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.

Buddhism Necklaces at NOVICA

Bestseller

Hamsa Amulet, Artisan Crafted Taxco Sterling Silver Hamsa Symbol Necklace

Length: 17.75"

Roy Nilson

(132)

$209.99 Wholesale

$209.99
Bestseller

Buddha's Earrings, Multi-Gemstone Sterling Silver Buddha Necklace from Bali

Length: 19.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Bestseller

Basuki in Flight, Handmade Dragon Motif Gold-Accent Blue Topaz Collar Necklace

Size: 16.5" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Sukartini

(570)

$327.99 Wholesale

$327.99
Spiritual Journey, Inspirational Polished Sterling Silver Om Pendant Necklace

Nicte Migliozzi

(47)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Dragon Om, Sterling Silver Dragon Om Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Thoughtful Om, Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace Depicting Om Symbol

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Mayan Om in Lilac, Jade Om Pendant Necklace in Lilac from Guatemala

Length: 18"

Nicte Migliozzi

(47)

$117.99 Wholesale

$117.99
Buddha Head II, Buddha Head Necklace in Carved Cow Bone and Leather

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Eternal Peace, Om Motif Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Blessed Buddha, Amethyst Cultured Pearl and Bone Buddha Pendant Necklace

Length: 20"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Om Pattern, Celtic Om Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Bestseller

Beautiful Om, Tourmaline Om Beaded Pendant Necklace from Thailand

Length: 17"

Matta

(498)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Meditative Medallion, Sterling Silver Om Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Little Buddha, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver and Buddha Pendant Necklace

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Buddha Shine, Sterling Silver Buddha Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 19"

Nyoman Ariawan

(255)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Peaceful as Buddha, Handcrafted Bone Buddha Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Rosy Charm, Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace with Sterling Silver Om Pendant

Length: 17.75"

Tipa

(167)

$109.99 Wholesale

$109.99
A Reminder, Hand Made Sterling Silver Om Dangle Earrings from India

Length: 18"

Bhavya Jain

(422)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Mandala Bloom, Spiritual Flower Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 18"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Ashtamangala, Hand-Painted Ceramic Lotus Ashtamangala Pendant Necklace

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Pious Harmony, Sterling Silver Spiritual Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.5"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Silent Buddha, Sterling Silver and Leather Pendant Necklace of Buddha

Length: 18"

Komang Wijayana

(1458)

$79.99 Wholesale

$79.99
Pu-Tai Buddha, Sterling Silver Leather Buddha Pendant Necklace Indonesia

Length: 18"

Made Sudiari

(198)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Buddha Head III, Artisan Crafted Bone Pendant Necklace of Buddha Head

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Calm Buddha, Calm Buddha Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver

Length: 20"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Fascinating Om, Sterling Silver Om Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 17.25"

Neetu Barathi

(1609)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Serene Om, Shining Sterling Silver Om Pendant Necklace from India

Length: 20.25"

Shivani Choudhary

(232)

$77.99 Wholesale

$77.99
Inspiring Banyan Tree, Sterling Silver Buddhism Banyan Tree Necklace with Amethyst

Length: 17.25"

Ketut Sulastri

(297)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Inspiring Lotus, Sterling Silver Buddhism Flower Necklace with Amethyst

Length: 17.25"

Ketut Sulastri

(297)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99

Featured Reviews

Amethyst pendant necklace, 'Inspiring Banyan Tree'

Joan

May 29, 2019

A beautiful charm necklace.

I was very impressed by the workmanship and detail. It was like history for me since I was not familiar with the Banyan tree and how unique it is to India. The Amethyst is the perfect size for the necklace, and I love it.

Minimalist; Hipster; Summer

Necklace For Sweaters

Teen Jewelry!

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Sterling Silver Jewelry

Rose quartz beaded pendant necklace, 'Rosy Charm'

Marion

Jun 22, 2017

this is a keeper !

this is one of those pieces to jewelry, you want to keep, , lots of beauty and quality . What Lady doesnt like soft pink ? This baby has a permanent home here

A Nice Basic Necklace

Blessing Necklace

Charming Necklace To Gift

Great Girly Necklace

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