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 Leaf and Tree at NOVICA United Kingdom

Multi-gemstone dangle earrings, 'Energy Tree' - Multi-Gemstone Chakra Tree Dangle Earrings from India

Bestseller

Energy Tree, Multi-Gemstone Chakra Tree Dangle Earrings from India

Chintan

(321)

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Gold-plated cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Bearing Fruit' - Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Bearing Fruit, Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Lalana

(549)

£71.73 Wholesale

£71.73

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Bamboo Chain' - Bamboo Look Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Bamboo Chain, Bamboo Look Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

£94.65 Wholesale

£94.65

Agate dangle earrings, 'Vine' - Leaf Motif Agate Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Vine, Leaf Motif Agate Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Diana Solis

(50)

£52.80 Wholesale

£52.80

Petite Leaves, Leaf Stud Earrings Crafted of Sterling Silver and Marcasite

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Furling Fern' - Fernlike Sterling Silver Drop Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Furling Fern, Fernlike Sterling Silver Drop Earrings from Bali

Ketut Adimasta

(1)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Gold plated chalcedony dangle earrings, 'Garden Glory' - Handmade 22k Gold Plated Chalcedony Dangle Earrings

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Garden Glory, Handmade 22k Gold Plated Chalcedony Dangle Earrings

Vivek Nathany

(171)

£49.81 Wholesale

£49.81

Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Phantom Leaves' - Collectible Taxco Silver Jewellery Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Phantom Leaves, Collectible Taxco Silver Jewellery Drop Earrings

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Leafy Radiance, Carnelian and Garnet Leaf Dangle Earrings from India

Babun Dey

(715)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Gold plated sterling silver and copper drop earrings, 'Nature's Enchantment' - Mexican 925 Sterling Silver Gold & Copper Earrings

Bestseller

Nature's Enchantment, Mexican 925 Sterling Silver Gold & Copper Earrings

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

£61.77 Wholesale

£61.77

Bestseller

Moonlit Avatar, Handcrafted Rainbow Moonstone and Sterling Silver Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£58.78 Wholesale

£58.78

Olive Leaves, Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver Button Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£25.90 Wholesale

£25.90

Gold-accented drop earrings, 'Golden Wilderness' - Leafy 18k Gold-Accented Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Bestseller

Golden Wilderness, Leafy 18k Gold-Accented Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Lalana

(549)

£49.81 Wholesale

£49.81

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Petal Essence in Aqua' - Aqua Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Petal Essence in Aqua, Aqua Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Charming Shields' - Balinese Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Floral Motif

Bestseller

Charming Shields, Balinese Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Floral Motif

Wayan Lasti

(106)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Sterling silver filigree dangle earrings, 'Spiraling Veins' - Sterling Silver Filigree Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Spiraling Veins, Sterling Silver Filigree Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£40.84 Wholesale

£40.84

Rhodium-plated rainbow moonstone stud earrings, 'Oneiric Leaf' - Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

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Oneiric Leaf, Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£49.81 Wholesale

£49.81

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Leaf Drops in Aqua' - Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Bestseller

Leaf Drops in Aqua, Drop-Shaped Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Aqua from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Hydrangea leaf dangle earrings, 'Blue Eden' - Sterling Silver and Natural Leaf Earrings in Blue from Peru

Bestseller

Blue Eden, Sterling Silver and Natural Leaf Earrings in Blue from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Multi-gemstone half-hoop earrings, 'Bamboo Glitter' - Gold Accent Multi-Gemstone Bamboo Half-Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Bamboo Glitter, Gold Accent Multi-Gemstone Bamboo Half-Hoop Earrings

Kadek Hendra

(693)

£112.58 Wholesale

£112.58

Sterling silver stud earrings, 'Branches Above' - Sterling Silver Tree-Shaped Stud Earrings from Thailand

Bestseller

Branches Above, Sterling Silver Tree-Shaped Stud Earrings from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£25.90 Wholesale

£25.90

Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'White Forest' - Indonesian Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

White Forest, Indonesian Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Atlantis Leaves, Sterling Silver and Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£49.81 Wholesale

£49.81

Hope Vines, Sterling Silver Leafy Hope Vine Dangle Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Celtic Tree' - Celtic Style Tree Earrings Handmade in Sterling Silver

Bestseller

Celtic Tree, Celtic Style Tree Earrings Handmade in Sterling Silver

Pichaya

(1256)

