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Earrings Grandparent Gifts

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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

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Labradorite drop earrings, 'Beautiful Aurora'

Meg

Feb 6, 2019

Lovely in every way!

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These earrings are exquisite! They are versatile (can be worn to dress up or down), beautiful (almost iridescent), and just the right size (aboutcan inch long). I love them!

Great For Evening And Special Occasions.

Love Tags Filled With Knowledge Of Purchase

Party Prom Earrings

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Bone dangle earrings, 'Happy Seahorses'

Dianna

Jan 24, 2020

My daughter will love these!

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These are absolutely lovely. They are cunningly colorful and cute. Excellently made and very wearable. Love them!!!

Gifts For Granddaughter

Iridescent Jewelry

Painted Earrings

Statement Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Amethyst Jewellery

PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

Pearl Jewellery

PEARL Cultured Jewellery

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Pearl dangle earrings, 'Jaipur Magic Moon'

LYNN

Jun 2, 2017

Just Beautiful

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My Mother just loved this set, earrings, and necklace. They are perfect. And excellent craftsman ship!

Daily Wear Jewelry

Earrings For Dresses

Large Party Attire

Party Wear Earrings

Pearl Hanging Earrings

Perfect Pearls!

Polished Earrings

Real Pearl Jewelry

Featured Artist

Danai Jewelry featuring natural flowers

(349)

"For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

"My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton... read more

The Holiday Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

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