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.
I cannot express how beautiful these earrings are, especially if you love Garnet. First, they are bigger than I expected and I'm so happy about that! The Garnets are gorgeous. They are all evenly matched and deep, deep claret in color. The gold really sets them off. The workmanship is perfect and the backs are well finished so you don't worry about them being seen. They can be worn when dressed up or in casual dress. You actually get more than what you see in the picture. For the price they are an great bargain. I am in love with these and want to thank the artisan who made them. I'll be wearing them almost every day.
I absolutely love my new black onyx earrings from Novica. They are beautiful, well made, and much more than I could have imagined. Thank you to the talented lady from India who made them!
These earrings are so attractive. I love the size and how they look on. They can be for dresser occasions or everyday. Beautiful, well worth the price. Made ver well!@
"In a way, my work deals with the richness of nature. My motivation comes from a desire to complement female beauty with my designs, which are infused with Peruvian artistry."
Update (June, 2019)"I am Giuliana Valz Gen Rivera. If my friends and close family had to describe me, I'm more than sure they'd say that I am a... read more
The Catalogue Collection
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.