Mexican Necklaces
(575 items)Explore NOVICA's Mexican Necklaces Collection. Discover unique handcrafted designs ranging from single-stone pendants to beautifully embellished Taxco statement necklaces. You'll discover traditional and contemporary designs that showcase the rich artisan jewelry traditions of magical Mexico.
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Reviews on Mexican Necklaces
Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Terrestrial Beauty'
By Leonard
My Wife Loved It!
Purchased this as a Valentines Day gift for my wife of nearly 40 years and she loves the beauty of this wonderfully crafted pendent. We both really appreciate that purchases like this are helping artisans in other countries to make a living supporting their families. We always get our shipments quickly even from the most remote locations and are very satisfied with the quality of items we order.Thanks for setting up this marketplace. Len
Sterling silver chain necklace, 'Petite Garland'
By Laurie
Beautiful and unique
I love this necklaces design. Its has nice substantial weight links with a gorgeous leaf design. Its great to wear alone or to pair it like I did with a silver and jade Apple Blossom pendant (https://www.novica.com/p/handmade-green-jade-and-silver-necklace/227017/) I also bought from Novica.
Sterling silver and copper pendant necklace, 'Rippling Leaf'
By Anne
Even more beautiful than the photo!
What you cant see on the photo is the 3-dimensional aspect of this pendant. The silver side and the copper side are both on a 90-degree angle. This is absolutely gorgeous! I liked it when I thought is was flat. Im thrilled with the 3-dimensions!
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The Mexican Necklace
Synonymous with silver, Mexican jewelry is renowned for its hand-crafted beauty. The town of Taxco has been a source of the precious metal since ancient times. In 1929, U.S. born architect William Spratling settled in Taxco and began to design jewelry based on pre-Hispanic art. He has been called the "father of Mexican silver."
Novica's Mexican necklace collection reveals Spratling's legacy in sterling silver necklaces by Alicia de la Paz. For Albert Ickenroth, the sun, moon and stars are a constant source of inspiration, while animal themes reflect his love for sculpture. Maria Belen Nilson and Cesar Godoy adapt Maya and Aztec art for their designs. Oscar Figueroa Escorcia's work is contemporary.
Dichroic art glass, hand-painted medallions and colorful gemstones all find a place in our Mexican necklaces. But not all is silver. You'll find the men's leather bracelet, a copper jewelry set and Huichol beadwork in our Mexican Necklace collection. Enjoy!
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