Earrings - Supporting Artisans Enabling Education
(1,071 items)The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.
Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.
There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.
Featured Reviews on Earrings - Supporting Artisans Enabling Education
Cultured pearl and peridot beaded earrings, 'Citrus Party'
By Alexandra
Citrus Party earrings
These earrings are fun! They are colorful and playful! Easy to wear and they definitely get numerous compliments.
Blue topaz dangle earrings, 'Blue Peacock's Feather'
By Jacki
Gift for Niece
My 28 year old niece is not easy to buy for. I purchased these and built an outfit around them. Home run!!! The detail and design is beautiful as is the craftsmanship. The size is perfect allowing wear for fun, business, or more formal events. I would not hesitate to purchase from Sukartini again!
Lava stone dangle earrings, 'Bars of Midnight'
Absolutely gorgeous!
Wore them once, was inundated with compliments. Beautiful workmanship, and the shiny, lacy silver contrasted with the matte black lava is dynamite. The packaging was also lovely. These are my new favorites -- they go with everything.
Featured Artist
"To create my jewelry, I like to sit in the middle of the materials – colorful stones and pearls in many shapes. Nature is a reference for my designs."
Update (August 2021)"Working with you has made me realize that my inner passion is in creatively crafting jewelry. I enjoy creating new designs.... read more
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