best necklaces

"The powerful beauty of carnelian reminds me of God," confides Balinese designer Wayan Sarjana. He sets the faceted gem on sterling silver to create the illusion of a mystical, all-seeing eye.

.925 Sterling silver.

Pretty Layonsari sleeps peacefully, dreaming of one day being reunited with her lover, Jayaprana. Artisan Komang Suastra names this pendant necklace for the heroine in a Balinese tale of star-crossed lovers, who are finally reunited only in death. The hand-carved bone pendant is lavished with faceted garnets and crowned with silver. It is suspended from a classic Borobudur chain.

.925 Sterling silver

A polished hemisphere of vivid carnelian glows in a circular setting of silver. Clasped in the argent embrace, the gemstone is believed to possess healing powers, and it is also known to represent July´s birthstone. Wayan Sarjana suspends the dramatic pendant from a handsome sterling rope.

.925 Sterling silver

The alley cat does her best to stay in the shadows. Contending with other night creatures, the feline also prefers to be neither seen nor heard. No wonder they call them "cat burglars!" The nocturnal nature of the notorious alley prowler is captured in beautiful detail by Balinese artisan Made Wardika. The circular pendant features a smiling crescent-moon, hand-carved from bone, with a cat of sterling silver sitting beside it. A pair of faceted garnet gemstones flank them, while the top and bottom are adorned with amethyst and peridot gems. The entire necklace receives a combination of oxidized and high-polish finishes for stunning visual contrast.

With a solemn expression, an argent owl seems both wise and playful. Nyoman Rena depicts the charming bird in sterling silver. Amethyst adorns the tummy while sparkling garnet eyes are ever watchful.

.925 Sterling silver

Nestled in the center of this heart-shaped locket is a radiant garnet which adds a touch of color and luxury to the ornately detailed sterling silver pendant. Presented by Sukartini of Indonesia, the locket hangs from a sterling silver rolo chain.