birth jewelry

This striking and intricate painting of mother and child is presented by Indian artisan Vidushini. The artisan honors the tradition of Madhubani painting, a style originating in the Bihar region of India and in Nepal. A style dominated by women, Madhubani features elaborate geometric patterns and depicts themes relating to birth, marriage, and religious festivals. The woman and child painted here are adorned with ornate jewelry and traditional clothing. The use of simple red, black, and white colors suggest the fundamental bond between a mother and her child, while the bold and calm expression on the faces of both figures invites the viewer to join in an otherwise intimate family moment.

Hanzi are characters used in Chinese writing. As early as the sixth century A.D., many of these characters began to be simplified and adopted into Japanese writing, where they're known as kanji, a term that is more widely used in the West. Artisans in Yiwu, China, create these pendants by using sterling silver and the lost-wax casting method. Each character emulates the sweeping brushstrokes of traditional calligraphy. Choose based on birth month, favorite color, or simply the symbol that resonates with you most.

January: Garnet/Beauty, February: Amethyst/Generosity, March: Blue Topaz/Affection, April: White Quartz/Love, May: Green Quartz/Sweetness, June: White Pearl/Longevity, July: Carnelian/Perfection, August: Peridot/Purity, September: Iolite/Protection, October: Pink Tourmaline/Happiness, November: Citrine/Artistry, December: Turquoise/Imagination.

The Aztec goddess who gave birth to the moon and stars, as well as the sun god Huitzilopochtli, Coatlicue is the focus of this men's pendant necklace from Mexico. Angel Ortiz works in the tradition of Taxco silversmithing, crafting the intricate pendant from sterling silver. This necklace circles the wearer with rubber cord that closes with a sterling clasp.

Signifying the relationship between birth and death, the Mayan glyph Keme is etched by hand into a medallion of dark green Guatemalan jade. Zandra Lorena Sajbin designs this stunning pendant necklace, inspired by the beauty of jade and the significance of pre-Hispanic glyphs. The pendant centers a length of adjustable cotton cord, and features the Nahual name "Keme" inscribed on the reverse side.