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.

Mother and Child Necklaces at NOVICA

Bestseller

Family Love, Gold Vermeil Elephant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Bestseller

Family Love, Hand Crafted Silver Elephant Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.5"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Glistening Elephants, Garnet and Marcasite Elephant Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Narinee

(637)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Bestseller

Feline Love, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace of Two Cats from Thailand

Length: 18"

Sarote Lochotinunt

(339)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Mommy and Me, Sterling Silver and Faceted Marcasite Thai Elephant Necklace

Length: 18"

Narinee

(637)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Bestseller

Loving Elephants, Unique Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 1" x 0.8" W

Jantana

(710)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Side by Side, Brushed Silver Thai Elephant Necklace

Length: 18.25"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
129.99

44.99

84.99

Set of 3 items

Gift Set | Best Mom Ever, Curated Mother Gift Set with Necklace Earrings and Sculpture

$233.97

~~$259.97~~ $233.97
Elephantine Motherhood, Artisan Jewelry Elephant Necklace in Sterling Silver

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Owl Affection, Mother and Child Bone Owl Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
My Stars, 2 Silver Daughter Pendants on Sterling Silver Necklace

Length: 17.5"

Adriana de Gadea

(228)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Peace Before Birth, Hand Carved Bone and Leather Mother Necklace from Bali

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Featured Sale

Elephant Twins, Thai 24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Elephant Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Jantana

(710)

$58.49 Wholesale

~~$77.99~~ $58.49
Featured Sale

Mom and Son Elephants, Thai Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Two Elephants

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$41.24 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $41.24
Featured Sale

Mother Love, Elephant Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver with Garnet

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$41.24 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $41.24
Featured Sale

Best Relationship, Mother and Child Elephant Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49
Featured Sale

Motherhood, Mama Elephant Pendant Necklace in Brushed Silver

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49
Featured Sale

Perky Owls, Artisan Crafted Silver Owl Necklace

Length: 18.25"

Jantana

(710)

$37.49 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $37.49
Family Love, Elephant Family Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Elephant Pride, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 16.5"

Jantana

(710)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Featured Sale

Three Sons, Thai Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace of Three Sons

Length: 17.75"

Jantana

(710)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$59.99~~ $44.99
Mother Elephant, Sterling Silver Mother and Child Elephant Necklace

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Forever In My Heart, Mother Themed Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Elephant Brothers, Modern Silver Thai Elephant Necklace

Length: 18.25"

Jantana

(710)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Birth of Life, Leaf Motif Locket Necklace

Length: 19"

Katherine Satizabal

$199.99 Wholesale

$199.99
Porcupines, Sterling Silver Porcupine Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 18"

Jantana

(710)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Loving Mother, Handcrafted Sterling Silver Heart Locket Necklace

Length: 18"

Lalana

(549)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Loving Virgin Mary, Artisan Crafted Virgin Mary Medallion Necklace

Length: 15"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

Featured Reviews

Gold vermeil pendant necklace, 'Family Love'

Ada

Jan 5, 2017

Perfect pair

I received the bracelet as a gift and wanted the necklace . I'm so happy with it . It's lovely.

A Loving And Meaningful Piece Of Jewelry

Elephant Pendant Necklaces

Family Jewelry

Gold Dainty Necklace

Good Necklace

Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Family Love'

Darren C.

Aug 31, 2017

So Many Compliments

Bought this necklace for my wife last year along with the matching earrings. She has NEVER had so many compliments on any piece. Loves it dearly and now we are ordering one for our daughter who is having her first child.

Adorably Sleek

Brushed Necklace

Elephant

Elephant Gifts For Her

Elephant Lover Gifts

Mother Daughter Jewelry

Mother Jewelry