symbolic necklaces

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.

Handcrafted in Thailand by Nareerat, this beaded necklace is a gorgeous creation featuring multiple gems. Working with aventurine and quartz beads, rose quartz chips and cultured pearls, the artisan forms a sweet palette of pink tones resembling little berries. Equipped with a silver-plated clasp and extender, this precious accessory also has a hidden meaning, as pink symbolizes harmony and friendship.

Thailand's Nareerat puts all her expertise into this dazzling creation of multiple gems following a stylish color scheme. Cultured pearls, aventurine chips and quartz beads come together to form this necklace in a joyful orange tone. This color symbolizes warmth and freedom, adding a special meaning to the accessory. In addition, the artisan adds a silver-plated brass clasp and extender.

Thailand's Nareerat puts all her expertise into this marvelous creation of multiple gems following a luxurious color scheme. Cultured pearls, amethyst chips and quartz beads come together to form this necklace in a mystic purple tone. This color symbolizes nobility and wisdom, adding a special meaning to the accessory. In addition, the artisan adds a silver-plated brass clasp and extender.

Thai artisan Nareerat handcrafts this accessory from multiple gems, all following an intense palette that makes an attractive accent for any outfit. With howlite beads, quartz chips and cultured pearls embellishing the necklace, the final touch is in the silver-plated brass clasp and extender. On top of that, the red color scheme adds a special meaning to the item, as it symbolizes passion and courage.

Thai artisan Nareerat handcrafts this accessory from multiple gems, all following a tender palette that makes a pretty accent for any outfit. With agate and quartz beads, lapis lazuli chips and cultured pearls embellishing the necklace, the final touch is in the silver-plated brass clasp and extender. On top of that, the blue color scheme adds a special meaning to the item, as it symbolizes imagination and loyalty.

Nareerat combines the magical essence of winter with myriad spring flowers made from precious jewels. Expert in creating maximalist jewelry pieces, the Thai artisan presents a new collection full of fantasy and glamour. This beaded statement necklace is meticulously crafted from quartz, labradorite, yellow cultured pearls, glass beads and tourmaline quartz stones, all joined by stainless steel wires, making a blue-toned accessory symbolizing serenity. As the final touch, sterling silver-plated brass accents allow you to wear the design comfortably, displaying it in all its shiny splendor.

A palette of lavender and white hues captures magic and charm, forming the details composing this beaded pendant necklace by Ali Guzman from Mexico. Using cotton threads on resin pieces, the artisan spaces crystals, moonstones and cultured pearls all around the necklace's chain, also composed of 24k gold-plated brass. As the final accent, a natural freeform agate dangles gracefully at the bottom as a symbol of harmony and fantasy.

Mexican artisan Ali Guzman chooses a palette of warm hues to create this stylish beaded pendant necklace composed of precious jewels. Using carnelian chips and opal beads, the artisan forms the chain, spacing the jewels with 24k gold-plated brass accents. The drop-shaped citrine pendant is preceded by cultured pearls in a natural white hue, symbolizing innocence.

India’s Sumit Dhawan pays homage to traditional rosaries with this precious pendant necklace boasting an engraved stainless steel cross and black onyx, matte agate and lustrous hematite beads. Interspersed with the stones are gleaming stainless steel discs that add a sleek, modern contrast. Finished with a magnetic clasp closure, this elegant accessory blends spiritual symbolism with contemporary design.

Classical, glamorous and seductive: Brazilian artisan Liliam Vivan's newest design is an homage to the sophisticated lady that lives in the soul of each woman who faces the world with wisdom and courage. Using black spinel beads that go all over the chain, the artisan crows this 18k gold-plated pendant necklace with a faceted four-carat citrine stone symbolizing abundance and a white cultured pearl for a refined accent.