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.

Necklaces : Novica Team Favorites at NOVICA

Petite Fleur, Hand Made Sterling Silver Floral Charm Necklace

Nengah Sudarma and Kayoko

(9)

$129.95 Wholesale

$129.95
Good Fortune, 22k Gold-Plated Quartz and Labradorite Station Necklace

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$79.95 Wholesale

$79.95
Kolkata Cross, Handmade Multigem Cross Sterling Silver Religious Choker

Length: 15.75"

Shanker

(1425)

$119.95 Wholesale

$119.95
Filigree Kitten, Thai Filigree Sterling Silver Necklace

Length: 18"

Pichaya

(1256)

$54.95 Wholesale

$54.95
Free Spirit, Multi-Gem Station Necklace Garnet Amethyst Citrine

Length: 36"

Bhavesh

(1335)

$279 Wholesale

$279
Nature's Finest, Nature-Themed 22k Gold-Plated Pendant Y Necklace from Bali

Yustiana Dewi

(1)

$89.95 Wholesale

$89.95
Genesis, 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Charm Strand Necklace

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95
Radiant Allure, Carnelian and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 17.25"

Babun Dey

(715)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Golden Hour, Hand Made Citrine and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$99.95 Wholesale

$99.95
Vibrant Glam, 18k Gold-Plated Necklace with Rectangular Ruby Stone Pendant

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$74.95 Wholesale

$74.95
Boho Spirit, Cultured Pearl Reconstituted Turquoise Gold Accent Necklace

Ayu Widiani

(15)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
Bestseller

Generations, Hand Motif Inspirational Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.95 Wholesale

$49.95
Bestseller

Frangipani Secrets, Floral Sterling Silver and Onyx Pendant Necklace

Length: 19.75"

Buana

(2373)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Bestseller

Glistening Elephants, Garnet and Marcasite Elephant Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Narinee

(637)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Sparkle & Gleam, Double-Strand Necklace with Rainbow Moonstone

Length: 16"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Crescent, Silver Necklace with Rutilated Quartz Crescent Moon Pendant

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Island Dreams, Sterling Silver and Reconstituted Turquoise Locket Necklace

Size: 19.75" W x 0.1" H

Sukartini

(570)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95
Bestseller

Hamsa Protection, Gold Plated Labradorite Hamsa Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 16.25"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$69.95 Wholesale

$69.95
Bestseller

Wild Hydrangea in Purple, Gold-Plated Purple Hydrangea Petal Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Danai

(358)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Golden Waves, Gold Plated Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 18.25"

Bhavesh

(1335)

$309.99 Wholesale

$309.99
Bestseller

Oracle Wishbone, Rose Gold Accented Sterling Silver Wishbone Necklace

Length: 15.25"

Pornsit Mayuraks

(16)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Bestseller

Graceful Bloom, Blue Topaz Silver Pendant Necklace with Leaf Motifs

Ekayani

$114.99 Wholesale

$114.99
Bestseller

Owl's Night, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Garnet Owl Pendant Necklace

Length: 20"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Bestseller

Color Vibration, Gold-Plated Chalcedony and Rose Quartz Pendant Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Spiral Teardrops, Handmade 21K Gold Plated Link Chain Necklace

Length: 18"

Giuliana Valz-Gen

(183)

$359.99 Wholesale

$359.99
Bestseller

Luxury, Sterling Silver and Carnelian Necklace from Indonesia

Length: 19.75"

Buana

(2373)

$199.99 Wholesale

$199.99
Bestseller

Star of Midnight, Lapis Lazuli Howlite Beaded Pendant Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Bestseller

Starry Nights, High-Polished Star-Themed Sterling Silver Charm Necklace

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$72.95 Wholesale

$72.95
Happy Turtle, Hand Crafted Turtle Pendant on Leather Cord Necklace

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Sacred Red Lotus, Floral Sterling Silver Garnet Pendant Necklace

Length: 17"

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Petite Charms, 4-Carat 18k Gold-Plated Three-Pendant Necklace from Bali

Made Sri

(123)

$79.95 Wholesale

$79.95
Extended delivery

Jobillo Swirl Figure, Swirl Pattern Jobillo Wood Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99
Featured Sale

Dance Party, Amethyst Chip and Brass Bead Necklace from Thai Artisan

Length: 18.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $25
Bestseller

Azure Forever, Blue Dried Flower and Resin Silver Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Del Toro Family

(21)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Sunny Bougainvillea, Pink & Fuchsia Dichroic Art Glass Cross Necklace

Length: 17.25"

Debora and Marco

(59)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Radiant Bloom, Carnelian Reconstituted Turquoise Silver Pendant Necklace

Alok Jain

(1879)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Amphora, Unisex Sterling Silver Water Jug Pendant Necklace

Length: 20"

Dewa Arimbawa

(792)

$154.99 Wholesale

$154.99
Extended delivery

Being Strong, Handmade Be Strong Bamboo Pendant Necklace

Length: 15"

Jorge Lopez

(25)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Gecko's Bloom, Leather and cow bone pendant necklace

Length: 26"

Komang Budiarta

(22)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Garden Party, Beaded Cord Necklace with Green Aventurine and Brass

Length: 20.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Featured Sale

Flower of Love, Pearl choker

Length: 17"

Kai Kittima

(61)

$140.99 Wholesale

~~$187.99~~ $140.99
Vitality, Sterling Silver Leaf Necklace

Length: 17"

Aoy

(932)

$224.99 Wholesale

$224.99

Featured Reviews

Carnelian necklace, 'Luxury'

Becky

Jun 16, 2016

Stunning piece, ornate, elegant and substantial

This pendant gets noticed from across the room; so beautiful! The bale is a work of art by itself, and large enough to use with this spectacular chain. The stone is perfect and luminescent with a deep, rich tone.

Gift

July Birthstone Necklace

Love The Charm The Big Charm !!

Love The Length And Also The Beautiful Charm !!

Garnet and marcasite pendant necklace, 'Glittering Elephants'

John

Sep 28, 2017

The Perfect Gift For My Dear Friend

This is a beautiful, unique item created by a gifted artisan. I purchased this necklace as a gift and "good luck charm" for a friend who is leaving soon to teach in Cambodia for six months. The photo does not do justice to this pendant, it is gorgeous! As always, the packaging is beautiful, it is always well worth the extra few dollars to order the special gift box. I have made several purchases from NOVICA and I am always delighted by the quality of the product, the punctual delivery, the fair price, and the idea that I am helping to support some very fine artists.

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