£31.87 Wholesale

£31.87

Silver flower earrings, 'Cherry Tree' - Artisan Crafted Taxco Silver Hook Earrings from Mexico

Bestseller

Cherry Tree, Artisan Crafted Taxco Silver Hook Earrings from Mexico

Alon Diller

(455)

£89.66 Wholesale

£89.66

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Petal Essence in Blue' - Blue Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Petal Essence in Blue, Blue Hydrangea Leaf Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Clover Hearts, Heart-Shaped Natural Clover Dangle Earrings from Mexico

Emerson Zarate

(34)

£34.86 Wholesale

£34.86

Pure Love, 2 Carat Garnet and Sterling Silver Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Afternoon Bat' - Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Bestseller

Afternoon Bat, Garnet & Sterling Silver Bat Dangle Earrings from Bali

Ayu Ary

(249)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Tree Bells, Tree-Themed Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings from Bali

Ari Gunawan

(246)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Stunning Nature in Jade' - Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

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Stunning Nature in Jade, Natural Leaf Dangle Earrings in Jade from Thailand

Danai

(358)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Garnet dangle earrings, 'Crimson Passion' - Handcrafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Crimson Passion, Handcrafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£85.68 Wholesale

£85.68

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Heaven's Bouquet' - Sterling Silver Floral and Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Heaven's Bouquet, Sterling Silver Floral and Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Alfredo Inga

(186)

£80.70 Wholesale

£80.70

Bountiful Garden, Nature-Themed Onyx Half-Hoop Earrings

Dewi Putera

(350)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Sterling silver half -hoop earrings, 'Rice Garland' - Sterling Silver Rice Stalk Half-Hoop Earrings

Bestseller

Rice Garland, Sterling Silver Rice Stalk Half-Hoop Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£40.84 Wholesale

£40.84

Maya Leaf, Carved Jade Leaf Earrings

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

£50.14 Wholesale

~~£62.76~~ £50.14

Tiny Sages, Hand-Painted Elephant-Themed Ceramic Dangle Earrings

Ritu Thapar

(133)

£21.91 Wholesale

£21.91

Pumpkin shell dangle earrings, 'Enchanted Copse' - Leafy Sterling Silver and Pumpkin Shell Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Enchanted Copse, Leafy Sterling Silver and Pumpkin Shell Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Anahuac Trees, Amber Disk Earrings with Tree Motif on Sterling Silver Hooks

Del Toro Family

(21)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Voluptuous Leaf' - Ornate Leaf Theme Balinese Sterling Silver Artisan Earrings

Bestseller

Voluptuous Leaf, Ornate Leaf Theme Balinese Sterling Silver Artisan Earrings

Komang Suastra

(619)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Fern Flair, Sterling Silver Fern Leaf Dangle Earrings from Thailand

Jantana

(710)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

New Luck, Clover-Themed Round Natural Green Agate Dangle Earrings

Nancy Quispe

(23)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf Chimes' - Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Leaf Chimes, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Wadarat Supasirisuk

(1675)

£40.84 Wholesale

£40.84

Tears from Nature, Drop-Shaped Leafy Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Roy Nilson

(132)

£179.34 Wholesale

£179.34

Orchid Essence, Polished Nature-Themed 18k Gold-Plated Drop Earrings

Komang Budiarta

(22)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Tropical Tree, Garnet and Sterling Silver Tree of Life Earrings

Budiharta

(84)

£70.73 Wholesale

£70.73

Bestseller

Ocean Avatar, Fair Trade Lapis Lazuli Handcrafted Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£52.37 Wholesale

~~£58.78~~ £52.37

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Spring Green Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Spring Green Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Green Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£52.80 Wholesale

£52.80

Cultured pearl dangle earrings, 'Blue Gala' - Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Blue Cultured Pearls

Bestseller

Blue Gala, Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Blue Cultured Pearls

Dewi Putera

(350)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Shadow Leaves, Double Shadow Leaves Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Earrings

Withaya Cheunjit

(77)

£42.97 Wholesale

~~£53.79~~ £42.97

Silver Olives, Sterling Silver Half-Hoop Olive Earrings Crafted in Thailand

Lalana

(549)

£70.73 Wholesale

£70.73

Leaves of Bamboo in White, Cultured Pearl and Sterling Silver Button Earrings

Kadek Wijanegara

(337)

