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.

Earrings Bird at NOVICA United Kingdom

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Mythical Bird' - Mythical Bird Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Mythical Bird, Mythical Bird Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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(792)

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Nighttime Doves' - Sterling Silver Dove Dangle Earrings from Peru

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Nighttime Doves, Sterling Silver Dove Dangle Earrings from Peru

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(228)

£71.57 Wholesale

£71.57

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Graceful Herons' - Sterling Silver Heron Bird Button Earrings from Mexico

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Graceful Herons, Sterling Silver Heron Bird Button Earrings from Mexico

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(262)

£33.79 Wholesale

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Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Kingfisher' - Sterling Silver Kingfisher Feathered Bird Half-Hoop Earrings

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Kingfisher, Sterling Silver Kingfisher Feathered Bird Half-Hoop Earrings

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(2218)

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Sterling silver chandelier earrings, 'My Paradise' - Traditional Taxco Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings

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My Paradise, Traditional Taxco Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings

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(132)

£249.54 Wholesale

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Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Petite Bird' - Artisan Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Bird Earrings Thailand

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Petite Bird, Artisan Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Bird Earrings Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£30.81 Wholesale

£30.81

Flirty Birds, Sterling Silver Bird Earrings with Amber Droplets

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(92)

£80.52 Wholesale

£80.52

Garnet and bone dangle earrings, 'Owl Protector' - Garnet and Bone Owl Themed Dangle Earrings

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Owl Protector, Garnet and Bone Owl Themed Dangle Earrings

Made Wardika

(1081)

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Hand-painted marble dangle earrings, 'Hummingbird Flower' - Flower-Shaped Marble Hummingbird Earrings

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Hummingbird Flower, Flower-Shaped Marble Hummingbird Earrings

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(9)

£44.73 Wholesale

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Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Love on the Wing' - Heart Shaped Silver Hoop Earrings with Birds and Flowers

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Love on the Wing, Heart Shaped Silver Hoop Earrings with Birds and Flowers

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(186)

£71.57 Wholesale

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Earrings, 'White Heron' - Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Bird Earrings

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White Heron, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Bird Earrings

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(186)

£129.24 Wholesale

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Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Purity of Love' - Flower and Bird-Themed Cultured Pearl Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Purity of Love, Flower and Bird-Themed Cultured Pearl Earrings from Mexico

Mazahua Family

(39)

£97.42 Wholesale

£97.42

Dove Couple, Garnet and Bone Dove Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(1081)

£35.78 Wholesale

£35.78

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Thai Peacock' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

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Thai Peacock, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Jantana

(710)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Sterling silver statement earrings, 'Elysium Aura' - Bird and Floral-Themed Sterling Silver Statement Earrings

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Elysium Aura, Bird and Floral-Themed Sterling Silver Statement Earrings

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(132)

£317.14 Wholesale

£317.14

Peridot dangle earrings, 'Green Eagle' - Peridot Eagle-Motif Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Green Eagle, Peridot Eagle-Motif Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(2218)

£57.65 Wholesale

£57.65

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Moonlight Dove' - Mexico Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings with Aztec Bird

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Moonlight Dove, Mexico Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings with Aztec Bird

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

£62.62 Wholesale

£62.62

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Chiang Mai Owl' - Sterling Silver Perched Owl Dangle Earrings from Thailand

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Chiang Mai Owl, Sterling Silver Perched Owl Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Aoy

(932)

£35.78 Wholesale

£35.78

Turquoise waterfall earrings, 'Bird Fantasy' - Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird-Themed Waterfall Earrings

Bestseller

Bird Fantasy, Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird-Themed Waterfall Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£213.74 Wholesale

£213.74

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Night Vision' - Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from India

Bestseller

Night Vision, Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from India

Bhavya Jain

(422)

£33.79 Wholesale

£33.79

Turquoise dangle earrings, 'Love Doves' - Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

Bestseller

Love Doves, Mexico Antique Style Sterling Silver and Turquoise Earrings

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(123)

£213.74 Wholesale

£213.74

Paloma, Surreal Sterling Silver Earrings Artisan Crafted Jewellery

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

£132.22 Wholesale

£132.22

Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Rainbow Hummingbirds' - Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

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Rainbow Hummingbirds, Gemstone Combo Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

£71.57 Wholesale

£71.57

Hummingbird Joy, 950 Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Cristian Davila

(27)

£66.60 Wholesale

£66.60

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Owl at Midnight' - Unique Bird Theme Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Owl at Midnight, Unique Bird Theme Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings

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(30)

