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.

Copper 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

Copper and sterling silver collar necklace, 'Taxco Mix' - Hammered Copper and Sterling Silver Collar Necklace

Bestseller

Taxco Mix, Hammered Copper and Sterling Silver Collar Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Sterling silver and copper pendant necklace, 'Rippling Leaf' - Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Bestseller

Rippling Leaf, Leaf-Shaped Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Turquoise pendant necklace, 'Taxco at Dusk' - Collectible Turquoise and Taxco Fine Silver Pendant Necklace

Bestseller

Taxco at Dusk, Collectible Turquoise and Taxco Fine Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$187.99 Wholesale

$187.99

Copper choker necklace, 'Feminine Fantasy' - Minimalist Eco-Friendly Recycled Copper Choker Necklace

Bestseller

Feminine Fantasy, Minimalist Eco-Friendly Recycled Copper Choker Necklace

Size: 14.25" Inner Circ. x 0.1" W

Rosy and Daniel

(110)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Sterling silver and copper pendant necklace, 'Contemporary Contrasts' - Mexican 925 Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Bestseller

Contemporary Contrasts, Mexican 925 Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Heart of Traditions, Heart-Shaped Sterling Silver and Copper Statement Necklace

Roy Nilson

(132)

$434.99 Wholesale

$434.99

Light of the Afternoon, Modern Taxco Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99

Three Points, Artisan Crafted Necklace with Copper and Sterling Silver

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Copper collar necklace, 'Elegant Point' - Pointed Copper Collar Necklace from Mexico

Bestseller

Elegant Point, Pointed Copper Collar Necklace from Mexico

Size: 14.75" Inner Circ. x 0.1" W

Rosy and Daniel

(110)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Copper collar necklace, 'Idyllic Fantasy' - Brushed-Satin Copper Collar Necklace from Mexico

Bestseller

Idyllic Fantasy, Brushed-Satin Copper Collar Necklace from Mexico

Size: 16.75" Inner Circ. x 0.1" W

Rosy and Daniel

(110)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Ancestral Wisdom, Folk Art Elephant-Themed Multi-Metal Cord Pendant Necklace

Aram Torunyan

$59 Wholesale

$59

Noble Nimbus, Minimalist High-Polished Copper Collar Necklace from Mexico

Rosy and Daniel

(110)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99

Three Times, Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99

Delicate Star, Star=Shaped Pendant Necklace with Cultured Pearl

Length: 11.75"

Jenny Loaiza

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Gold Sun, Hand-Painted Golden Sun Ceramic Adjustable Beaded Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Gushing Green, Artisan Crafted Quartz Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Nareerat

(1853)

$33.74 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $33.74

Divine Ganesha, Red and Gold Divine Ganesha Ceramic Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99

Peacock Gold, Hand-Painted Golden Peacock Ceramic Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99

Golden Pebbles, Ceramic Hand-Painted Golden Pebble Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Close to My Heart, Beaded Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 15.75"

Jenny Loaiza

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99

Crystal Spiral, Cord Necklace with Wire and Bead Pendant

Length: 19.75"

Jenny Loaiza

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99

Mystic Minimalism, Modern Sterling Silver, Brass and Copper Pendant Necklace

Anuva Baid

(9)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Calm Lady, Ceramic Black and Gold Serene Face Beaded Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99

Brilliant Ganesha, Hand-Painted Ceramic Lord Ganesha Gold Medallion Necklace

Length: 20.75"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Lovely Night, Handcrafted Lapis Lazuli Bead and Copper Lariat Necklace

Length: 43"

Sareeyakarn

(215)

$94.49 Wholesale

~~$104.99~~ $94.49

Golden Birds, Hand-Painted Golden Birds Ceramic Beaded Adjustable Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99

Tree of Wealth, Tree-Themed Ceramic Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 12.25"

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99

Lovely Ocean, Handcrafted Multi-Gemstone Bead and Copper Wrap Necklace

Length: 43"

Sareeyakarn

(215)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99

Geometric Saga, Hand-Painted Geometric Saga Ceramic Pendant Necklace

Length: 19.75"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Sparkle Tree, Tree of Life Pendant Necklace with Crystals

Length: 13.75"

Jenny Loaiza

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99

Winter Sunflower, Artisan Crafted Ceramic Flower Pendant Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Dancing Pyramid, Red, Yellow Black Triangle Pendant Beaded Cord Necklace

Length: 23.5"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Taurus Tree of Life, Rose Quartz Gemstone Tree Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Golden Elegance, Hand-Painted Golden Ceramic Terracotta Medallion Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Poised Dragonfly, Sterling Silver Filigree Pendant Necklace and Copper Accents

Length: 18.25"

Carlos Yauri

(44)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99

Hammered Abstraction, Taxco Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.5"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Aquarius Tree of Life, Onyx Gemstone Tree Aquarius Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Summer Sunflower, Handmade Ceramic Flower Pendant Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Golden Ganesha', Hand-Painted Gold and Blue Lord Ganesha Medallion Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Neha Gopinath Pillai

(7)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Pisces Tree of Life, Natural Labradorite Gemstone Tree Pisces Pendant Necklace

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Nature's Enchantment, Mexican 925 Sterling Silver Gold & Copper Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99

Leo Tree of Life, Garnet Gemstone Tree Leo Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Capricorn Tree of Life, Aquamarine Gemstone Tree Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Balloons, Pearl and Agate Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Nareerat

(1853)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Lilac Tree of Life, Hand-crafted Tree of Life Unisex Resin Pendant Necklace

Length: 14"

Andrea Valverde

(2)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Agate pendant necklace, 'Scorpio Tree of Life' - Agate Gemstone Tree Scorpio Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Agate Tree of Life, Agate Gemstone Tree Scorpio Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Gemini Tree of Life, Tiger's Eye Gemstone Tree Pendant Necklace from Costa Rica

Length: 14"

Marian Zerpa

(3)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99

Blue Tree of Life, Tree of Life Unisex Hand-crafted Resin Pendant Necklace

Length: 14"

Andrea Valverde

(2)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Diamond Hypnosis, Antiqued Hammered Diamond-Shaped Copper Pendant Necklace

Hasmik and Musheg

$39 Wholesale

$39

Flying Jewels, Folk Art Antiqued Copper Multi-Gemstone Pendant Necklace

Sose Karakhanyan

$84 Wholesale

$84

Birdy Gems, Antiqued Copper and Multi-Gemstone Bird Pendant Necklace

Sose Karakhanyan

$54 Wholesale

$54

Mammoth Legacy, Artisan Handmade Multi-Metal Mammoth Glyph Pendant Necklace

Aram Torunyan

$99 Wholesale

$99

Cyclical Hypnosis, Antiqued Hammered Round Copper Pendant Necklace

Hasmik and Musheg

$34 Wholesale

$34

Triangular Hypnosis, Antiqued Hammered Triangular Copper Pendant Necklace

Hasmik and Musheg

$39 Wholesale

$39

Adam in Teal, Armenian Brass Pendant Necklace of Archeological Replica

Arman Badeyan

$77 Wholesale

$77

Adam, Brass Pendant Necklace of Armenian Archeological Replica

Arman Badeyan

$77 Wholesale

$77

Tree of Life Circle, Tree of Life Themed Silver and Copper Long Pendant Necklace

Garik Khumaryan

$89 Wholesale

$89

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