Modern Necklaces

(639 items)

Discover Modern Necklaces at NOVICA. Although they employ traditional jewelry-making techniques to create their handcrafted necklaces, many artisans explore the design motifs that characterized styles from the 1920s to the 1970s. You'll discover a wide range of styles from pendants to statement strands in our unique collection of men's and women's modern necklaces.

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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 on Modern Necklaces

Jade pendant necklace, 'Eternal Cosmos'

By Catherine

Love at first sight!

I was sooooo excited for this piece to arrive, and it s even better than expected! As well as the pictures represent the piece, they really don t do it justice. It s absolutely stunning! The depth of the stone is mesmerizing and the quality and workmanship of the silver is impeccable! It s smaller than I had pictured in my mind (I was going for the bold look) and in reality the piece is delicate, yet still stands out and gets noticed! I really, really, really love this necklace. It s gone straight to the top of my favourites list. Almost forgot, I really like the chain too! It s delicate, yet looks super-sturdy, and it s bright and shiny and pretty-pretty. I highly recommend this beautiful creation, and am thrilled to own it. Thank you Mr. Castellanos for your amazing artistry!

Blue topaz pendant necklace, 'Angels' Tears'

By Carolyn

Blue Love

Finding a necklace with blue topaz that is classic and modern is a rarity. This necklace is that rarity. I love it!

Art glass and leather pendant necklace, 'Pieces of the Sea'

By Lisa

Unusual and striking necklace of leather and art glass

This caught my eye because I love teal-colored items. I also love the design of the pendant. It is unusual, and I am enjoying wearing it.

Featured Artist

Guillermo Arregui

Guillermo Arregui Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

(956)

"I enjoy life and I love being alive… I feel happy when people like my designs. I love the idea that my jewelry becomes a part of yourself when you wear it."

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Modern Necklaces

NOVICA artisans defy the laws of convention – and even gravity – with eye-catching jewelry. Their designs are powerful as they contrast the vibrant colors of gems with the cool metallic sheen of sterling silver. A modern necklace crafted with leather is designed to draw more than one admiring glance. Is there any material artisans won't transform into Modern Necklaces? Check out the Brazilian necklaces crafted by recycling old LP vinyl records… talk about trendy vintage! Join our mission to empower artisans as you enjoy wearing a handcrafted modern necklace from a faraway land.

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Modern Necklaces

Eternal Cosmos

Modern Embrace

Modern Sliver

Swirling Heart

Etched Fang

Adrift

Infinity

Essence of Time

Drop of Sunshine

Essence of Time

Queen K'abel

Love Knot

Brown Quechua Minimalist

Angels' Tears

Cloudy Sky

Hammered Abstraction

Light of the Afternoon

Elegant Protector

Rippling Leaf

Pale Green Tears

Translucent Raindrop

Modern Taxco

Freedom Song

Taxco Mix

Serene Caribbean

Appealing Gleam

Night's Edge

Curvaceous

Radiant Buds

Ancient Echo

Depths of Blue

Pieces of the Sea

Moon Intrigue

Spark of Blue

Heavenly Kite

Jasmine Mist

Satin Droplet

Taxco Triad

Secret World

Taxco Harmony

Dark Amazon Nest

Dewdrop

Outlook

Simple Wave

Circle of Love in Dark Green

Crystalline Spin

Modern Mood

Silver Cubism

Hammered Sun

Embrace

Contemporary Minimalist

Droplets of Life

Outer Galaxy

Contemporary Contrasts

Earth Ocean

Modern Simplicity

Grand Dame

Aqua Princess

Modern Roots

Into Infinity

Earth Amulet

Gleaming Stirrups

Contemporary Flair

Bound Chains

Serendipity

Translucent Raindrop

Thai Rose

Gemini Moon

Dancing Elephants

Form of Fortune

Vine

Nature's Enchantment

Smooth Seas

Andean Whirlwind

Layers of Ocean