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Earrings
9,153 items-
£100.25£89.93
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
Kitty
Jun 24, 2016
Can wear with many outfits using pearl and amethys
I have never been one to wear drop earrings, but these are dainty and go with my pixie haircut. I have really short hair, and I love these earrings. Do you make bracelets and necklaces to go with them?
Perry
Mar 31, 2026
Beautiful!
Very well made and just as pretty as the picture! My only issue is that the box and packaging smelled so musty that I had to spray them down before I could give my wife the gift.
Lorraine
Nov 15, 2017
Seahorses are adorable!
Perfect size, comfortable to wear, and will be noticed being so cute! Well crafted design. Seahorses are one of my favorite ocean creatures, so these earrings will be worn frequently, especially during summer months.
Featured Artist
Alok Jain Sterling silver & gemstone jewelry
"My journey into handicrafts has been great, yet the highlight came in 1995, when the Sultan of Brunei placed an order for my designs!"
Latest Update“I joined Novica way back in 2002 when the company was just a couple of years old. I owe a lot to Novica. It has helped me shape my... read more
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