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 Opal at NOVICA

Bestseller

Window, Handcrafted Andean Sterling Silver Necklace with Opal

Length: 17.75"

Patricia Jara

(124)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99
Bestseller

Ancient Echo, Textured Sterling Silver Handcrafted Necklace with Opal

Length: 19.75"

Patricia Jara

(124)

$157.99 Wholesale

$157.99
Glowing Flower, Pink Opal and Garnet Sterling Silver Flower Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$144.99 Wholesale

$144.99
Bestseller

Genuine Hope, Peacock Pearl and Natural Opal Stone Beaded Pendant Necklace

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Purple in Springtime, Brazilian Purple Quartz & Multi-Gemstone Necklace

Liliam Vivan

(51)

$99 Wholesale

$99
Bestseller

Ocean Glow, Cultured Pearl and Opal Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 18"

Mutiara Collection

(194)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Pink Reflection, Modern Polished Opal and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Bestseller

Enchanting Harmony, Silver Pendant Necklace with Natural Opal Stone from Peru

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Double Rainbow, Sterling Silver and Opal Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Mutiara Collection

(194)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Bestseller

Rosy Harmony, Sterling Silver Necklace with Rectangular Pink Opal Pendant

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Bestseller

Heart of the Andes, Modern Silver Pendant Necklace with Andean Opal Stone

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Distance, Sterling Silver Y-Necklace with Natural Opal and CZ

Length: 16.25"

Ana Cristina Llapa

(51)

$159.99 Wholesale

$159.99
Bestseller

Bauble Delight, Blue Opal Pendant Necklace from Peru

Length: 17.75"

Patricia Jara

(124)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Nature's Sacrifice, High-Polished Modern Natural Opal Pendant Necklace

Fermin

(52)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Sublime Contrast, Silver Pendant Necklace with Opal and Cultured Pearl Gems

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Myriad Treasures, Fantasy-Inspired Gold-Plated Multi-Gemstone Charm Necklace

Saranarat

(292)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99
Twin Souls, Hand Made Opal and Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace

Length: 18"

Aparna

(594)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Andean Harmony, Andean Opal Cultured Pearl Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Crowned Crescent, Sterling Silver and Pink Opal Necklace from Peru

Length: 15.75"

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Hope of the Persevering, Opal and Garnet Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Neeru Goel

(2379)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99
Andean Breeze, Sterling Silver Necklace with Square Opal Pendant from Peru

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Round Glam, Opal and Sterling Silver Beaded Necklace from Peru

Length: 19.75"

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$98.99 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $98.99
Two Teardrops, Garnet and Opal Teardrop Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 18"

Shanker

(1425)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
Warm Treasures, Warm-Toned Gold-Accented Multi-Gemstone Beaded Necklace

Ali Guzman

$376.19 Wholesale

~~$417.99~~ $376.19
Coming back

Gathering Storm, Dendritic Opal and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace

Length: 20.5"

Rakesh Rana

(154)

$124.99 Wholesale

$124.99
Mystical Medallion, Opal choker

Length: 17.75"

Tiberio Gonzales

(190)

$459.99 Wholesale

$459.99
Teardrop Bow, Rose Opal Pendant Necklace on Sterling Silver Chain

Sandra and Lily

(104)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Hot Pink in Springtime, Brazilian Hot Pink Quartz & Multi-Gemstone Necklace

Liliam Vivan

(51)

$99 Wholesale

$99

Featured Reviews

Opal pendant necklace, 'Window'

Pamela Hofman

Jan 26, 2019

Simple, yet so elegant

I bought this for my son's girlfriend and she just loves it! The stone is encased in the silver in such a way that you get the full effect of the beautiful opal. I'm sure she will be able to wear it with so many outfits because the style lends itself to variety.

A Best Pendant Necklaces

A Great Gift

Beautiful Natural Gemstone Jewelry

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October Birthstone Necklace

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October!!

Opal and blue topaz pendant necklace, 'Twin Souls'

Jason

Jun 16, 2016

Cherished gift!

My husband give this to me for our anniversary. I wear it weekly and always get compliments. It is one my favorite pieces of jewelry and can be worn with everything. Love it!

Dreamy Gift

Exquisite Artwork And Rich Imagination

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