£80.52 Wholesale

£80.52

Sterling silver chandelier earrings, 'Mazahua Treasure' - Heart Motif Chandelier Earrings

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Mazahua Treasure, Heart Motif Chandelier Earrings

Mazahua Family

(39)

£138.18 Wholesale

£138.18

Catrina Splendor, Taxco 925 Silver Day of the Dead Catrina Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£222.69 Wholesale

£222.69

Bone and amethyst dangle earrings, 'Fascinating Feathers' - Feather-Shaped Bone and Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Fascinating Feathers, Feather-Shaped Bone and Amethyst Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(249)

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£24.85

Onyx dangle earrings, 'Nature's Freedom' - Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Nature's Freedom, Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(333)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Sterling silver hoop earrings, 'Silver Dove' - Handmade Sterling Silver Bird Earrings

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Silver Dove, Handmade Sterling Silver Bird Earrings

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(1675)

£78.53 Wholesale

£78.53

Andean Birds, Mate Gourd Oxidized 950 Silver Bird Themed Dangle Earrings

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(15)

£66.60 Wholesale

£66.60

Calavera Hummingbird, Artisan Crafted Skull Earrings

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(9)

£44.73 Wholesale

£44.73

Bone and cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Stunning Feathers' - Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

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Stunning Feathers, Bone and Cultured Pearl Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

£20.87 Wholesale

£20.87

Hope Mazahua, Natural Turquoise Chandelier Earrings Handcrafted in Mexico

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(39)

£176.96 Wholesale

£176.96

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Dancing Owl' - Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Dancing Wise Owl, Sterling Silver Owl Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Far Fetched Jewelry

(39)

£18.95 Wholesale

~~£22.86~~ £18.95

Graceful Peacock, Multi-gemstone Gold Accented Silver Peacock Earrings

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(693)

£114.32 Wholesale

£114.32

Cockatoo Garden, Onyx and Sterling Silver Cockatoo Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Eden Birds, Bird Pattern Taxco Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

£169 Wholesale

£169

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Hummingbird Harmony' - Sterling Silver Hummingbird Stud Earrings from Peru

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Hummingbird Harmony, Sterling Silver Hummingbird Stud Earrings from Peru

Quipac

(23)

£26.83 Wholesale

£26.83

Paisley Peacock, Sterling Silver and Garnet Chandelier Earrings from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£97.42 Wholesale

£97.42

Hummingbird Gift in Blue, Blue Topaz Hummingbird Dangle Earrings

Kadek Wijanegara

(337)

£53.68 Wholesale

£53.68

Dewdrops, Pearl Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£35.78 Wholesale

£35.78

Onyx dangle earrings, 'Avian Curiosity' - Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Avian Curiosity, Onyx and 925 Silver Bird-Themed Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Hummingbird Treasure, Silver Hummingbird Earrings with Rhodochrosite Roses

Flora Maria

(92)

£84.50 Wholesale

£84.50

Loyalty Owl, Owl Dangle Earrings with Cultured Pearls and Blue Topaz Gems

Buana

(2373)

£53.68 Wholesale

£53.68

Peacock Delight, Sterling Silver Peacock Dangle Earrings from India

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

£24.12 Wholesale

~~£26.83~~ £24.12

Turquoise chandelier earrings, 'Bird Heart in Green' - Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird & Heart Chandelier Earrings

Bestseller

Bird Heart in Green, Taxco 925 Silver Turquoise Bird & Heart Chandelier Earrings

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(132)

£230.65 Wholesale

£230.65

Garden Peacocks, Sterling Silver Peacock Dangle Earrings

Dewi Putera

(350)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Blue Peacock Queen, Sterling Silver and Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings with Peacocks

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(1458)

£53.68 Wholesale

£53.68

Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Fire Owl' - Handcrafted Indian Sterling Silver and Carnelian Earrings

Bestseller

Fire Owl, Handcrafted Indian Sterling Silver and Carnelian Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£71.59 Wholesale

~~£80.52~~ £71.59

Nature's Freedom, Carnelian and Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings

Rupadana

(333)

£39.41 Wholesale

~~£44.73~~ £39.41

Petite Sparrows, Relief Sparrow-Themed Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

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(13)

£42.74 Wholesale

£42.74

Amethyst dangle earrings, 'Vibrating Flight' - Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Vibrating Flight, Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Flora Maria

(92)

£62.62 Wholesale

£62.62

My Peaceful Heart, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Bird and Heart Motifs

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

£26.83 Wholesale

£26.83

Hummingbird Delight, Sterling Silver Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

