream in Orange'

Lisa

Nov 1, 2020

Stunning earrings

These are my favorite earrings . They are stunning in person. They shimmer and sparkle. I wish they came in other colors

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

Featured Artist

Nareerat Hand crafted gemstone and pearl jewelry

(1853)

"To create my jewelry, I like to sit in the middle of the materials – colorful stones and pearls in many shapes. Nature is a reference for my designs."

Update (August 2021)"Working with you has made me realize that my inner passion is in creatively crafting jewelry. I enjoy creating new designs.... read more