symbolic necklaces

Luminous Om centers a colorful chakra wheel studded with shimmering gemstones in the design of this necklace from Alok Jain. Crafted of sterling silver, the necklace features gemstones totaling 6.3 carats, and each one is related to a specific chakra by virtue of its color. Amethyst corresponds to the crown chakra, clear quartz to the brow, iolite to the throat and peridot to the heart. Citrine is associated with the solar plexus, carnelian to the sacral and garnet to the root chakra.

In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned, the person feels a healthy sense of well-being.

.925 Sterling silver.

Symbolizing femininity and emotion, the crescent moon shape takes center stage in this minimalist sterling silver pendant necklace from India. The crescent-shaped rutilated quartz dazzles with its needlelike inclusions, and hangs from a rolo chain for added elegance. Distinctive yet sleek, this necklace makes a bold statement.

The energies of an ethereal world reunite in the heavenly beauty of this necklace's pendant. Made of sterling silver and polished for a luminous look, Bhavya Jain's newest design lets a freeform quartz jewel dance at the bottom, symbolizing purity.

Crafted from sterling silver, the classic skull of Mexico's Catrina calavera, symbolizing the Day of the Dead, is split into two halves to form a pendant. Rosa Rojo crafts this fanciful necklace, depicting conch shells that wreath Catrina's head. A single purple quartz adds beauty and color.

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.