Earrings

49 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

Cow bone drop earrings, 'Dangling Lombok'

Karen

Apr 25, 2020

Unique earrings

These always catch someone's eye & they ask. I collect masks so I had to have them! Very detailed and the perfect weight for the earlobe! Got the necklace to go with them. Super pleased & very cute!

Bohochic Dangle Earrings

Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Cute

Detalied Design

Exquisite Dangle Earrings

Gorgeous Dangle Earrings

Mom Dangle Earring

Navy

Playful Dangle Earrings

Simplicity

Sterling silver and horn dangle earrings, 'Black Dawn'

Nancy

Oct 31, 2017

bold, modern, edgy

These earrings were exactly for what I was searching! They are 'edgy', modern, and lightweight. Very striking. Well crafted.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Recycled paper dangle earrings, 'Berries'

Judy

Apr 24, 2018

Wonderful earrings - beautifully made

Thank you for these "delicious" earrings. I make my own paper bead jewelry, too. These earrings look so nice with one of my own necklaces. I know the work that goes into making these beads, so I do like to support the artisans who make them. I have had these several years, so there may be a review somewhere already. Pardon the duplication. Many of my reviews got lost.

African Inspired Jewelry

Eco Friendly Dangle Earrings

Wild!

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