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Earrings Star
101 items
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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.
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
Seema
Feb 1, 2017
I'm wearing them!
These earrings are beautiful to look at, light in weight and nicely crafted to just the right size for me. They arrived gently packed, each earring in its own little plastic bag so as not to get tangled. What a great idea! I am well-pleased.
Jackie
Feb 16, 2026
Awesome Stars!
I love these earrings! They go with all of my other garnet jewelry pieces I have. Very pretty and petite.
Lynda
Nov 8, 2020
bold, stunning yet casual
these can speak for themselves, stunning without screaming, or pair with a second set for a dressier look
Featured Artist
Wadarat Supasirisuk Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry
"I believe that opportunities are everywhere, that is, for those who can anticipate and make the risky decision to invest time and money."
"Sawadee kha! My name is Wadarat Supasirisuk and I was born in the southern province of Nakorn Sri Thamarat. I am married and we have two... read more
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