£58.78 Wholesale

£58.78

Morning Garden, Amethyst Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Indonesia

Wirabhuwana

(433)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Glowing Green, Glossy Green Earrings with Onyx and Chalcedony from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£89.66 Wholesale

£89.66

Gold-accented dangle earrings, 'Natural Law' - Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motif

Bestseller

Natural Law, Gold-Accented Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motif

Lalana

(549)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Leaves in Pink, 925 Silver and Rhodonite Leaf Double-Sided Stud Earrings

Ana Cristina Llapa

(51)

£70.73 Wholesale

£70.73

Verdure Victory, Polished Leafy Ginkgo-Shaped 18k Gold-Plated Dangle Earrings

Teresa Gonzalez

(11)

£175.35 Wholesale

£175.35

Spiritual Leaves, Sterling Silver Filigree Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Paola Siza

(52)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Nest of Lilies, Unique Pearl and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Buana

(2373)

£61.77 Wholesale

£61.77

Heart of Frangipani, Sterling Silver Heart Dangle Earrings with Frangipani Motifs

Ari Gunawan

(246)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

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

Roy Nilson

(132)

£233.14 Wholesale

£233.14

Gold-plated dangle earrings, 'Blue Desert' - Cactus-Themed Gold Plated Earrings

Bestseller

Blue Desert, Cactus-Themed Gold Plated Earrings

Alejandra Aceves

(48)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Leafy Chasm, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Ajay Patil

(12)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Forest Treasure, Sterling Silver and Green Onyx Fair Trade Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Dazzling Dew, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Earring Floral Jewelr

Alok Jain

(1879)

£143.47 Wholesale

£143.47

Wooden Slice, Modern Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Wood Details

Wayan Trisna

(6)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Tropical Taste, Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings with Leaf Motif

Lalana

(549)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Fiery Avatar, Fair Trade Sterling Silver Carnelian Earrings

Neeru Goel

(2379)

£58.78 Wholesale

£58.78

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Red Hydrangea' - Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Bestseller

Red Hydrangea, Sterling Silver and Red Leaf Dangle Earrings from Peru

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Peacock Leaves, Sterling Silver Leafy Dangle Earrings with Peacock Pearls

Patricia Jara

(124)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Forest Style, Leaf-Shaped Onyx Dangle Earrings from India

Shubhra Singh

(205)

£52.80 Wholesale

£52.80

Sterling silver and natural leaf dangle earrings, 'Nature's Gem in Blue' - Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Bestseller

Nature's Gem in Blue, Blue Hydrangea Leaf Earrings

Jose Luis Pariona

(55)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Mexican Fall, Taxco Sterling Silver Half Hoop Earrings with Leaf Motif

Oscar Figueroa Escorcia

(704)

£58.78 Wholesale

£58.78

Leaf Silhouette, Handmade Leaf Earrings in Sterling Silver from Bali

Lalana

(549)

£53.79 Wholesale

£53.79

Gleaming Stars, Sterling Silver Star-Motif Drop Earrings

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£40.84 Wholesale

£40.84

Blissful Vine in Blue, Sterling Silver Blue Chalcedony Vine Dangle Earrings

Alok Jain

(1879)

£62.76 Wholesale

£62.76

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf Cluster' - Handmade Thai Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Bestseller

Leaf Cluster, Handmade Thai Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Pichaya

(1256)

£35.86 Wholesale

£35.86

Willow Leaf, Leaf Earrings Handcrafted of Sterling Silver in Bali

Desi Antari

(583)

£40.84 Wholesale

£40.84

Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Enchanted Circle' - Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Bestseller

Enchanted Circle, Round Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings with Leaf Motifs

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

£44.83 Wholesale

£44.83

Parrot Song, Garnet and Peridot Parrot Dangle Earrings from India

Chintan

(321)

£52.80 Wholesale

£52.80

Gleaming Paddy, Handmade Onyx and Sterling Silver Earrings from Indonesia

Wayan Asmana

(910)

£80.70 Wholesale

£80.70

Dark Green Clover, Jade dangle earrings

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

£28.65 Wholesale

~~£35.86~~ £28.65

Tropical Cascade, Leaf Motif Sodalite Dangle Earrings

Juana Ramirez

(19)

£107.60 Wholesale

£107.60

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