basic necklaces

Glistening gemstones align with chakra energies on the basis of their color, inspiring this pinwheel pendant necklace from Alok Jain. In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned the person feels a healthy sense of well being. In this sterling silver necklace includes amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet, blue topaz, and carnelian. The clear and light purple stones are associated with the 7th chakra (awareness and wisdom); the purple, violet and indigo gems with 6th chakra (insight and perception), and the blue or light blue with the 5th, that of communication and truth. Green and pink stones are for love and compassion, linked to the heart, on the 4th chakra. For inner power and will, the 3rd chakra is associated with yellow gems, whereas emotion and sexuality are linked to red and orange gems for the 2nd chakra. Black gems are used to stimulate the 1st chakra, that of stability and security.

.925 Sterling silver.

This magnificent hand-crafted statement necklace is designed by Tishita Jain with the allure of oceanic colors and geometric shapes. A row of smooth rounded beads of calcite in different sizes forms the basic structure of the necklace, with glimmering beads of sterling silver acting as spacers between each sea blue stone. The central pendant features a cascade of round and square calcite gems linked by silver. The overall appearance is bold and eye-catching without being gaudy, blending beautifully with any number of outfits.

India's Aditi designs this stunning necklace in celebration of the five basic elements of nature: fire, water, wind, earth, and space. She expertly crafts each ceramic pendant by hand with a lacquer finish. The pendants center a cotton thread necklace in a rich palette of colors that includes burgundy, blue, red, and brown. This artisan-crafted necklace can be worn at the desired length.

Inca culture serves as the basis for the design of this pair of ceramic pendant necklaces from Peruvian artisan Dina. One pendant has a pink and white background and the other a blue and white backdrop; each is filled with symbols and shapes that recall the geometric motifs found on ancient artifacts. Hand painted in various vivid hues, the pendants hang from black nylon cord and are crowned with blue and red beads.

Eva Souto pays tribute to Mexico's Baroque colonial past with this sterling pendant necklace. The basic design is reminiscent of milagros,, or tokens of thanks pinned onto images of saints. The meticulous filigree work is part of this talented craftwoman's heritage.

Crafted of sterling silver with a brushed-satin finish, the basic element of life, DNA, forms the pendant of this necklace. Thai artisan Sarote Lochotinunt creates this accessory, which circles the neck with high-polish sterling rolo chain.

Jantana deconstructs the image of an elephant and re-creates it using basic geometric shapes. This gives the Thai artisan's sterling silver pendant necklace an edge of abstraction, using only the core elements needed to embody the elephant. The unique pendant is worn on a Venetian-style box chain.