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
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Moonlight Glow, Artisan Crafted Pearl Choker

Length: 15.75"

Anusara

(316)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Kolkata Cross, Handmade Multigem Cross Sterling Silver Religious Choker

Length: 15.75"

Shanker

(1425)

$119.95 Wholesale

$119.95
Golden Hour, Hand Made Citrine and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$99.95 Wholesale

$99.95
Free Spirit, Multi-Gem Station Necklace Garnet Amethyst Citrine

Length: 36"

Bhavesh

(1335)

$279 Wholesale

$279
Genesis, 18k Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Charm Strand Necklace

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$109.95 Wholesale

$109.95
Sparkle & Gleam, Double-Strand Necklace with Rainbow Moonstone

Length: 16"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Nature's Finest, Nature-Themed 22k Gold-Plated Pendant Y Necklace from Bali

Yustiana Dewi

(1)

$89.95 Wholesale

$89.95
Vibrant Glam, 18k Gold-Plated Necklace with Rectangular Ruby Stone Pendant

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$74.95 Wholesale

$74.95
Bestseller

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

Length: 20"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Radiant Allure, Carnelian and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 17.25"

Babun Dey

(715)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Bestseller

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

Length: 18.5"

Danai

(358)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
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Frangipani Secrets, Floral Sterling Silver and Onyx Pendant Necklace

Length: 19.75"

Buana

(2373)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
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Starry Nights, High-Polished Star-Themed Sterling Silver Charm Necklace

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$72.95 Wholesale

$72.95
Bestseller

Hamsa Protection, Gold Plated Labradorite Hamsa Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 16.25"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$69.95 Wholesale

$69.95
Two-Tone Celebration, Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Accent Naga Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Made Sriasih

(179)

$169 Wholesale

$169
Bestseller

Generations, Hand Motif Inspirational Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.95 Wholesale

$49.95
Bestseller

Glistening Elephants, Garnet and Marcasite Elephant Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Narinee

(637)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Halo Effect in Pink, Handmade Ruby and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$59.95 Wholesale

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

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
Golden Waves, Gold Plated Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 18.25"

Bhavesh

(1335)

$309.99 Wholesale

$309.99
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

$112.99 Wholesale

$112.99
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

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

Length: 15.75"

Vivek Nathany

(171)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Happy Turtle, Hand Crafted Turtle Pendant on Leather Cord Necklace

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Petite Charms, 4-Carat 18k Gold-Plated Three-Pendant Necklace from Bali

Made Sri

(123)

$79.95 Wholesale

$79.95
Sacred Red Lotus, Floral Sterling Silver Garnet Pendant Necklace

Length: 17"

Nyoman Rena

(2218)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Featured Sale

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

Length: 18.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $25
Jobillo Swirl Figure, Swirl Pattern Jobillo Wood Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$31.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $31.99
A Free Spirit, Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Necklace from West Africa

Length: 22"

Rebecca Ama Eshun

(8)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Star of Midnight, Lapis Lazuli Howlite Beaded Pendant Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
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

Featured Reviews

Gold plated labradorite pendant necklace, 'Hamsa Protection'

Bethany

Apr 12, 2021

Trendy, but Mindful

This layering gold-plated necklace is on trend as an accessory, but has a value much deeper than the average chains. Wearing the Hamsa calls us back to tradition and protection, while laboradite beads add beauty and another centering force. It’s the perfect length to hit mid sternum. Definitely no risk of being a choker, or too long to get lost under every camisole. Well worth the price!

Hamsa

Ruby pendant necklace, 'Captivating'

Michael

Sep 29, 2022

Gorgeous Ruby Pendant Necklace

This ruby pendant necklace is beautiful and indeed captivating. It's elegant and just the right size. I love wearing this piece of jewelry.

Fertility Necklace

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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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