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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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Rhodium-plated rainbow moonstone stud earrings, 'Oneiric Leaf'

Linda

Sep 10, 2025

Moonstone Earrings

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These earrings arrived today and they are beautiful! I have some dangle moonstone earrings and I wanted smaller ones to use since I have two piercings on each ear lobe. I feel these earrings will compliment the other earrings quite well. Thank you for your workmanship is beautiful.

Rhodium Plated Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Rainbow Moonstone Jewellery

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Sterling silver drop earrings, 'Nature's Enchantment'

Melanie

Apr 27, 2022

Beautiful earrings.

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These earrings are gorgeous and interesting with the layers of different metals, all beautifully finished and elegantly sized and arranged. Although they consist of multiple layers, they are not jangly and noisy when worn and are entirely work-appropriate. Very versatile and will coordinate with many styles.

Earrings For Women Fashion

Jewelry From Taxco

Mixed Copper Hammered Earrings!

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Copper Jewellery

Brass Jewellery

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Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Forest Treasure'

Melinda

Jun 22, 2018

Now a favourite

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Light and beautiful, the Forest Treasure are now a favourite pair of earrings. First time I wore them, everyone noticed and commented upon them.

Beautiful Earrings

Enchanting Jewelry!

Special Occasion Earrings

Stylish Earrings

Dangle Jewellery

Rhodium Plated Jewellery

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery

Leaf and Tree Jewellery

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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Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

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