may jewelry

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.

The Mayan glyph known as Xul depicts a dog's face in silhouette. Part of the Haab, a solar calendar of 18 20-day months, Xul represents a month dedicated to Kulkulcan, the plumed serpent. Known in Aztec lore as Quetzalcoatl, Kulkulcan was thought to descend to receive his offerings at the end of Xul. Nicte Migliozzi crafts the glyph in sterling silver and displays it in an original necklace.

Nicte Migliozzi selects the Maya glyph for Uayeb for this unique ring. Haab is a solar calendar of 18 20-day months. Uayeb is the five-day purification cycle that completes the 365-day year. She works in sterling silver to perpetuate Guatemala's Maya heritage.

"This glyph is known as Pax. The word means 'drum' and refers to the rhythms of life," Nicte Migliozzi says. The artisan crowns a sterling silver ring with the image. The Haab calendar has 18 months, and the month known as Pax was devoted to honoring warriors. The chief warrior of the community was taken to the temple where the people prayed for victory, and the warrior was honored with dances and feasts.

Exploring Guatemala's rich history, Nicte Migliozzi crafts a sterling silver ring with a Mayan glyph. The sleek band is crowned with the Zip symbol, represented by a tree. This is this month dedicated to Ek Zip, the deity of hunting that dwells in the mountains, and both fishermen and hunters performed rituals to bless their tools during the twenty-day month.

Detailed in sterling silver earrings, the quetzal was sacred to the ancient Maya, and today is Guatemala's national bird. Zandra Lorena Sajbin designs this attractive pair of earrings, where the quetzal is seemingly standing over an egg of lilac jade.

Lilac jade is a natural stone. Its color will vary due to its white, green, blue and rose veins.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Ojo de Dios, or God's Eye, this pair of dangle earrings is handcrafted with petite beads of glass and blue agate. The diamond-shaped earrings feature a mesmerizing colour scheme, accentuated by baubles of sterling silver that fall below. Mexico's Ana Mirez presents the earrings, celebrating traditional Huichol art forms. She names the accessory after Ixchel, the Mayan jaguar goddess of medicine.