Earrings Soapstone

16 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

Soapstone and bauxite dangle earrings, 'Thanks for Helping'

Seachelle

Mar 14, 2021

A bit of BoHo

Love the "natural" feel of these! The go with all my casual wear, both jeans & dresses. I got them too because of the brass hoops - a nice change from my usual silver.

Soapstone and glass dangle earrings, 'Akan Tradition'

Ann

Apr 24, 2018

Lovely earrings.

Very pretty, subtle earrings. Quietly elegant, soft palette. I receive many compliments when I wear these earrings.

Eco Friendly Dangle Earrings

Soapstone and agate beaded earrings, 'Oboafo Ye Na'

Patricia

Jul 15, 2020

Unique , very artistic

I love the combination of colors and shapes. I have lots of earrings but none like these which get many compliments for their uniqueness. The craftsmanship is excellent.

Large

Purple

Featured Artist

Rachel Armah Beaded jewelry

(45)

"I am a single mother of two daughters and due to the hardships I have faced as a single mother, I have done all I can to support my girls through petty trading and teaching."

"Growing up in Abiriw was enjoyable and exciting. It was very much a communal life, and every year in September we celebrated the Odwira festival... read more