-
Deep Infatuation
Natural Blue Kyanite Beaded Long Necklace from Brazil
Deep Infatuation, Natural Blue Kyanite Beaded Long Necklace from Brazil
Size: 34" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W
Joias do Rio
Exhibiting majestic, deep blue hues, natural kyanite stones are beaded along the length of this long necklace from Brazil. The artisans at Joias do Rio carefully select the stones to circle the neck... read more$47.99$43.19Artist: Joias do Rio
-
Ocean Tears
24k Gold Plated Gemstone Waterfall Necklace
Ocean Tears, 24k Gold Plated Gemstone Waterfall Necklace
Length: 18"
Somsiri Juntamin
This stunning waterfall necklace from Somsiri Juntamin in Thailand features cool gemstones wrapped with 24k gold plated sterling silver wires. Briolettes of icy blue kyanite steal the show, while... read more$69.99$62.99Artist: Somsiri Juntamin
-
Color and Fantasy
Multi Gemstones on Gold Plated Long Station Necklace
Color and Fantasy, Multi Gemstones on Gold Plated Long Station Necklace
Length: 38"
Saranarat
Thailand's Saranarat conjures a feast of color and fantasy with the design of this station necklace. The cheerful glow of enhanced ruby, blue apatite, yellow citrine, lilac amethyst, and orange... read more$137.99$124.19Artist: Saranarat
-
Sacred Mantra
Thai Hill Tribe Om Symbol Silver Necklace with Kyanite
Sacred Mantra, Thai Hill Tribe Om Symbol Silver Necklace with Kyanite
Length: 17.25"
Khun Boom
Appearing in silver, the om symbol of Lord Shiva flourishes like ancient calligraphy. This mantra is used in the mystical contemplation of ultimate reality and is considered the resonant body of the... read more$49.99$44.99Artist: Khun Boom
-
Treasures So Sweet
Multi Gemstone and Pearl Lariat Necklace from Thailand
Treasures So Sweet, Multi Gemstone and Pearl Lariat Necklace from Thailand
Length: 24"
Saranarat
Saranarat infuses a maritime theme with the gemstone colors she chooses for the design of this necklace. Crafted by hand in Thailand with dyed grey pearls, diminutive black spinel beads separate... read more$179.99$161.99Artist: Saranarat
Kyanite Necklaces
(5 items)Member Zone
Log in
Log in to see your rewards

Log in or create a free account
to see your current rewards, artisan impact level and shipping discounts.
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


Joias do Rio Gemstone jewelry
The designers at Joias do Rio find inspiration in nature's true beauty, as well as in the magnificence of Rio de Janeiro.
Related Articles
What is Rose Gold Jewelry?
When it comes to gifts for mom, wife, or daughter, some may rush to the jeweler'sor their favorite boutique... read more