basic pendant

India's Aditi designs this stunning necklace in celebration of the five basic elements of nature: fire, water, wind, earth, and space. She expertly crafts each ceramic pendant by hand with a lacquer finish. The pendants center a cotton thread necklace in a rich palette of colors that includes burgundy, blue, red, and brown. This artisan-crafted necklace can be worn at the desired length.

Inca culture serves as the basis for the design of this pair of ceramic pendant necklaces from Peruvian artisan Dina. One pendant has a pink and white background and the other a blue and white backdrop; each is filled with symbols and shapes that recall the geometric motifs found on ancient artifacts. Hand painted in various vivid hues, the pendants hang from black nylon cord and are crowned with blue and red beads.

This sleek and contemporary bar necklace is presented by the talented Jantana in Thailand. Working in 24k gold vermeil with her signature brushed satin finish, she adds sparkling pink tourmaline, the gemstone of kindness and tolerance and it also represents October´s birthstone, to a pendant of elegant simplicity. The pendant is suspended on a gold vermeil rolo chain.

.925 sterling silver

For this design, I chose a symbol of peace in practically all cultures and countries — a dove with an olive branch." says Alejandra Paiz of this delicate and unique beaded suncatcher. "It represents hope and the desire for a new and peaceful beginning on Earth. It's associated with purity and spirituality.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.

Glistening gemstones align with chakra energies on the basis of their color, inspiring this pinwheel pendant necklace from Alok Jain. In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned the person feels a healthy sense of well being. In this sterling silver necklace includes amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet, blue topaz, and carnelian. The clear and light purple stones are associated with the 7th chakra (awareness and wisdom); the purple, violet and indigo gems with 6th chakra (insight and perception), and the blue or light blue with the 5th, that of communication and truth. Green and pink stones are for love and compassion, linked to the heart, on the 4th chakra. For inner power and will, the 3rd chakra is associated with yellow gems, whereas emotion and sexuality are linked to red and orange gems for the 2nd chakra. Black gems are used to stimulate the 1st chakra, that of stability and security.

.925 Sterling silver.

This busy little hummingbird is burning the midnight oil collecting nectar. This garden scene is hand-painted by western Mexican artisan Edith Orozco and framed by small gold dots on a papier mache heart-shaped pendant necklace. It is finished with a black knotted cord.