Gold Necklaces

436 items

Explore NOVICA's Gold Necklaces Collection. Discover unique designs, handcrafted by global artisans. From delicate pendants to beautifully embellished statement necklaces, you will find traditional and contemporary styles designed to delight those seeking the handmade and different in this most precious of metals.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - 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.

Featured Reviews

Gold-accented sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Sarasvati Lotus'

Dorothy

Aug 7, 2024

My Favorite Lotus Necklace

I'm delighted with this two-tone sterling silver and gold lotus necklace and appreciate that Novica artisans are offering more two tone metals in jewelry. Made Suyana also offers two tone lotus hoop earrings that coordinate beautifully with this necklace, and that I purchased. His workmanship is perfection.

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Gold-accented orchid petal pendant necklace, 'Orchid Magic in Purple'

Happyhelen

Dec 10, 2022

Extremely well made!

This broach is so very well-made. And it can be worn as a necklace or else as a broach. Also I was pleased with the pretty paper-mache box that it came in! I will use the box again.

Natural Flower or Leaf Jewelry

Natural orchid brooch pin necklace, 'Orchid Fantasy'

Phillip

Feb 6, 2022

Fantastic

Beautiful piece of work. Very nice detail and wonderful colour. It was actually a fair amount larger than expected.

The Special Occasion Necklace.

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Featured Artist

Danai Jewelry featuring natural flowers

(358)

"For the past 20 years or so, I have had good and bad times but I enjoyed it all. It is pretty much like black coffee – bitter, sweet and very nice."

"My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton... read more

What is Rose Gold Jewelry?

When it comes to gifts for mom, wife, or daughter, some may rush to the jeweler’sor their favorite... read more

More useful facts

The Gold Necklace

Gold is soft, malleable and very beautiful. It has been prized since prehistoric times and was used for ornaments or jewelry. Pure gold is yellow, however white gold, an alloy that resembles silver or platinum, is also used in fine jewelry.

Novica artisans transform the precious metal for our Gold Necklace Gallery. Peru's Giuliana Valz-Gen creates exquisite silver bracelets and necklaces in filigree, covering them in gleaming gold. Accents in gold leaf adorn Gerard Terrien's designs, and Thailand's Danai combines natural flowers with gold and silver. Brazil's Claudio Bravo adds gold details to bracelets and necklaces woven from native buriti palm.

Gold vermeil refers to sterling silver bathed in gleaming gold, and it is a favorite medium for designers from around the world. Gold plated jewelry may host precious stones to become a warm carnelian necklace or a unique brooch. We hope you enjoy exploring our collection of Gold Necklaces from around the world!