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.

Dog Necklaces at NOVICA

Lovely Dog, Brushed-Satin Sterling Silver Dog Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
St. Bernard, Handcrafted Sterling Silver St Bernard Dog Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
69.99

59.99

67.99

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Puppy Lover, Dog Themed Necklace Clutch Shell Sculpture Curated Gift Set

$168.27

~~$197.97~~ $168.27
Bestseller

Dog Paw, Sterling Silver Paw Print Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Purple Paw, Amethyst and Sterling Silver Paw Print Necklace from Bali

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Schnauzer Square, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Schnauzer Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.5"

Fernando and David

(3)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Law and Authority, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Tz’i’ Sign Pendant Necklace

Fernando and David

(3)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Spiral Dog, Ceramic Dog Pendant Necklace with Painted Spiral Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Geometric Bulldog, Geometric Bulldog Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Floral Dog, Ceramic Dog Pendant Necklace with Painted Floral Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Foxy Geometry, Geometric Sterling Silver Fox Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Geometric Dachshund, Geometric Dachshund Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Roving Retriever, Hand Painted Ceramic Golden Retriever Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Cosmic Dog, Ceramic Dog Pendant Necklace with Purple Painted Motifs

Length: 15.75"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Thor Fox, Fox-Themed Sterling Silver Thor's Hammer Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$229.99 Wholesale

$229.99
Dog Melody, Music-Themed Ceramic Dog Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Featured Sale

Puppy Eyes, Sterling Silver Dog Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $35.99
Pawprint Memory, 18-Inch Necklace with Faceted Blue Topaz Pawprint Pedant

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Sly Fox, Handmade Fox 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Yapping Yorkie, Hand Painted Ceramic Yorkshire Terrier Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.25"

Napat Chotpruekchookul

(10)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Fascinating Wolf, Sterling Silver Wolf Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Wondrous Garden, Animal-Themed Silver and Onyx Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 19.75"

Rupadana

(333)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Bulldog, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Bulldog Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.5"

Fernando and David

(3)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Geometric Beagle, Brushed Satin Sterling Silver Beagle Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Chinese Zodiac Goat, Handmade Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Featured Sale

Puppy Poise, Elegant Sterling Silver Dog Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $35.99
Paw Print, Sterling Silver Pawprint Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Best Friend, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Dog Pendant Necklace

Length: 14.5"

Fernando and David

(3)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Chinese Zodiac Dog, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Coming back

Soul of a Puppy, Dog Heart Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Coming back

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

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Perfect Paws, Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Puffed Heart Paw Print Necklace

Length: 18"

Bali Animal Welfare Association

(220)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Sweet Schnauzer, Coconut Shell and Lava Stone Schnauzer Dog Pendant Necklace

Fernando and David

(3)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Coming back

Cool Puppy, Sterling Silver Puppy Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
Wolf Howl, Wolf-Themed Bone Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Loyal Paws, Inspirational Dog-Themed Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Manvel Petrosyan

$44 Wholesale

$44

Featured Reviews

Amethyst pendant necklace, 'Purple Paw'

Patricia

Oct 21, 2017

Gift for my sister

After loosing her beloved Bedlington Terrier, and knowing Novica's quality, when I found this set it was perfect. Amethyst is her birthstone and pairing it with the paw print made it the perfect gift/remembrance.

Bali Pendant Necklace

Dog Shaped Necklaces For Women

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Soul of a Puppy'

Anita

Jan 9, 2020

Great for all Dog Lovers!

The friend for whom I bought this is an animal rescuer and transporter. She absolutely loves this and wears it often!

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Lovely Dog'

Deborah

May 4, 2020

Love my new necklace

This necklace arrived very quickly, and it is beautiful! I love the brushed finish and chain that came with it, I've worn it constantly since getting it and haven't had any trouble with it bothering my neck. I love the dog as it reminds me of my dog, Cooper, he was a faithful friend to me and I feel that in some small way I'm honoring him by wearing it.

Brushed Necklace