Welcome to Novica's Handmade Earring Gallery. Discover unique gemstone earrings handcrafted by highly skilled artists. Browse by gemstone or by handcrafted earring style and read about the artists and the stories behind each treasure. Popular styles include chandelier and heart shaped designs in silver, pearl and amethyst.
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.
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.
I knew I liked brushed silver, how the light plays off the matte finish is a covert way, almost playing with the eye. And I appreciated the arrangement of the shapes of silver in the design. What delighted me was the unanticipated movement of the design! These earrings are beautiful, lightweight, with exquisite movement and light play. My new favorite! [the photos do not do justice to these beautiful earrings]
These earrings are lovely and very elegant. The artist has layered the black, white and pale pink colors in a manner that perfectly sets off my white hair.
I just received them and wore them to a brunch this past weekend. A designer friend gushed over how the colors perfectly set off my hair and black outfit.
I love these earrings...so pretty and very detailed intricate crafting. I have the pedant and this set is amazing!
Thanks again Novica for an A+ transaction!
"Now that our parents have retired, they have more time to visit us. They are so happy that we are carrying on their silver jewelry tradition!"
"My dream is to one day have a jewelry workshop and produce my own designs. My parents are jewelers and created made to order jewelry in our... read more
The Catalogue Collection
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.