be different art

Pearls do not have to be white! Jeweler Miriam Bruten takes cultured pearls of different colors such as pink and purple to create treasures such as this delicate beaded necklace with 925 sterling silver and pearl beads of alternating colors.

Eastern and Western spiritual beliefs coexist in this fabulous beaded home accent you can hang and display at your favorite spot at home. Designed by Costa Rica's Adriana Gölcher, it is entirely crafted by hand featuring 21 clear crystal beads and seven crystal beads in different colors to represent the seven chakras. The lovely accessory is complemented by a stainless steel pendant of Saint Benedict and comes with a twisted sterling silver wire hanger.

The serene face of the moon inspires the captivating design of this ring by Buana. Expertly carved in bone, the moon enlightens an ornate sterling silver ring.

Bali artisan Made Sri takes a simple design and elevates it to art with brilliant execution. This lovely cuff bracelet is formed of a slender band of sterling silver with a hammered finish. Centering the cuff are two one-carat amethyst stones with a classic rectangular cut. The gemstones are oriented differently--one vertically and one horizontally--for a unique asymmetrical look.

Like a fragrant spring breeze, this amethyst and peridot beaded necklace refreshes the senses. The natural gemstone chips are strung onto 5 strands of different lengths by Thai artisan Sukanya Thongperm, creating a stunning piece of wearable art.

.925 Sterling silver

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collaboration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honor of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.

Talented Karen hill tribe artisans craft this stunning beaded pendant necklace from 950 silver. The pendant is abundantly populated with sterling and 950 silver blossoms and leaves of various sizes and shapes. Tiny rondelle beads make up the rest of the necklace, which is presented by Pakaon Sojintarit in Thailand.

Rosy pearls, deep red tourmaline and crystal quartz mingle with cool green peridot. Nareerat knots the gems on silken strands to create these colorful earrings. They hang from silver wires.

.925 Sterling silver