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)

$114.99 Wholesale

$114.99

Filigree Kitten, Thai Filigree Sterling Silver Necklace

Length: 18"

Pichaya

(1256)

$54.95 Wholesale

$54.95

Silver pendant necklace, 'Felix the Cat' - Adjustable Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Mexico

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Felix the Cat, Adjustable Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Mikelo

(7)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Graceful Feline' - Handmade Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Bestseller

Graceful Feline, Handmade Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Soul of a Kitten' - Cat Heart Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Bestseller

Soul of a Kitten, Cat Heart Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace 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)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Art Cat, Gold-Plated Enamel Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Sapna Mehta

(50)

$134.99 Wholesale

$134.99

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

Length: 17.5"

Susan Alfaro

(10)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99

Jade pendant necklace, 'Mystic Green Cat' - Jade pendant necklace

Extended delivery

Mystic Green Cat, Jade pendant necklace

Length: 18"

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

$71.99 Wholesale

~~$89.99~~ $71.99

Citrine pendant necklace, 'Feline Poise' - Whimsical Silver Cat Pendant Necklace with Citrine Gemstone

New Arrival

Feline Poise, Whimsical Silver Cat Pendant Necklace with Citrine Gemstone

Chintan

(321)

$62.99 Wholesale

~~$69.99~~ $62.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Loving Cats' - Loving Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Bestseller

Loving Cats, Loving Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Daisy Cat, Ceramic Floral Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Leaping Kitty' - Whimsical Leaping Cat-Themed Silver Pendant Necklace

New Arrival

Leaping Kitty, Whimsical Leaping Cat-Themed Silver Pendant Necklace

Made Mustika

(49)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99

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

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

Length: 20"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

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)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

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

Length: 19.75"

Luis Banda

(92)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

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

Jantana

(710)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

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

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99

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

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Sparkling Triangles, Handmade Sterling Silver Link Necklace from India

Length: 17.75"

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$484.99 Wholesale

$484.99

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

Extended delivery

Feline Friend, Abstract Cat-Themed Reclaimed Wood Pendant Necklace

Victor Hugo Lopez

(57)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Wood pendant necklace, 'Estoraque Cat' - Estoraque Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Extended delivery

Estoraque Cat, Estoraque Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

Shadow Cat, Thailand Artisan Crafted Silver Cat Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Garnet pendant necklace, 'Feline Moon' - Garnet and Cubic Zirconia Cat-and-Moon Pendant Necklace

New Arrival

Feline Moon, Garnet and Cubic Zirconia Cat-and-Moon Pendant Necklace

Chintan

(321)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99

Waiting for Love, Brushed Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

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

Lalana

(549)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

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

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

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

Length: 18.25"

Sapna Mehta

(50)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

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

Pichaya

(1256)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

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

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Harmony Kitten, Cat-Themed Pendant Necklace with Rainbow Moonstone

Ayu Ary

(249)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Jade pendant necklace, 'Nahual Cat' - Cat-Themed Jade Medallion Pendant Necklace from Guatemala

Extended delivery

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

Length: 19"

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

(630)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

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

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Quizzical Cat, Artisan Crafted Cat Necklace in Sterling Silver

Length: 19.75"

Julio Juarez

(3)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Content Cat, Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace with Painted Fish Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Sterling silver locket pendant necklace, 'Oblique Cat' - Handcrafted Sterling Silver Locket Necklace

Bestseller

Oblique Cat, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Locket Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Katherine Satizabal

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

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

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Rainbow Cat, Colorful Ceramic Cat Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Cool Cat, Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49

Slow Prowl, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Prowling Cat Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Steadfast Companions' - Dog and Cat Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Bestseller

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

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

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

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

The Kitten, Sterling Silver Kitten Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49

Wood pendant necklace, 'Jobillo Cat' - Jobillo Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Extended delivery

Jobillo Cat, Jobillo Wood Cat Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Milagro Cascante

(8)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99

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

Del Toro Family

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Peridot pendant necklace, 'Feline Crescent Dreams' - Cat and Crescent Moon-Themed Peridot Silver Pendant Necklace

Coming back

Feline Crescent Dreams, Cat and Crescent Moon-Themed Peridot Silver Pendant Necklace

Chintan

(321)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99

Ancestral Light, Amethyst and Fine Silver Cat Necklace from Guatemala

Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths

(106)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99

Purrfection, Cat-Themed Minimalist Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Movses Hovsepian

(1)

$67 Wholesale

$67

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