How do I know if my necklace is handmade?

Handmade necklaces are incomparable works of wearable art. Each one is unique in shape, color, size and design. Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets. Handmade finishes may show variations in metal patterns. No two natural gemstones share the same characteristics. Each necklace holds its own individualistic sense of beauty, making it evident that it was crafted by hand. Some even bear the artisans signature.

What makes a necklace eco-friendly?

Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. In Thailand, Mexico and Bali, coconut shells are often used. Indian artists sometimes repurpose silk from saris. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs.

What are the classic techniques for making women’s necklaces?

Many artisans the world over work in lost wax. They sculpt the image they want in wax, encase it in a mold, and pour molten silver or gold into it. The wax melts and flows out, leaving only the precious metal. However some artisans in Peru specialize in handmade silver and gold filigree, and some Balinese necklaces feature chains that are handwoven from slender metal strands. Karen hill tribe artisans in Thailand often use manual tools to stamp decorative motifs on fine silver. Other techniques include macram, beaded or gemstone strands, hammered metals, and carved wood or bone.

What are the most common materials for making women’s necklaces?

Precious metals and natural gemstones are the most popular materials for women's necklaces. Silver, gold and brass all provide durability as well as beauty. Artisans also utilize local materials that can include coconut shells, bamboo, bright African print fabrics, ceramic beads, natural amber, carved bone and bull horn. Both Peru and Mexico have rich silver mines and silver is used for traditional jewelry as well as contemporary designs.

What is the best way to wear women’s necklaces?

Women's necklaces are versatile and come in many styles and lengths. They can be layered or worn alone as a statement piece. Many designs go with everything from jeans to office wear or an evening out on the town. The best thing about jewelry is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality.

What are the signs of a well-made necklace?

When assessing the workmanship of a necklace, its helpful to pay attention to certain characteristics. For example, quality necklaces are balanced designs that rest comfortably around the neck. Clasps are secure and work well, and gemstones and beads are properly set. The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials.

Are there specific cultural symbols used in womens necklaces?

Each culture celebrates its rich jewelry-making history through specific symbols and styles. For example, traditional West African beads, which adorn many necklaces from the region, each have a story and a specific occasion when they are worn. Others may feature the Ghanian adinkra symbols, which convey popular wisdom. In ancient Andean civilizations, the leaders apparel and jewelry showed their rank and also incorporated religious symbols. Similarly, necklaces from Bali often depict deities from the Hindu pantheon. In India, a womans jewelry is linked to her status in society and may depict Hindu gods as well as mantra symbols such as the omkara, the root of all sounds and the emblem of the Most High. Angel necklaces and harmony ball necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and in Mexico. The pendant makes a delicate bell sound, thought to soothe the mother and the baby she is carrying. Some believe it summons a guardian angel, thus making it a symbol of loving protection.

Dragon Necklaces at NOVICA

Bestseller

Barong Hero, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$259.99 Wholesale

$259.99
Bestseller

Blue Dragon, Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant Necklace with Blue Topaz Gem

Wayan Asmana

(910)

$114.99 Wholesale

$114.99
Spread Dragon, Combination-Finish Sterling Silver Dragon Necklace

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Snarling Dragon, Bone and Leather Dragon Pendant Necklace from Indonesia

Length: 12.25"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Lord of Dragons, Onyx and Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 19.75"

Rupadana

(333)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Bestseller

White Dragon Guardian, Hand Carved White Dragon Pendant & Leather Cord Necklace

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Dragon Om, Sterling Silver Dragon Om Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$114.99 Wholesale

$114.99
Dragon Realm, Dragon-Themed Black Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Maria and Gennadii

(3)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Dragon's Daughter, Hand Carved Dragon Theme Necklace in Leather and Bone

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Basuki in Flight, Handmade Dragon Motif Gold-Accent Blue Topaz Collar Necklace

Size: 16.5" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Sukartini

(570)

$574.99 Wholesale

$574.99
Dragon's Delight, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99
Dragon Splendor, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 17"

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$154.99 Wholesale

$154.99
Be Peace, Original World Peace Project Complex Symbolic Necklace

Mariana Llanes

(56)

$1644.99 Wholesale

$1644.99
Guard Dragon, Hand Carved Bone Pendant Necklace Dragon from Indonesia

Length: 13.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Chinese Zodiac Dragon, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Dragon Twist, Dragon-Themed Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Thorny Dragon, Bone and Leather Dragon Pendant Necklace from Indonesia

Length: 11.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Fearsome Dragon, Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$127.99 Wholesale

$127.99
Protective Dragon, Hand-Carved Bone Dragon Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.25"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Dragon Crescent, Dragon Crescent Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Dragon Reign, Classic Dragon-Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Ajay Patil

(12)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Round Glam, Opal and Sterling Silver Beaded Necklace from Peru

Length: 19.75"

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$98.99 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $98.99
Sky Guardian, Sterling Silver and Bone Dragon Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 20.5"

Komang Suastra

(619)

$244.99 Wholesale

$244.99
Ferocious Dragon, Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Ajay Patil

(12)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Extended delivery

Mighty Dragon, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Dragon Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.5"

Fernando and David

(3)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Brave Basuki, Cultured Pearl and Garnet Dragon Necklace from Bali

Length: 20"

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

$157.99 Wholesale

$157.99
Dragon Mystic, Circular Sterling Silver Dragon Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Coming back

Dragon Flare, Men's Garnet Dragon Necklace from Bali

Length: 19.75"

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

$339.99 Wholesale

$339.99
Coming back

Dragon Rage, Handmade Indonesian Sterling Silver Pendant Dragon Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Made Sugi

(291)

$147.99 Wholesale

$147.99

Featured Reviews

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Barong Hero'

Joyce

Apr 10, 2021

Beautiful

'Barong Hero', pendant necklace can be adjusted to lay at neck which makes pendant standout to good effect. The carving is artistic. The heart shaped Barong, pendant necklace by Nyoman Rena also deserves a 5 star rating, but 'Barong Hero' is much more attractive. Can wear with round, matching Barong earrings. Happy with purchase.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry

No Stone Jewelry

Balinese Traditional Silver Jewelry

Animal Themed Jewelry

Jewelry

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Dragon Splendor'

Joanne

Dec 17, 2017

Love dragon

My dragon pendant is very well designed and captures the essence of a dragon. Have loved and liked dragons my whole life. Pleased to have my dragon pendant.

Dancing Dragon Pendant Necklace

Detailed Dragon Pendant Necklace

Silver Dragons

Wild Necklace

Necklaces

Bone pendant necklace, 'Thorny Dragon'

NAN

Mar 23, 2022

Dynamic Dragon Art

I bought this pendant for my brother-in-law as a gift. He loves dragons, and this one is no exception. I am happy to say that he appreciates the artistry and receives compliments whenever he wears it.

Wild