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.

Necklaces at NOVICA

Bestseller

Pepitas doradas, Collar tailandés de cuatro hileras de perlas cultivadas en marrón dorado

Length: 16.25"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
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Sosongo en Azul, Collar con cuentas trenzadas azules Joyas de comercio justo de África

Length: 21.25"

Ila Suleyman

(80)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Flores del arco iris, Collar colorido de flores con múltiples piedras preciosas de Tailandia

Length: 16.25"

Anusara

(316)

$49.49 Wholesale

$49.49
Cascada de lirio blanco, Collar llamativo hecho a mano con perlas cultivadas y plata

Length: 16.25"

Angels

(76)

$359.99 Wholesale

$359.99
Bestseller

Princesa Garland, Gargantilla De Plata De Ley Hecha A Mano En Tailandia

Length: 16.5"

Angels

(76)

$227.99 Wholesale

$227.99
Danza de Atracción, Collar de cuentas artesanal de jade asiático de comercio justo

Length: 17"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
Bestseller

Canción del cielo, Gargantilla de ónix artesanal

Length: 16.25"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$52.19 Wholesale

$52.19
reina de la paz, Gargantilla india azul Joyas de plata esterlina de la India

Length: 14.25"

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
flor de arcoiris, Collar de gargantilla de piedras preciosas de colores hecho a mano artesanalmente

Length: 14.5"

Anusara

(316)

$49.99 Wholesale

~~$57.68~~ $49.99
Vides arremolinadas, Collar de plata esterlina con detalle de oro de Indonesia

Size: 16.5" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Made Sudiari

(198)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Resplandor, Gargantilla de plata de ley con piedra de luna y joyería artesanal

Length: 16.5"

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Elementos de la naturaleza, Collar artesanal de algodón y cerámica de la India

Length: 6.5"

Aditi

(17)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Sougri Violeta, Collar Violeta de Cuerno Natural y Hueso Hecho a Mano

Length: 19.25"

Ila Suleyman

(80)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Sougri Naranja, Colgantes de Cuerno y Hueso en Cuentas Recicladas Collar Naranja

Length: 19.25"

Ila Suleyman

(80)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Circuitos de Lagos, Gargantilla de mujer hecha a mano en África

Length: 16.25"

Nonyem Abena Ibeneme

(13)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
soles del este, Colgantes de cerámica en collar de algodón indio hecho a mano artesanalmente

Length: 9.5"

Aditi

(17)

$114.99 Wholesale

$114.99
lavanda helada, Collar llamativo de cuarzo con joyería de cuentas hecho a mano

Length: 21.75"

Sukanya Thongperm

(24)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Wend Panga en Naranja, Collar artesanal de ágata y madera con cuentas de naranja africana

Length: 19.25"

Ila Suleyman

(80)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Ramitas y flores, Collar con colgante de flores de colores sobre cordones beige encerados

Length: 16.5"

Anusara

(316)

$35.99 Wholesale

$35.99
Dom energía, Collar de algodón de cerámica hecho a mano rojo naranja de la India

Length: 7.5"

Aditi

(17)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Coming back

Firma Natural, Collar de cuarzo morado con amatistas de forma libre

Length: 17.25"

Duanpen Tajunin

(80)

$43.49 Wholesale

$43.49
Coming back

Firma Natural, Collar de ónix con ágatas de forma libre

Length: 17.25"

Duanpen Tajunin

(80)

$43.49 Wholesale

$43.49

Featured Reviews

Moonstone waterfall necklace, 'Radiance'

Steve

Feb 7, 2018

She absolutely loves it.

Bought this as a gift for my companion. She absolutely loved it. We were well pleased with the quality of the craftsmanship and of the stones. I will purchase other works from this artist.

Trendy.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry

Necklaces

Multi-gemstone flower necklace, 'Rainbow Blooms'

Bessie

Oct 1, 2024

Love! Love! Love this necklace!

It’s my instant favorite! You can wear it with every outfit whether you are going to the concert hall or to the ball park. It’s well made with vibrant colors.

Iridescent Jewelry

Soo Smart

Very Well Made. The Face Is Perfect

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Cultured freshwater pearl strand necklace, 'Golden Brown Nuggets'

Patricia

Jan 20, 2025

S9 nice!

I love this necklace. It's a good length to wear with almost any top, and it really complements any outfit, but goes especially well with brown/yellow tones. I think it would look nice with teal/light blue. An added bonus is the hook clasp. I have a lot of trouble holding lobster claw hooks open, so this is so much easier to hook. Easy on, easy off.

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