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Earrings

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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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Pearl and amethyst cluster earrings, 'Jungle Orchid'

Jane C.

Jan 4, 2020

My Favorite Color

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I just received these earrings today and am in love with them. My favorite color is purple and the amethyst nuggets and dyed pearls are gorgeous together. They are beautifully made and I will wear them often!

Earrings Fair Trade

Pretty Vacation Jewlery

Beaded Jewellery

Dangle Jewellery

Cluster Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Pearl Jewellery

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Cultured pearl and blue topaz floral earrings, 'Frangipani Trio'

Kathie

Jun 24, 2019

Big and beautiful!

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These earrings are spectacular! Don't expect something small, since they are large and the wires are thick. They are a statement and the stones are stunning.

Beautiful Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings

Beautiful Earrings

Delicate Earrings

Distinctive Jewelry

Frangipani Earrings

Indonesian Earrings!!

Jewelry For Dresses

Lovely Earrings

Lovely Earrings

Mom To Be Gifts!

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Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Silver Butterfly'

Liliana

Aug 29, 2017

Espectaculares

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Vi estos aretes maravillosos y supe que tenÃa que tenerlos, realmente hermosos, las fotos no logran exponer cuÃ¡n bellos son estos aretes, realmente fantÃ¡sticos, adoro los diseÃ±os de Desi, gracias por tu hermoso trabajo

Clean Drop Earrings

Creative Butterfly Earrings

Earrings That Go With Everything

Monarch Butterfly Earrings

Nice Polished Earrings

Organic Butterfly Earrings

Silver Airy Butterflies!

Featured Artist

Wadarat Supasirisuk

Wadarat Supasirisuk Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(1658)

"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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