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.

Chain Necklaces at NOVICA

Christ on the Cross, Highly Polished Sterling Silver Crucifix on Cuban Chain

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Sterling silver station necklace, 'Bamboo Link' - Sterling Silver Station Necklace Hand Crafted in Indonesia

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Bamboo Link, Sterling Silver Station Necklace Hand Crafted in Indonesia

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Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Origami Flight' - Origami Bird Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

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Origami Flight, Origami Bird Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

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Sterling silver necklace, 'Black Python' - Handcrafted Sterling Silver Chain Necklace from Bali

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Black Python, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Chain Necklace from Bali

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Petite Fleur, Hand Made Sterling Silver Floral Charm Necklace

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Chain of Celebration' - Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

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Chain of Celebration, Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

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Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Into Infinity' - Brushed Sterling Silver Necklace with Infinity Symbols

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Into Infinity, Brushed Sterling Silver Necklace with Infinity Symbols

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Centipede Crawl' - Handmade Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

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Centipede Crawl, Handmade Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

Length: 17"

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Mirage' - Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with Combination Finish

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Mirage, Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with Combination Finish

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$788.49 Wholesale

$829.99 $788.49

Gold accent necklace, 'Denpasar Night' - Handmade 18k Gold Accent Balinese Silver Chain Necklace

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Denpasar Night, Handmade 18k Gold Accent Balinese Silver Chain Necklace

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Sterling silver necklace, 'Woven Helix' - Artisan Made Sterling Silver Ball Chain Necklace

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Woven Helix, Artisan Made Sterling Silver Ball Chain Necklace

Length: 17.75"

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Next Ecstasy' - High-Polished Unisex Sterling Silver Cable Chain Necklace

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Next Ecstasy, High-Polished Unisex Sterling Silver Cable Chain Necklace

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Silver Dancer, Sterling silver choker

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Cultured pearl pendant necklace, 'Seven Moons' - Mexico Sterling Silver Necklace with 7 Mabe Pearls

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Seven Moons, Mexico Sterling Silver Necklace with 7 Mabe Pearls

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Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Heart Victorious' - 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace With Heart and Branches

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Heart Victorious, 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace With Heart and Branches

Length: 19.75"

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Silver Sleek, Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

Length: 17.75"

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$289.99 $246.49

Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Royal Desire' - 22-Inch Sterling Silver Foxtail Chain Necklace from Bali

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Royal Desire, 22-Inch Sterling Silver Foxtail Chain Necklace from Bali

Length: 22"

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Petite Floral Garland' - Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Floral Chain Necklace

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Petite Floral Garland, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Floral Chain Necklace

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$174.99 $166.24

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Chain of Celebration, Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

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Cultured pearl station necklace, 'Pearl Dance' - Artisan Crafted Cultured Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace

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Pearl Dance, Artisan Crafted Cultured Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace

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Accompanied by Christ, Highly Polished Sterling Silver Crucifix Pendant Necklace

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Sterling silver link necklace, 'Bare Minimalism' - Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Necklace from Thailand

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Bare Minimalism, Handmade 925 Sterling Silver Necklace from Thailand

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Gold accent necklace, 'Swirling Sea' - Hand Made Sterling Silver and Gold Accent Necklace

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Swirling Sea, Hand Made Sterling Silver and Gold Accent Necklace

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'King's Order' - 18-Inch Sterling Silver Naga Chain Necklace from Bali

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King's Order, 18-Inch Sterling Silver Naga Chain Necklace from Bali

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Linked Future' - Minimalist High-Polished Sterling Silver Rolo Chain Necklace

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Bound Chains, 21K Gold Plated Silver Necklace of Three Linked Chains

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Modern Bonds, High-Polished Sterling Silver Wheat Chain Necklace

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Petite Garland' - Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Necklace from Mexico

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Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Borobudur Collection III' (24 inch) - Indonesian Sterling Silver Chain Necklace (24 Inch)

Borobudur Collection III, Indonesian Sterling Silver Chain Necklace (24 Inch)

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Taman Ayun Goddess, Gold accent pendant necklace

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Geometric Cat, Sterling Silver Minimalist Cat Pendant Necklace from Peru

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Rose gold plated sterling silver chain necklace, 'Shimmering Flair' (2 mm) - Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Chain Necklace (2mm)

Shimmering Flair, Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Chain Necklace (2mm)

Length: 20"

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Omega Appeal, Sterling Silver Omega Chain Necklace from India

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Gold accent necklace, 'Denpasar Raindrops' - Bali Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with 18k Gold Accents

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Denpasar Raindrops, Bali Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with 18k Gold Accents

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Snail Caprice, 22k Gold-Plated Snail Chain Necklace in a High Polish Finish

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Flying Martin, Flying Martin Bird Sterling Silver Necklace from Thailand

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Meditation Coin, Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Round Pendant Necklace

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Flawless Orbs, Gold-Plated Cultured Pearl Double-Strand Station Necklace

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Clip Caprice, High-Polished 22k Gold-Plated Paperclip Chain Necklace

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Soaring Eagle, Freedom Eagle in 925 Sterling Silver Necklace Thai Jewelry

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Venetian Caprice, High-Polished 22k Gold-Plated Venetian Chain Necklace

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Moonlight Waterfall, Sterling Silver Cascade Statement Necklace from Thailand

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Elephant Gaze, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Necklace with Elephant Pendant

Length: 1.1" x 0.9" W

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Brightest Night, Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

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Guadalajara Lotus, Cubic Zirconia and Sterling Silver Lotus Pendant Necklace

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Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Tipsy Moon' - Hand Made Sterling Silver Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace

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Tipsy Moon, Hand Made Sterling Silver Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace

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Jhalana Joy, 22k Gold Plated Chalcedony Pendant Necklace

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Elegant Life, Thailand High Polish Sterling Silver Layered Collar Necklace

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Waxing Moon, Handmade Sterling Silver Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace

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A Reminder, Hand Made Sterling Silver Om Dangle Earrings from India

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Dragon Bone, Chain necklace

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Inseparable Duo, Hand Made Sterling Silver Chain Necklace from Indonesia

Length: 18"

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Leaves in Fall, Hand Made Sterling Silver Leaf-Themed Pendant Necklace

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Down to the Wire, Women's sterling silver chain necklace

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Gleaming Stirrups, Sterling Silver Stirrup Lariat Necklace from Mexico

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Intricate Textures, Sterling silver chain necklace

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Lace Garland, Lacy Collar Necklace Handcrafted of Sterling Silver

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Lilac Jade Princess, Jade and Sterling Silver Princess Pendant Necklace

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