How do I know if my necklace is handmade?

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.

What makes a necklace eco-friendly?

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.

What are the classic techniques for making women’s necklaces?

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.

What are the most common materials for making women’s necklaces?

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.

What is the best way to wear women’s necklaces?

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.

What are the signs of a well-made necklace?

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.

Are there specific cultural symbols used in womens necklaces?

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.

Amber Necklaces at NOVICA

Cross of Courage, 925 Sterling Silver Amber Cross Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ.

Del Toro Family

(21)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Sweet Life, Multi-Gemstone Skull Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Oscar Figueroa Escorcia

(704)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Amber Essence, 14k Gold-Plated Natural Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Paola Lopez

(12)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Courage Beads, 14k Gold-Plated Pendant Necklace with Amber Beads

Paola Lopez

(12)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Bestseller

Bright Ladybug, 925 Sterling Silver and Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ.

Del Toro Family

(21)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Sunny Garden, Sterling Silver and Amber Round Butterfly Pendant Necklace

Length: 18.75"

Mahavir

(655)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Geometric Expressions, Amber and Sterling Silver Circles Pendant Collar Necklace

Size: 15.75" L (end to end) x 0.1" W

Lupita Betancourt

(11)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Contemporary Flair, Round Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Luis Zuñiga

(12)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Hamsa of Courage, 925 Sterling Silver Amber Hamsa Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ.

Del Toro Family

(21)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Wine Garland, Gold Plated Amber and Agate Beaded Necklace from Mexico

Length: 18.5"

Paola Lopez

(12)

$84.99 Wholesale

$84.99
Sweet Porcupine Treasure, 925 Sterling Silver and Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Size: 17.75" Inner Circ.

Del Toro Family

(21)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Leo Sun, Unique Sterling Silver Sunshine Necklace with Amber

Length: 17.75"

Mariana Llanes

(56)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Ancient Rainfall, Natural Amber Pendant Necklace Crafted in Mexico

Length: 20"

Jacqueline and Eddy

(20)

$94.99 Wholesale

$94.99
Bestseller

Worker Bee, Bee-Themed Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.5"

Flora Maria

(92)

$97.99 Wholesale

$97.99
Bestseller

Simojovel Beauty, Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with Multiple Amber Pendants

Length: 22"

Jacqueline and Eddy

(20)

$99.99 Wholesale

$99.99
Bestseller

Honey Eclipse, Sun and Moon Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 18"

Juan Garcia

(59)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Square Cross, Natural Amber Cross Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.75"

Luis Zuñiga

(12)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Simplicity Squared, Square Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 20.75"

Paola Lopez

(12)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Natural Mirror, Oval Amber Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 17.75"

Luis Zuñiga

(12)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Cross of Antiquity, Natural Amber Cross Pendant Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.25"

Luis Zuñiga

(12)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99
Bestseller

Hummingbird Treasure, Rhodochrosite and Amber Sterling Silver Bird Necklace

Length: 20.25"

Flora Maria

(92)

$149.99 Wholesale

$149.99
Bestseller

Sweet Honey, Amber and Sterling Silver Bees in Honeycomb Necklace

Length: 20.5"

Flora Maria

(92)

$164.99 Wholesale

$164.99
Birds and Beads, Baroque Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Gemstone Beads

Oscar Figueroa Escorcia

(704)

$179.99 Wholesale

$179.99
Bestseller

Dragonfly Embrace, Dragonfly Pendant Beaded Necklace from Mexico

Length: 19.75"

Flora Maria

(92)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99
Wishes, Women's Gold Accent Sterling Silver and Amber Necklace

Size: 15" L (end to end)

Guillermo Arregui

(1087)

$197.99 Wholesale

$197.99

Featured Reviews

Amber pendant necklace, 'Natural Mirror'

Dragon

Aug 12, 2022

The mystery of amber

She loves this piece, and has been wishing for amber for some time, though I did not know it! Wears it often as a favorite.

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Amber pendant necklace, 'Worker Bee'

Linda

Jan 5, 2020

Beautiful bee

Flora Maria's impeccable workmanship shines here with her delicate and precise rendering of a bee. This is a glorious depiction of the subject, just as are the several other pieces I have been lucky enough to add to my wearable jewelry box.

Insect Jewelry

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Multi-gemstone pendant necklace, 'Sweet Life'

Tina

Jan 7, 2021

Attracts Compliments!!

From a distance, in a parking lot -- a woman inside an office saw this necklace around my neck and had to yell to compliment it. It is unique and striking -- LOVE this beauty!

Day Of The Dead Skulls

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Necklaces