Kazakh Earrings, Then and Now

Decoration has always been important in Kazakh tradition. The nomads of the steppe are known to have had master-smiths of silver and gold as far back as the 14th century, and engraving on metal is one of the most ancient of jewelers’ techniques. Women wore bracelets, earrings and necklaces of gold, silver, copper, bronze, coral, pearl and colored glass. 18th century women wore long earrings with pearls -- the longer the earring, the more valuable.

These original sterling silver earrings by Almaty silversmith Serzhan Bashirov combine the best of the old and new jewler’s arts, with a figure of a Kazakh woman in long traditional earrings engraved on a contemporary abstract form. It is the only pair like this in our store, available for $39.99. A matching pendant is also available.

Read more about traditional jewellery of Kazakhstan.