Soapstone Jewelry(31 items)
Discover the unique collection of Soapstone Jewelry that NOVICA artisans have designed and crafted for you:
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.


Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.


There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.


More than a mere fashion statement, mens jewelry, including bracelets, have been worn throughout history to communicate cultural, religious, and social beliefs. Prehistoric man adorned his wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy men wore bracelets made of gold and silver to display their power and status. Bracelets evolved over time from good luck charms to status symbols to modern style accessories. All the while, they pick up and preserve meaning from the past. In Peru, gold and silver bracelets were meant to complement each other symbolically. Gold represented the sun, the day, and the masculine. Silver represented the moon, the night, and the feminine. These two bright, powerful metals held one another in balance. In Central America, natural materials decorated mens jewelry to signify a connection to place. Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers (especially the beautiful quetzal bird), and carved stones (particularly jade for its power of fertility and life) protected and decorated the wearer.


Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, mens jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.


Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.


The materials that comprise handmade artisan necklaces are as varied as the makers themselves. Craftspeople all over the world use metals, like sterling silver, gold, copper and brass, to perfect their designs. Cotton or nylon cord and leather are also common materials used in traditional mens jewelry. Wooden beads, cow bones, coconut shells, bamboo, and gemstones all adorn mens necklaces from across the globe.


Unique, stylish, and handcrafted. These are the guiding principles of wearing mens jewelry with confidence. There are no rules when it comes to mens bracelets. You can wear simple leather, or a combination of metals. You can go understated or bold. Colorful or subdued. However you choose to display your handmade jewelry, what matters most is that you discover pieces that attest to your own originality.


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.


Handcrafted mens jewelry captures our undying passion for symbols and meaning through a variety of designs, emblems, and carvings. In ancient Peru, men wore necklaces adorned with pendants of human, animal, and divine characters. A common symbol that has withstood the test of time is the Andean Chakana, or the staggered cross, that attests to the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. In Bali, mens jewelry integrated the cross, the sign of freedom, and Ongkara symbol for oneness and spirituality. In Central America, carved glyphs were commonly used. Animal figures and bird feathers (like the quetzal and macaw) had special significance, as did natural stones. In India, Om and Ganesha symbols are used for protection, prosperity and purity. In West Africa, Gye nyame, symbolizing Gods deep power and infinite knowledge, is still used on necklaces.
Featured Reviews on Soapstone Jewelry
Beaded dangle earrings, 'Odefo'





By Carol
Lovely Earrings
These earrings can be seen when you wear them. The pink cats eye beads are beautiful . The picture doesnt really do them justice. These earrings are different than any others I have. If you want some pretty earrings that are unique then these are for you!
Ceramic beaded jewelry set, 'Inca Owl'





Gorgeous necklace and earring set
I bought this as a birthday present for a close friend. She loves the set and says it is beautiful!! She commented on the colorful craftsmanship and artistic placement of ceramics and gemstones. Thank you, Dina!
Soapstone beaded earrings, 'Aseda Ye'





By Jan
Lovely but long
These earing are lovely. If you are into stones, as I am, you will enjoy these. One warning for people who don't like long earrings. As much as I like them they are a little out of my comfort zone.
Featured Artist


Rachel Armah Beaded jewelry
"I am a single mother of two daughters and due to the hardships I have faced as a single mother, I have done all I can to support my girls through petty trading and teaching."
Popular Soapstone Jewelry
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Artisan Crafted Soapstone and Cat's Eye Beaded Earrings, "Ayeyi Nka Boafo"
$29.99From Ghana's Rachel Armah, these artisan crafted earrings exude African elegance. Natural soapstone squares are flanked by dazzling cat's eye beads enhanced to an intense green hue. Armah calls this design "Ayeyi Nka Boafo," an Akan phrase meaning "praises to the helper." Adorned with bauxite beads, the earrings are worn on brass hooks.
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Women's Adjustable Beaded Necklace Hand Crafted in Africa, "Desert"
$94.99Ghanaian artisan Nonyem Abena Ibeneme creates an eclectic beaded necklace that is rich in earthy appeal. The artisan strings the long cord with natural soapstone, recycled glass beads, and tubes of dyed black bamboo and wood. A sliding knot allows the length to be adjusted.
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African Soapstone on Leather Necklace Crafted by Hand, "Safari"
$39.99Nigeria's Nonyem Abena Ibeneme shares the elegance of African minimalism with the exquisite design of this necklace. She crafts the necklace by hand with double leather cords and at the center she ties a seed-shaped soapstone pendant. Next to it Ibeneme adds a cow bone bead adorned with batik techniques and a coconut shell disc.
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Hand Crafted Natural Soapstone Beaded Hook Earrings, "Aseda Ye"
$23.99Columns of soapstone become earrings of natural elegance in shades of grey and brown. Rachel Armah calls this design "Aseda Ye," an Akan phrase meaning "it is good to be thankful." Adorned with bauxite beads, the handcrafted earrings are worn on brass hooks.