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Hmong Sun Medallion
Handcrafted Thai Hmong Hill Tribe Cotton Pendant Necklace
Hmong Sun Medallion, Handcrafted Thai Hmong Hill Tribe Cotton Pendant Necklace
Length: 14.25"
Nulee
The Hmong sun medallion comes to life in on the pendant of this cotton necklace. Patchwork in blue, purple and red create this important motif. Circling the neck with adjustable cord decorated in the... read more$19.99Artist: Nulee
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Good Chance
Multi-Colored Cotton Print Statement Necklace from Ghana
Good Chance, Multi-Colored Cotton Print Statement Necklace from Ghana
Length: 28.5"
Esther Narh
Layers of bold batik print in green and buttercup yellow distinguish this stunning statement necklace with contemporary West African style. Crafted by Ghana's Esther Narh, this bold design features... read more$29.99Artist: Esther Narh
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Rustic Fortune
Wood and Bone Beaded Pendant Necklace from Ghana
Rustic Fortune, Wood and Bone Beaded Pendant Necklace from Ghana
Length: 18"
Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor
Working with local women, Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor of Ghana is proud to present her own designs in this necklace, which features black and white beads made from sese wood and cow bone on a nylon... read more$44.99Artist: Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor
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Javanese Tradition
Colorful Batik Cotton Strand Necklace from Java
Javanese Tradition, Colorful Batik Cotton Strand Necklace from Java
Length: 23.5"
Marie Pang
In the tradition of Javanese handicrafts, this cotton fabric necklace is decorated with intricate and colorful batik motifs. Marie Pang creates the necklace, which is further enhanced with beads of... read more$69.99Artist: Marie Pang
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Javanese Jasmine
Traditional Javanese Motif Handcrafted Silver Necklace
Javanese Jasmine, Traditional Javanese Motif Handcrafted Silver Necklace
Length: 21.5"
Agung Jagra
Working in sterling silver, Agung Jagra recreates an ancient Javanese batik motif. Truntum represents the jasmine bud. This motif is usually worn by the parents of the bride and groom, as its meaning... read more$64.99$58.49Artist: Agung Jagra
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Sarong Cocoons
Handcrafted Batik Cotton Wrap Necklace from Bali
Sarong Cocoons, Handcrafted Batik Cotton Wrap Necklace from Bali
Length: 59"
Pertiwi Collection
Inspired by the beauty of sarongs, Balinese artisans use batik cotton fabric to create this wrap necklace from the Pertiwi Collection. They wrap the cotton into pupa-like shapes that form stations... read more$44.99Artist: Pertiwi Collection
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Red Hmong Sun Medallion
Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Red from Thailand
Red Hmong Sun Medallion, Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Red from Thailand
Length: 14.25"
Nulee
The Hmong sun medallion comes to life in the pendant of this cotton necklace. Patchwork in red, blue, purple, and yellow create this important motif. Nulee creates this classic Thai design, centering... read more$19.99Artist: Nulee
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Blue Hmong Sun Medallion
Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Blue from Thailand
Blue Hmong Sun Medallion, Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Blue from Thailand
Length: 14.25"
Nulee
The Hmong sun medallion comes to life in on the pendant of this cotton necklace. Patchwork in blue, lavender and pink create this important motif. Circling the neck with adjustable cord decorated in... read more$19.99Artist: Nulee
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Pink Hmong Sun Medallion
Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Pink from Thailand
Pink Hmong Sun Medallion, Handcrafted Cotton Pendant Necklace in Pink from Thailand
Length: 14.25"
Nulee
The Hmong sun medallion comes to life in on the pendant of this cotton necklace. Patchwork in pink, yellow and blue create this important motif. Circling the neck with adjustable cord decorated in the... read more$19.99Artist: Nulee
Batik Necklaces
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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 Artist
Nulee Cotton batik accessories and cotton jewelry
"My dream is to be a Hmong entrepreneur, to be a representative for a new generation that wants to preserve our unique culture through handicrafts."
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