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.

Cat Necklaces at NOVICA

Sterling silver and copper pendant necklace, 'Lunar Cat' - Sterling Silver and Copper Cat Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Bestseller

Lunar Cat, Sterling Silver and Copper Cat Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.25"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Filigree Kitten, Thai Filigree Sterling Silver Necklace

Length: 18"

Pichaya

(1256)

$54.95 Wholesale

$54.95

Mystic Green Cat, Jade pendant necklace

Length: 18"

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

$71.99 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $71.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Feline Love' - Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace of Two Cats from Thailand

Bestseller

Feline Love, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace of Two Cats from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Cat Lover' - Geometric Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Bestseller

Cat Lover, Geometric Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Heart of the Cat, Heart Pattern Cat-Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.5"

Susan Alfaro

(10)

$67.49 Wholesale

~~$74.99~~ $67.49

Lapis lazuli pendant necklace, 'Magical Cat' - Cat-Themed Silver Pendant Necklace with Lapis Lazuli Stone

New Arrival

Magical Cat, Cat-Themed Silver Pendant Necklace with Lapis Lazuli Stone

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$89.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $89.99

Multi-gemstone pendant necklace, 'Kitty's Night' - Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Garnet Cat Pendant Necklace

Bestseller

Kitty's Night, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Garnet Cat Pendant Necklace

Length: 20"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Delightful Pussycat, Cat-Themed Gold-Plated Pendant Necklace Handmade in Peru

Length: 19.75"

Luis Banda

(92)

$67.99 Wholesale

~~$79.99~~ $67.99

Slow Prowl, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Prowling Cat Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Lazy Cat, 925 Silver Cat Pendant Necklace with Brushed-Satin Finish

Jantana

(710)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Onyx pendant necklace, 'Mystic Cat' - Whimsical Cat-Shaped Black Onyx Silver Pendant Necklace

New Arrival

Mystic Cat, Whimsical Cat-Shaped Black Onyx Silver Pendant Necklace

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

Shadow Cat, Thailand Artisan Crafted Silver Cat Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Graceful Feline, Handmade Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Cats in Love, Loving Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Steadfast Companions, Dog and Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Sparkling Triangles, Handmade Sterling Silver Link Necklace from India

Length: 17.75"

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$399.99 Wholesale

$399.99

Reclaimed wood pendant necklace, 'Feline Friend' - Abstract Cat-Themed Reclaimed Wood Pendant Necklace

Bestseller

Feline Friend, Abstract Cat-Themed Reclaimed Wood Pendant Necklace

Victor Hugo Lopez

(57)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Crescent Cat, Gold-Plated Cat and Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.25"

Sapna Mehta

(50)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Geometric Cat, Sterling Silver Minimalist Cat Pendant Necklace from Peru

Length: 17.75"

Jorge Perez

(13)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $44.99

Moony Cat, High-Polished Cat and Moon-Themed Sterling Silver Necklace

Lalana

(549)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Feline Spring, Cat-Themed Natural Flower Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Del Toro Family

(21)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Soul of a Kitten, Cat Heart Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Feline Night, Sterling Silver Cat and Moon Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Pichaya

(1256)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Loving Cats, Loving Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Waiting for Love, Brushed Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Harmony Kitten, Cat-Themed Pendant Necklace with Rainbow Moonstone

Ayu Ary

(249)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Nahual Cat, Cat-Themed Jade Medallion Pendant Necklace from Guatemala

Length: 19"

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Cat Appeal, Cat-Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Lalana

(549)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Cat's Shadow, Artisan Crafted Silver Cat Necklace with Brushed Finish

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Pink Spring Cat, Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace with Pink Painted Floral Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Pawprint Memory, 18-Inch Necklace with Faceted Blue Topaz Pawprint Pedant

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Content Cat, Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace with Painted Fish Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Daisy Cat, Ceramic Floral Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Quizzical Cat, Artisan Crafted Cat Necklace in Sterling Silver

Length: 19.75"

Julio Juarez

(3)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Rainbow Cat, Colorful Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Blue Spring Cat, Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace with Blue Painted Floral Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Oblique Cat, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Locket Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Katherine Satizabal

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Cool Cat, Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49

Feline Geometry, Geometric Sterling Silver Cat Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $35.99

Musical Cat, Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace with Painted Music Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Paw Print, Sterling Silver Pawprint Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Art Cat, Gold-Plated Enamel Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Sapna Mehta

(50)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Black and White Cat, Black and White Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

The Kitten, Sterling Silver Kitten Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49

Perfect Paws, Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Puffed Heart Paw Print Necklace

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Lunar Feline, Moon and Cat-Themed Natural Flower Round Pendant Necklace

Del Toro Family

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Jobillo Cat, Jobillo Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Estoraque Cat, Estoraque Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Ancestral Light, Amethyst and Fine Silver Cat Necklace from Guatemala

Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths

(106)

$110.49 Wholesale

~~$129.99~~ $110.49

Purrfection, Cat-Themed Minimalist Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Movses Hovsepian

(1)

$56.95 Wholesale

~~$67~~ $56.95

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