Can Non-Indigenous People Wear Indigenous Earrings?

Indigenous beadwork and jewelry—especially earrings—have been stealing the spotlight lately, and rightfully so. These stunning pieces, from bold geometric patterns to painstakingly tiny beads, carry stories, culture, and tradition that no Amazon listing can capture. The tricky part is when non-Indigenous folks spot these works of art and think, Ooh, those would go great with my burning man outfit. That’s not necessarily bad—but it comes with conditions. You have to approach it with respect, curiosity, and humility—the same way you might approach a horse you’ve never met, or my grandmother he’s had two tequila shots. But most importantly, the ability to confirm the earrings were actually made by Native artists. In other words, don’t just slap them on like you’re getting ready for a music festival and call it a day.

And before we all start accessorizing, it’s worth knowing what we’re actually wearing. Beadwork isn’t just “pretty beads” glued together by an Etsy mom—it’s a visual language with colors and patterns telling stories tied to specific nations and regions. Some designs are worn for ceremonies; others are everyday acts of resistance and survival—like if your jewelry could personally flip off colonialism. When you wear them, you’re not just accessorizing. You’re dangling history from your ears. Which is a lot of responsibility, though a very chic one

The safest bet is to buy directly from an Indigenous artist. That way you know the stories, the craftsmanship, and the payment all go to the right place. Or at least don’t buy them from the same place you can also buy beef jerky. Unless, of course, you enjoy apologizing for decades and awkward conversations at parties

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

One of the big concerns about non-Indigenous people wearing Indigenous jewelry is cultural appropriation. And not the fun kind of appropriation, like when you “borrow” your cousins sweater and then convince them it was yours all along. This is the serious kind—it’s when elements of a culture—especially a marginalized one—are taken by outsiders without permission, context, or respect. Cultural appropriation tends to reinforce harmful stereotypes, turn sacred traditions into cheap novelties, and make sure the people cashing in are the exact ones who shouldn’t be.

Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, is when you engage with a culture in a way that actually honors its history and people. It means you learn, you listen, you buy from the source, and absolutely resist the urge to say things like, “It’s giving tribal chic.” So no, wearing Indigenous earrings as a non-Indigenous person isn’t automatically appropriation. But the difference depends on who benefits, the context, and the intent. If you bought native earrings at Target to wear with your Coachella outfit and caption the photo “giving Pocahontas” , you’re definitely appropriating.

Why Supporting Indigenous Artists Actually Matters
If you’re going to parade around in Indigenous earrings, it absolutely matters where the money is going. Buying directly from Indigenous artists, brands, or co-ops isn’t just shopping — it’s basically casting a vote against cultural theft, minus the awkward “I Voted” sticker and the judgment from your housemate Veni who believes voting validates colonial systems.

Meanwhile, somewhere in a beige office park, a non-Indigenous company is churning out knockoff earrings with about as much cultural authenticity as a Taco Bell chalupa. I imagine their staff aggressively sippy foamy pumpkin spice lattes, proudly wearing the same earrings they just ripped off, congratulating themselves on being “inspired by natives” while updating their Instagram stories with #PocahantasChic. When you buy from the real deal, you’re not just snagging a pretty accessory—you’re helping keep traditions alive, supporting communities, and maybe even getting the backstory behind that dazzling bit of beadwork dangling from your ear. Plus, your conscience stays a lot cleaner.

If you’re lost, you can see the list below of Indigenous jewelry makers. Or just Google Indigenous-owned shops, or scroll social media until you find someone who actually says, “Yes, I’m Indigenous” and not “I’m spiritually connected to the vibe I got from a dreamcatcher I bought at a gas station once.

Wearing With Respect: Because Good Intentions Are Just the Start

Supporting Indigenous businesses is only half the battle. The other half is how you actually wear the dang things without looking like you missed the cultural memo. Here’s the lowdown on doing it right:

• Google is your friend. Find out who made those earrings and what the heck they actually mean. If the design is sacred or tied to ceremonies- and you aren’t native - skip wearing them.

• Don’t turn your earrings into a costume. No “Native-inspired” outfits, no festival fringe-fests, and please, for everyone’s sake, no themed parties where you look like you raided a clearance rack at “Cultural Appropriation, Inc.”

• Use your ears for more than earring support. If someone Indigenous offers you feedback, resist the urge to launch into your well-rehearsed defense about how you meant no harm. Just listen. Nod. Maybe even say, “Thanks for telling me.”Full disclosure: some Native folks might side-eye non-Natives wearing their cultural pieces—and honestly, that’s okay. It doesn’t automatically mean you’ve committed cultural appropriation; sometimes, people just have feelings.

• Compliments aren’t just for selfies. When someone gushes over your earrings, channel your inner tour guide: “Thanks! These beauties were handmade by an Indigenous artist from [nation/tribe].” Instant cool points and a mini history lesson, no degree required.

Bottom line: Are you wearing those earrings to genuinely honor the culture, or just because they look good with your outfit? Intent isn’t everything, but it definitely colors how you show up.

Conclusion

So, can non-Indigenous people wear Indigenous earrings? The short answer: yes—but only if you come with a bit of respect, a little homework (yes, homework), and a sincere nod to the artists who actually made those tiny masterpieces. These earrings aren’t just shiny distractions to spice up your brunch outfit; they carry stories, skill, and more spirit than your last yoga retreat. Wearing them responsibly means you’re not just aiming to look cute at brunch—you’re honoring the people behind the craft. So, do your homework, buy from the real deal, and wear those earrings like you actually care. Bottom line - don’t be a dick, people.

Featured Indigenous-Owned Brands & Artists to Support

Here are a few standout Indigenous creators and platforms offering earrings—perfect examples of designs you can wear respectfully and support directly:

• b.YELLOWTAIL – A collective and retailer featuring pieces by Indigenous designers—70% of proceeds go directly to the artists.

• Mother Sierra – Beaded earrings and medicine bags made by Huichol and Wixárika women using traditional methods, with fair wages honored.

• Warren Steven Scott – A Nlaka’pamux artist creating contemporary earrings in bold, cultural motifs using acrylic and sterling silver.

• Indi City – Jewelry by Two-Spirit creators Angel and Alex; modern-driven accessories blending traditional inspiration and political expression.

• Beyond Buckskin – A Turtle Mountain Chippewa collective offering diverse handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including earrings.

• Turquoise Village – A marketplace in Zuni Pueblo offering handmade earrings (turquoise, heishi, sterling silver) directly sourced from Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo artisans.

• Home & Away Gallery – Features earrings by renowned Native artists (e.g., Navajo, Zuni, Hopi) like geometric inlays and carved turquoise styles.

• Native Northwest – Offers designs from Native American and Canadian Indigenous artists like Coast Salish creators Simone Diamond and Joe Wilson‑Sxwaset.

• Antelope Woman Designs – Beaded picture-frame style earrings by Blackfeet and Cree beadwork artist Lenise Omeasoo—worn by Lily Gladstone on the Golden Globes red carpet.