Peruvian Earrings
(921 items)The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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.
Featured Reviews on Peruvian Earrings
Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Cuzco Couple'
By EDGUBI
I dont usually buy depictions of people, but...
I have a pretty substantial collection of folk art, and at the time that I purchased these, I had only four items in my collection which arguably depicted people. I tend to much prefer animals, plants, and geometric forms. However I really like Quipacs earrings and his page is one I check almost every month to see if he has new work. When I saw these, these struck me not so much as people as representations of a culture and a costume displayed in a beautiful geometric pattern. They were also on sale at the time! I got them, and have them displayed on a jewelry tree I also got from Novica, where they are accompanied by bats from Indonesia and some other work by the same artist depicting a leaf and a flower.
Opal dangle earrings, 'Crescent Eyes'
By Gerri
Wonderful
I was a bit worried these would be too busy. However, when they arrived I was so excited. They are beautiful with clean lines. They are not overpowering at all......just right. Craftmanship is wonderful and the pink of the stone is delicate and lovely.
Silver filigree half-hoop earrings, 'Sparkling Crescents'
By Joyce
Wonderful special gift
The light dances around the outside edges of the earring while the sun highlights the high quality of the silver metal work. My sister was thrilled with her gift. She also enjoyed the picture of Peru that was enclosed with the earrings. Thank you Joyce McG
Featured Artist
"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)āI am Giuliana Valz Gen Rivera. If my friends and close family had to describe me, I am more than sure they would say that I am a... read more
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