Earrings
(14,981 items)Explore NOVICA's Earrings Collection. Discover unique designs, handcrafted by global artisans. From simple silver studs to beautifully embellished golden chandeliers, you will find traditional and contemporary styles designed to delight those seeking something different.
Handmade Earrings - Popular Categories
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 Earrings
Gold plated lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Follow the Dream'
By Frogger
Extremely Different
Love these and so nice to have something "different" in the gold jewelry. So many times gold is not fun and unique - it's usually more simple. I get many compliments on these and especially if I wear them to art fairs.
Bone dangle earrings, 'Sea Turtle Bond'
By Noel
Sea turtle earrings
Just received the earrings and I LOVE them! Perfect for summer here with an Anokhi tunic. Just ordered another pair for my daughter!
Pearl drop earrings, 'Moonlight Sand'
By LAURA
Featherweight beauties
These sterling silver beauties are so light I forget I have earrings on. They can be dressed up or down. The craftsmanship is meticulous, and the tiny pearl, or bead, in the center adds a focal point. They make the point all things in nature cyclical. I wear these earrings all the time. I absolutely love them!
Featured Artist
"To create my jewellery, I like to sit in the middle of the materials – colourful stones and pearls in many shapes. Nature is a reference for my designs."
"Working with you has made me realise that my inner passion is in creatively crafting jewellery. I enjoy creating new designs. I have great... read more
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