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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - 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.

Featured Reviews

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Peridot dangle earrings, 'Green Eagle'

Dane

Jan 9, 2025

Mom loved it

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Bought these earrings as a Christmas gift for my mother and she wore them all day and said they were so lightweight that it put no strain on her ears. They were beautiful in person and definitely something to buy a loved one

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Animal Themed Jewellery

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Amethyst and pearl dangle earrings, 'Twilight Glow'

Cynthia

Sep 27, 2018

Perfect Purple Earrings

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Love these earrings! I was looking for amethyst earrings to wear with a beaded necklace I bought from another Novica designer, and "Twilight Glow" fit the bill. The pristine gemstones shine in their intricate silver setting. Beautiful in every way! Thank you, Shanker!

Dangle Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

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PEARL Freshwater Jewellery

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PEARL Cultured Jewellery

Birthstone Jewellery

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Amethyst cluster earrings, 'Grapes of Love'

Susan

Oct 3, 2016

Really Nice Earrings!

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I was worried that the amethysts would not be as dark as the pictures on the website. They are just as dark and really nice stones. I love these earrings and have been wearing them a lot since I received them. I would definitely buy from Shaker again.

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Featured Artist

Nyoman Rena Sterling silver jewelry

(2218)

"I give thanks to God because, after having children, there was somehow always extra income to be found. I expect that my children can continue this workshop someday. "

Latest Update"After learning to craft silver jewelry, I borrowed capital from my parents to start my own workshop. Things weren't as easy as I... read more

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