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Earrings Leaf and Tree

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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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Garnet dangle earrings, 'Real Love'

CYN474851

Mar 1, 2017

Alok Jain makes balanced, masterful jewelry.

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I purchased Alok Jain's garnet and sterling striking and graceful earrings "Pure Love" to go with a garnet and sterling cross and was amazed at the exquistite detail and balance the set has ...Alok Jain is an example of the best of India's jewelers. I have several of his pieces and have never been disappointed in the artistry of his designs. It is clear he takes pride in his workmanship.

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Silver dangle earrings, 'Silver Trees'

Marina

Apr 13, 2023

Exquisite Earrings!

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I love these earrings! They look soooo elegant with my short haircut. Will be equally beautiful with long hair. The delicate cherry engraving make them look so special!

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf Chimes'

Shugyo

Jun 5, 2017

These are now my favorite earrings !!

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Beautiful, gleaming, elegant & very light. They sway gently & catch the light as you move. I am ordering a 2nd pair to give to my niece, who wants to take mine!

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Featured Artist

Jose Luis Pariona

Jose Luis Pariona Handcrafted sterling silver and gemstone jewellery

(55)

"After working with my uncle, I still hoped that one day I'd go back to crafting jewellery. I felt as though my heart was saying, 'Come on, Jose, you have to do this!'"

"I was born in 1981 in a small and beautiful village in the Junin department in Peru. It's a small but prosperous city where people work in... read more

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