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.
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 Reviews on Modern Necklaces
Jade pendant necklace, 'Light Green Monolith'
By Laurie
Beautiful!!
I purchased this real early and intend to give this to my husband for Christmas 2021. I know he will love it. The stone is finished beautifully, nice and smooth and I love the sterling pieces. It is going to be a very special gift for him.
Glass and leather pendant necklace, 'Cloudy Sky'
By Timothy
Absolutely Gorgeous
This is my second art necklace from Silvana and Joao. I was so pleased with the quality and beauty of my first necklace by these talented artists that I knew I had to purchase more of their work. My only problem was deciding between the many gorgeous options, but once I saw Cloudy Sky there was no question that it was the one. I wear one or the other of these amazing necklaces at every opportunity! I have to say that I have gotten more compliments on them than any other pieces of jewelry that I own, and I have some really wonderful jewelry, so that tells you! They are definitely unisex so you can enjoy and be proud to wear them regardless of who you are! I am positive you will be as pleased with your selection as I have been with both of mine. I will be contemplating which of their collection will be my next choice! Thank you Silvana and Joao and Novica!! They are an outstanding value and would be wonderful to give as gifts (once I stop keeping them all that is - ha!)
Cultured pearl and opal pendant necklace, 'Blue Ocean Dream'
By Christopher
A Magnificent, Mesmerizing Pendant!
This is a beautiful, glowing pendant. The blue color of the pearl is striking and the opal is bright and gleaming. The pendant itself is elegantly made. Thank you for such a beautiful treasure from Novica!
Featured Artist
"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."
Latest Update"For me, every moment is very important. I enjoy them to the fullest, since each one is a beautiful inspiration for me. "We... read more
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