£30.81 Wholesale

£30.81

Hand-carved dangle earrings, 'Angelical Owl' - Hand-Carved Owl Dangle Earrings with Silver Hooks from Bali

Bestseller

Angelical Owl, Hand-Carved Owl Dangle Earrings with Silver Hooks from Bali

Made Wardika

(1081)

£30.81 Wholesale

£30.81

Hummingbird Green, Green Quartz Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Cristian Davila

(27)

£84.50 Wholesale

£84.50

Peaceful Doves, Unique Animal Themed Vintage Style Silver Bird Hoop Earrings

Gianluca Anzani

(262)

£111.34 Wholesale

£111.34

Perky Owl, Artisan Crafted Silver Owl Earrings

Jantana

(710)

£33.79 Wholesale

£33.79

Azure Hummingbirds, Lapis Lazuli and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

£53.68 Wholesale

£53.68

Ceramic dangle earrings, 'Chromatic Toucan' - Hand-Painted Toucan-Shaped Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Chromatic Toucan, Hand-Painted Toucan-Shaped Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Ritu Thapar

(133)

£20.87 Wholesale

£20.87

Peacock Garden, Sterling Silver Peacock Hoop Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£62.62 Wholesale

£62.62

Joyful Birds, Hand Made Round Ceramic Dangle Earrings from India

Ritu Thapar

(133)

£20.87 Wholesale

£20.87

Sage's Loyalty, Owl Dangle Earrings with Pearls and 3-Carat Blue Topaz Gems

Buana

(2373)

£71.57 Wholesale

£71.57

Light and Peace, Sterling Silver Flower Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Mazahua Family

(39)

£97.42 Wholesale

£97.42

Golden Wren, Amber Bird Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Jacqueline and Eddy

(20)

£66.60 Wholesale

£66.60

Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Royal Owls' - Lapis Lazuli Owl Dangle Earrings from India

Bestseller

Royal Owls, Lapis Lazuli Owl Dangle Earrings from India

Narayannii

(693)

£51.69 Wholesale

£51.69

Kiss of Peace, Doves Kiss on Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

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(262)

£114.32 Wholesale

£114.32

Peace and Hope, Sterling Silver Doves and Stars Earrings

Jantana

(710)

£53.68 Wholesale

£53.68

Azure Hummingbird, Chrysocolla and Onyx Hummingbird Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bertha Vera

(30)

£62.62 Wholesale

£62.62

Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, 'Serenity Dove' - Floral Dove Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Lapis lazuli dangle earrings, Floral Dove Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings from Mexico

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£57.65

Purple Inca Sparrow, Sterling Silver Handcrafted Purple Fluorite Bird Earrings

Teodoro Melendez and Family

(135)

£44.73 Wholesale

£44.73

Arcadia Bird, Bird-Themed Hand-Painted Yellow Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Ritu Thapar

(133)

£20.87 Wholesale

£20.87

Calm and Compassion, Sterling Silver and Turquoise Accent Dove Drop Earrings

Maria Belen Nilson

(123)

£80.52 Wholesale

£80.52

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Little Birds' - Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bird Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Little Birds, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bird Stud Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£20.87 Wholesale

£20.87

Gold-accented howlite button earrings, 'Harmonious Faith' - 14k Gold-Accented Hummingbird Cross Button Earrings

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Harmonious Faith, 14k Gold-Accented Hummingbird Cross Button Earrings

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(9)

£26.83 Wholesale

£26.83

Twittering Trio, Thai Artisan Handcrafted Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Lalana

(549)

£26.83 Wholesale

£26.83

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Cantu and Hummingbirds' - Silver Cantu Flower and Hummingbird Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Cantu and Hummingbirds, Silver Cantu Flower and Hummingbird Earrings from Peru

Quipac

(23)

£97.42 Wholesale

£97.42

Carnelian dangle earrings, 'Avian Curiosity' - Carnelian and 925 Silver Bird Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Avian Curiosity, Carnelian and 925 Silver Bird Dangle Earrings from Bali

Rupadana

(333)

£39.41 Wholesale

~~£44.73~~ £39.41

Bali Peacocks, Sterling Silver Peacock Dangle Earrings from Bali

Wayan Asmana

(910)

£48.71 Wholesale

£48.71

Fallen Feathers, Sterling Silver Feather Dangle Earrings from Bali

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(517)

£44.73 Wholesale

£44.73

Peacock Style, Peacock Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

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(333)

£44.73 Wholesale

£44.73

Heaven's Romance, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Heart and Dove Motifs

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(14)

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£97.42

Hummingbirds of the Andes, Floral and Bird-Themed Sterling Silver Earrings from Peru

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£60.64

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