Onyx Necklace
(309 items)Discover NOVICA's Onyx Necklace Collection, handcrafted by artisans from around the world. Ranging in color from white to black, onyx has long been held to have protective powers.
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 Onyx Necklace
Pearl and onyx flower necklace, 'Facets'
By Tara
My very favorite necklace!
I absolutely love this necklace! When I first opened it took my breath away! I think that Neru Goel has an amazing gift! If I worked for a company like Tiffany?s I would hire you to design jewelry for me in an instant! I do have one quality control suggestion. After several months of wearing it, and hanging from a hook in my jewelry box, the stream he has gotten very stretched and loose. A friend of mine who makes jewelry is going to fix it for me with some stronger thread. I don?t know what supplies are available to you in India, but perhaps some stronger thread in the future might be helpful. Thanks again for a beautiful design! I have my eye on the moonstone necklace from this artist that I can?t wait to purchase.
Onyx, garnet and pearl Y necklace, 'Ebony and Crimson Pis Bolong'
By Gammy
Stunning
This piece is really beautiful in person and the picture doesnt capture how gorgeous it is. Thank you.
Onyx and moonstone beaded necklace, 'Majestic Night'
By Joyce
Simple and beautiful
This is such a beautiful necklace. The moonstone and silver set of the onyx perfectly! It is equally good for special occasions and every day wear.
Featured Artist
"Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."
The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine.
"Hi! My name is Neeru Goel and I was born on September 19, 1960. I spent most of my childhood in Kolkata, a metropolis in West Bengal. Collecting... read more
Related Articles
The Onyx Necklace
Jewelry is prized as much for its beauty and craftsmanship as for the inherent value of its materials. The necklace is a perennial favorite that appears in an infinity of styles. Silver is often preferred for onyx necklaces, and the stone adds drama to chokers, gemstone strands and even the men's necklace. Lockets hold keepsakes while a cross pendant is an expression of faith.
Novica features exceptional onyx necklaces from undiscovered artisans around the globe. Many of these artisans are passing down centuries old traditions. Our onyx necklace collection features caramel, carnelian and red-brown sardonyx tones in addition to classic black, and are crafted primarily in sterling silver with onyx accents. We hope you enjoy them all!
The Spring Catalog
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.
SHOP THE CATALOG