Earrings Silk

28 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

Carnelian and quartz dangle earrings, 'Bright Garden'

Karen

Sep 2, 2023

Bright and cheerful!

I love these earrings. They are bright, happy, and beautifully crafted. I have never gotten so many compliments on a pair of earrings. They have just the right amount of sparkle to be feminine without being overdone for everyday wear. I have bought several pairs of earrings from this artist, and they are all among my very favorites.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Rose quartz and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Magenta Balloon'

Diana

Nov 18, 2021

Gorgeous Earrings!

I purchased these earrings once before and, when I realized I had damaged one of the earrings, I just had to replace it because I love wearing them! The colors and stones are exquisite and go nicely with many of my outfits.

Dangle Jewellery

Beaded Jewellery

Silk Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

Pearl Jewellery

Rose Quartz Jewellery

PEARL Dyed Jewellery

PEARL Cultured Jewellery

Earrings

Jasper and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Exotic Cluster'

Susan

Oct 24, 2019

Delicate looking but strong

These were a gift for a young granddaughter and they were just right. The colors give her options and they look a bit elegant but not sophisticated.

Heavy

Large Earrings

March Jasper Jewelry For Her

Mom To Be Gifts!

Rainbow Cluster Earrings

Stone Cluster Earrings

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