Earrings

44 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

Recycled paper dangle earrings, 'Ring My Bell'

Janet

Aug 17, 2021

Sturdy earrings!

These are delightful little "bells". No ringer, but since they are on the ears, that is a plus! Very sturdy for paper.

Ghanaian Jewelry

Interesting Bell Earrings

Beaded Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Paper Jewellery

Recycled Plastic Jewellery

No Stone Jewellery

Eco-Friendly Jewellery

Jewellery

Brass hoop earrings, 'Modern Rays'

Denise

Jun 10, 2021

So lovely

These were larger than I expected, but that was my fault. But they're quite elegant, and show well against my hair. I love them!

Attention Earrings

Basket Earrings

Elegant Dinner Earrings

Horn drop earrings, 'Sea Melody'

ANN

Mar 21, 2017

sea melody

they are so simple,but are different and I like that they are made of horn-I have only worn them a few times ,but black will go with so many things

Light Weight Earrings

Drop Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Featured Artist

Pertiwi Collection Handcrafted jewelry with natural found objects and sterling silver

(112)

"Ibu Pertiwi is the Mother Nature of Indonesia… This unique collection of jewelry is inspired by travel, long lost cultures, and the desire to preserve Mother Nature's gifts."

Latest Update"I used the name of ‘Pertiwi Collection’ because Ibu Pertiwi is a national personification of Indonesia, the Mother Nature of... read more