different necklaces

This magnificent hand-crafted statement necklace is designed by Tishita Jain with the allure of oceanic colors and geometric shapes. A row of smooth rounded beads of calcite in different sizes forms the basic structure of the necklace, with glimmering beads of sterling silver acting as spacers between each sea blue stone. The central pendant features a cascade of round and square calcite gems linked by silver. The overall appearance is bold and eye-catching without being gaudy, blending beautifully with any number of outfits.

Ila Suleyman inherited his passion for jewelry making from his grandfather, who taught him how to work with natural leather from a young age in Ghana. He crafts the stunning statement necklace by hand with supple cardinal red leather, centering the bold accessory with a natural curved bone pendant. "Although I introduce modernity in my designs, they are finished as timeless pieces to be cherished for generations," says Ila who calls his design Nooma, a Mamprusi word meaning "sweetness."

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.