India Necklaces
(2,094 items)Discover NOVICA's Indian Necklaces Collection. You'll find colorful, exotic, awe-inspiring designs that showcase the diverse jewelry-making techniques and traditions of Indian jewelry. From delicate pendants to gemstone-encrusted statements, you will find unique necklaces, handcrafted by Indian jewelry artisans, in a wide range of traditional and contemporary designs.
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
Handmade necklaces are incomparable works of wearable art. Each one is unique in shape, color, size and design. Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets. Handmade finishes may show variations in metal patterns. No two natural gemstones share the same characteristics. Each necklace holds its own individualistic sense of beauty, making it evident that it was crafted by hand. Some even bear the artisans signature.
Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. In Thailand, Mexico and Bali, coconut shells are often used. Indian artists sometimes repurpose silk from saris. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs.
Many artisans the world over work in lost wax. They sculpt the image they want in wax, encase it in a mold, and pour molten silver or gold into it. The wax melts and flows out, leaving only the precious metal. However some artisans in Peru specialize in handmade silver and gold filigree, and some Balinese necklaces feature chains that are handwoven from slender metal strands. Karen hill tribe artisans in Thailand often use manual tools to stamp decorative motifs on fine silver. Other techniques include macram, beaded or gemstone strands, hammered metals, and carved wood or bone.
Precious metals and natural gemstones are the most popular materials for women's necklaces. Silver, gold and brass all provide durability as well as beauty. Artisans also utilize local materials that can include coconut shells, bamboo, bright African print fabrics, ceramic beads, natural amber, carved bone and bull horn. Both Peru and Mexico have rich silver mines and silver is used for traditional jewelry as well as contemporary designs.
Women's necklaces are versatile and come in many styles and lengths. They can be layered or worn alone as a statement piece. Many designs go with everything from jeans to office wear or an evening out on the town. The best thing about jewelry is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality.
When assessing the workmanship of a necklace, its helpful to pay attention to certain characteristics. For example, quality necklaces are balanced designs that rest comfortably around the neck. Clasps are secure and work well, and gemstones and beads are properly set. The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials.
Each culture celebrates its rich jewelry-making history through specific symbols and styles. For example, traditional West African beads, which adorn many necklaces from the region, each have a story and a specific occasion when they are worn. Others may feature the Ghanian adinkra symbols, which convey popular wisdom. In ancient Andean civilizations, the leaders apparel and jewelry showed their rank and also incorporated religious symbols. Similarly, necklaces from Bali often depict deities from the Hindu pantheon. In India, a womans jewelry is linked to her status in society and may depict Hindu gods as well as mantra symbols such as the omkara, the root of all sounds and the emblem of the Most High. Angel necklaces and harmony ball necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and in Mexico. The pendant makes a delicate bell sound, thought to soothe the mother and the baby she is carrying. Some believe it summons a guardian angel, thus making it a symbol of loving protection.
Featured Reviews on India Necklaces
Blue topaz and chalcedony pendant necklace, 'Sentimental Journey'
By Mary
My favorite Necklace I have ever had!
I have had diamond necklaces that were not this stunning. I love the creativity the artist has. She blended the stones together with care and such beauty.
Ruby and moonstone pendant necklace, 'Love and Devotion'
By Vicki
PERFECT!
Oh my goodness! To say I am pleased with my moonstone and ruby necklace just isn't enough. The quality of the moonstone and the rubies are just as you see in the photo - very nice indeed for the reasonable price. It's delicate and feminine - not large and not too small. Nice silver chain separately packaged so it won't tangle. It was a birthday present to myself and I LOVE it! Thank you, Alok!
Garnet and rose quartz pendant necklace, 'Glory of Red'
By Sophie
I love these!
Fast shipping, lovely items, very good quality, and reasonably priced. I love the items and will order again from Neeru. I also love the little pouches that the items arrived in-very handy to store the items in when travelling. Thank you!
Featured Artist
"Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."
The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine.
"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... read more
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India Necklaces
India has a long tradition of hand-crafted jewelry dating back to early times. It has been a sign of tribal identity and social status, and was gifted to Hindu, Jain and Sikh woman upon marriage as a source of security and wealth.
India was exporting gemstones by the third century B.C. and they play an important role in Novica's India Necklace Gallery. From opulent strands to pendants and chains, amethyst, topaz, tiger's eye and peridot appear in the India sterling silver necklace. Onyx, carnelian, turquoise and citrine designs vie with lapis lazuli, moonstone and pearl necklaces.
In addition to silver, extravagant gold vermeil appears in our India necklaces. Hand-crafted designs of intricate beadwork are distinctive and beautiful. From opulent jewelry inspired by Mughal splendor to tribal amulets and sleek chokers with modern chic, you're sure to find what you're looking for in our India Necklace Gallery. Enjoy!
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