different necklaces

Crafted from Taxco sterling silver, the stylized face of a noble tortoise forms the pendant for this necklace by Angel Ortiz. Intricate oxidized patterns decorate the wise visage, which centers black rubber cord with a sterling clasp.

Poised on sterling wings, a butterfly takes flight. The crystalline body glows with the allure of amethyst, and garnet surrounds the ethereal creature like blossoms. Wayan Sarjana combines the colors and textures in an extraordinary necklace.

.925 Sterling silver

Guided only by the radiant glow of moonlight, the nocturnal owl takes to the sky, led by her natural instinct to seek a quick meal for her and her young. The fly-by-night nature of the wise bird is captured in this pendant necklace in beautiful detail by Made Wardika. The circular pendant features a smiling crescent-moon hand-carved from bone, with a sterling silver owl family perched beside on a blooming branch. Below sits a faceted one-carat garnet in a setting of Balinese swirls and granules.

Dazzling under the moonlight, a butterfly extends its wings at the center of this asrisan crafted necklace from Thailand. Angels works with sterling silver, expertly weaving the pendant creating a stunning effect.

The alley cat does her best to stay in the shadows. Contending with other night creatures, the feline also prefers to be neither seen nor heard. No wonder they call them "cat burglars!" The nocturnal nature of the notorious alley prowler is captured in beautiful detail by Balinese artisan Made Wardika. The circular pendant features a smiling crescent-moon, hand-carved from bone, with a cat of sterling silver sitting beside it. A pair of faceted garnet gemstones flank them, while the top and bottom are adorned with amethyst and peridot gems. The entire necklace receives a combination of oxidized and high-polish finishes for stunning visual contrast.

Holding the different symbols of his power in his four hands, the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha is revered in this sterling silver pendant necklace from India. Neetu Barathi designs this necklace, which is crafted by local artisans.

Butterflies are tender creatures present in different pieces of art. Drawing inspiration from their elegance and beauty, Sapna Mehta designs a beautiful sterling silver necklace featuring this sweet bug. The high polished pendant is hand-painted with black and white enamel paint for an elegant touch.

Distinctly different, this jewelry set is the original creation of Alejandra Torres in Mexico. The necklace is knotted with polished lapis lazuli chips, cultured pearls and tiny beads of golden hematite. A petite sterling silver hummingbird with wings tipped in 18k gold centers the beaded strand. The dangle earrings feature the same gemstones on sterling silver wires.

Although it bears different meanings for different people, the Celtic trinity knot or "triquetra" has special symbology for the Christian faith, where it represents the holy trinity. Artisan Neetu Barathi designs this unique pendant of a turtle whose back is adorned with trinity knot motifs. The pendant is crafted of sterling silver with great attention to detail; it centers a sterling silver cable chain.

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.