Necklaces : Novica Team Favorites(133 items)
Welcome to our Necklaces : Novica Team Favorite Collection, each piece crafted by NOVICA artisans who carry on ancestral traditions in contemporary designs.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


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.


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.


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.


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.


Womens 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.


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.


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.


Many traditional artisans employ the handcrafted techniques of their ancestors, which favored a slow, methodical approach in a small workshop, as opposed to mass production. Today, they preserve these methodologies while intentionally distinguishing their approaches from those of large factories. Respect for the environment, and for animal and human life drive the artwork itself. Natural materials are often a sign that a product is eco-friendly. Additionally, many artisans look for ways to reuse or recycle in their artwork. Some choose to repurpose old wood or fabric. Some recycle glass beads or up-cycle plastic and discarded paper. Others follow practices that conserve resources, like water and energy, and are mindful of the pollutants they release into the environment. Shopping from organizations that promote eco-friendly products is the best way to ensure that you are receiving a unique item that does not damage the world through its making.
Featured Reviews on Necklaces : Novica Team Favorites
Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Mighty Heart'





By Leeann
Exceptional Valentine Treasure!
I always search for heart jewelry that has a good size and is dramatic. This fills the bill with a dramatic flair.
Amethyst flower necklace, 'Bengal Blossom'





By Jody
Just beautiful
I just received this necklace and its beautiful. The stone is a beautiful color and the work is exquisite. The picture doesnt really do it justice.Ive paid more for jewelry that isnt as nice as this. Im am very happy with this necklace. It would be nice if you could order the chain in different lengths.
Sterling silver beaded necklace, 'Nature's Miracle'





By Edith
A Beautiful Work of Wearable Art
My necklace arrived today in the lovely packaging with a handwritten note from the artist. All beautifully done! But the most amazing part is this gorgeous necklace! The craftsmanship is just stunning. The hand-wrought components are each exquisite and it is just the right size and weight (petite and not heavy.) Such a beautiful piece that Ill enjoy wearing and then sharing with my granddaughter one day - it is an heirloom piece! Thank you!!!
Featured Artist
Silvana and João Alexandre Handcrafted art glass jewelry
"Our inspiration comes from nature, from beauty, from people, from experience but, above all, from the will to do and live from art."
They were born in Rio Grande do Sul... read more
Popular Necklaces : Novica Team Favorites
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Necklace, "Spirit Love"
$159.99Exploring the textures of silver, Olga Hinojosa entrusts a single reconstituted turquoise to a sterling embrace. The polished gemstone represents inner peace and symbolizes spiritual love for healing. The exquisite pendant is displayed on a silver chain studded with turquoise spheres.
0.925 Sterling silver -
18k Gold Plated Iolite and Apatite Pendant Necklace, "Sea Change"
$49.99Evoking the beauty of the sea, a one-carat teardrop of natural iolite combines with dangling faceted apatite gems. Thai artisan Saranarat designs this pendant necklace, which circles the wearer with 18k gold plated sterling silver chain.
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