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.

Natural Turquoise Necklaces at NOVICA

Bestseller

Haven in Turquoise, Turquoise and Sterling Silver Tree Necklace

Length: 0.9" x 0.6" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Bestseller

Western Skies, Turquoise and Blue Topaz Silver Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$269.99 Wholesale

~~$299.99~~ $269.99
Eastern Skies, 950 Silver Turquoise Pendant Necklace From Mexico

Length: 15.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$219.99 Wholesale

$219.99
Bestseller

Eye of the Sea, Women's Modern Fine Silver Natural Turquoise Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99
Bestseller

Beautiful Bacalar, Taxco Sterling Silver Necklace with Natural Turquoise

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$239.99 Wholesale

$239.99
Bestseller

Heaven's Tears, Taxco Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise Teardrop Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Aztec Star, Handmade Floral Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise Necklace

Length: 19.25"

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$357.99 Wholesale

$357.99
Luminous Rain, Natural Turquoise Handcrafted Textured Taxco Silver Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$179.99 Wholesale

$179.99
Featured Sale

Love Orbit in Blue, Reconstituted Turquoise and Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Abhishek Singla

(26)

$51.20 Wholesale

~~$64~~ $51.20
Bestseller

Turquoise Rhombus, Handmade Natural Turquoise Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ.

Alon Diller

(455)

$179.99 Wholesale

$179.99
Bestseller

Resurrection, Hand Crafted Mexican Silver and Cross Religious Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Francisco Sanchez

(186)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Bestseller

Indigo Foliage, Leafy Lapis Lazuli and Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.75"

Flora Maria

(92)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Watery Gleam, Square Natural Turquoise Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$259.99 Wholesale

$259.99
Spirit of Om in Turquoise, Turquoise and Sterling Silver Om Pendant Necklace

Length: 1" x 0.7" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Chakra Bloom, Turquoise and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 1.5" x 1" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Bamboo Island, Bamboo and Turquoise Silver Necklace

Length: 19.75"

Pertiwi Collection

(112)

$137.99 Wholesale

$137.99
Chakra Spirit, Turquoise and Sterling Silver Floral Necklace

Length: 1.1" x 0.8" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Blooming Spirit, Natural Turquoise and Sterling Silver Lotus Necklace

Length: 0.9" x 0.7" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Flux, Taxco Silver and Turquoise Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Miracle Tree, Hand Made Turquoise and Sterling Silver Necklace

Length: 0.8" x 0.6" W

Michael Krainer

(203)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Vine Wreath, Gold Accented 17-Carat Turquoise Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 18"

Lenny

(85)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Taxco Eclipse, Collectible Taxco Silver Natural Turquoise Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Alon Diller

(455)

$274.99 Wholesale

$274.99
Birds and Beads, Baroque Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Gemstone Beads

Oscar Figueroa Escorcia

(704)

$179.99 Wholesale

$179.99
Wishes, Sterling Silver and Natural Turquoise Necklace

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$237.99 Wholesale

$237.99

Featured Reviews

Turquoise pendant necklace, 'Miracle Tree'

Diane

Jul 15, 2021

I wear it every day!

I love this necklace! It is well-made, beautiful, and just the right size. The tree represents my love of nature and family. The stone is lovely. And I like the unique chain it comes with. I have had many compliments on it!

Tree Of Life Necklace

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Natural Turquoise Jewelry

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Turquoise pendant necklace, 'Heavenly Drop'

John

Oct 9, 2025

Gorgeous gem

I bought this for my girlfriend. She loves these types of gems & also loves this beautiful piece. I highly recommend it to anyone interested. You won't be disappointed......

Drop Necklace Silver

Earrings For Jeans

Jewelry Fashion Jewelry

Turquoise flower necklace, 'Aztec Star'

Irina

Nov 21, 2017

aztec treasure

Turquoise is my birth stone. This necklace combine 2 colors of turquoise - light blue and darker blue stones alternate. The stones are brighter and silver is shinier in person than on picture, and it gives necklace a really amazing look. Got a lot of compliments when wearing it. Guillermo, special thanks for post-card - its always nice to get a feeling of a different culture where the masterpiece belongs..

Delicate

Turquoise Blue Jewelry