Recycled Jewelry(942 items)
See how wood, paper, and cotton can all be transformed in NOVICA's recycled jewelry options. Our environmentally conscious artists handcraft these pieces to reinvent the beauty of the material.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.


Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.


There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.


More than a mere fashion statement, mens jewelry, including bracelets, have been worn throughout history to communicate cultural, religious, and social beliefs. Prehistoric man adorned his wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy men wore bracelets made of gold and silver to display their power and status. Bracelets evolved over time from good luck charms to status symbols to modern style accessories. All the while, they pick up and preserve meaning from the past. In Peru, gold and silver bracelets were meant to complement each other symbolically. Gold represented the sun, the day, and the masculine. Silver represented the moon, the night, and the feminine. These two bright, powerful metals held one another in balance. In Central America, natural materials decorated mens jewelry to signify a connection to place. Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers (especially the beautiful quetzal bird), and carved stones (particularly jade for its power of fertility and life) protected and decorated the wearer.


Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, mens jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.


Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.


The materials that comprise handmade artisan necklaces are as varied as the makers themselves. Craftspeople all over the world use metals, like sterling silver, gold, copper and brass, to perfect their designs. Cotton or nylon cord and leather are also common materials used in traditional mens jewelry. Wooden beads, cow bones, coconut shells, bamboo, and gemstones all adorn mens necklaces from across the globe.


Unique, stylish, and handcrafted. These are the guiding principles of wearing mens jewelry with confidence. There are no rules when it comes to mens bracelets. You can wear simple leather, or a combination of metals. You can go understated or bold. Colorful or subdued. However you choose to display your handmade jewelry, what matters most is that you discover pieces that attest to your own originality.


Many traditional artisans employ the handcrafted techniques of their ancestors, which favored a slow, methodical approach in a small workshop, as opposed to mass production. Today, they preserve these methodologies while intentionally distinguishing their approaches from those of large factories. Respect for the environment, and for animal and human life drive the artwork itself. Natural materials are often a sign that a product is eco-friendly. Additionally, many artisans look for ways to reuse or recycle in their artwork. Some choose to repurpose old wood or fabric. Some recycle glass beads or up-cycle plastic and discarded paper. Others follow practices that conserve resources, like water and energy, and are mindful of the pollutants they release into the environment. Shopping from organizations that promote eco-friendly products is the best way to ensure that you are receiving a unique item that does not damage the world through its making.


Handcrafted mens jewelry captures our undying passion for symbols and meaning through a variety of designs, emblems, and carvings. In ancient Peru, men wore necklaces adorned with pendants of human, animal, and divine characters. A common symbol that has withstood the test of time is the Andean Chakana, or the staggered cross, that attests to the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. In Bali, mens jewelry integrated the cross, the sign of freedom, and Ongkara symbol for oneness and spirituality. In Central America, carved glyphs were commonly used. Animal figures and bird feathers (like the quetzal and macaw) had special significance, as did natural stones. In India, Om and Ganesha symbols are used for protection, prosperity and purity. In West Africa, Gye nyame, symbolizing Gods deep power and infinite knowledge, is still used on necklaces.
Featured Reviews on Recycled Jewelry
Wood torsade necklace, 'Ping Belle'





By Frances
Light very light on my neck with so much color
I can t wear hardly any jewelry around my neck due to pain & a condition I have. This necklace was so light & a beautiful color I wore it a lot last summer. I wish I could find it in another color.It was beaded so perfectly.It is brighter and the color was pink not purplish as it looks in the picture. I had so many compliments !!!
Tiger's eye beaded unity bracelet, 'One Destiny'





By Cliff
Powerful and Proud Elegance
Just arrived today, and I am incredibly happy with this purchase. The size, the weight, the balance, the blend of colors; it is perfect in every way. The andinkra symbol of the co-joined crocodiles is beautifully executed, and the tigers eye stones have a deep, dark, warm and very complex presence and character that I personally find very attractive. Frankly, I purchased this bracelet for myself because as an archeologist and historian I have long had an interest in African history. Although I was sure this would be a very nice bracelet based on other purchases I have made through Novica, upon opening the package it far exceeded my expectations. This piece by Ewurabena Blankson is just spectacular. As a man, I find it very complimentary to a male wrist, and expect I will be wearing this for a very long time. Thank you, Novca. Thank you Ewurabena. Your beautiful work reflecting the culture and traditions of Ghana will be greatly treasured.
Glass pendant necklace, 'Bubbling Spring'





By Monica
Lovely Necklace
The bubbles inside the glass, along with the clear blue, really do remind me of a spring. Its a beautiful shape & a pleasure to wear.
Featured Artist
Guisselle Mora Handcrafted jewelry
"The inspiration for my designs comes from God… With the beauty he grants us every single day, it's impossible not to find inspiration in all his wonders."
"I was fascinated by all this when I was a young child. My grandmother would show me her musical jewelry box filled with beautiful treasures. I... read more
Popular Recycled Jewelry
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Hot Pink Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry, "Ping Belle"
$25.99In hot pink and brown, this torsade necklace is by Sumalee Nawakul. She crafts the necklace by hand with dyed pink wood beads of littleleaf boxwood, creating 10 hand-knotted strands that twist into a necklace that can fasten at two different lengths.
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Colorful Recycled CD Dangle Earrings from Guatemala, "Celebrate Creativity"
$49.99With a concern for the environment, Rosario Leiva of Guatemala works to recycle CDs, giving the material a special treatment that results in this unique and original pair of dangle earrings. The various colors of the rainbow are featured in this lively accessory, dangling from the ears on hooks of sterling silver.
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