silver droplets

Faceted rondelles of blue topaz resemble icy droplets in these dangle earrings from Somsiri Juntamin in Thailand. The sterling silver earrings culminate in creamy white cultured pearls.

This original earring design is from Somsiri Juntamin of Thailand, who enjoys choosing beautiful gemstones for her creations. Droplets of sterling silver plated with brushed 24k gold form the base of the earrings; they are topped by faceted beads of tourmaline and amethyst. Gold plated wire secures the gemstones to the polished gold posts.

Golden droplets of sun dazzle in a two strand necklace by India’s Narayannii. Regarded as the stone of the mind, citrine is said to bring clarity of thought. Florid sterling silver beads accentuate the outer strand in a design rich in Indian elegance.

.925 Sterling silver

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.