black

Evoking dreamcatchers, these opulent statement earrings are some five inches long. Crafted entirely by hand, this design by artisans from Mexico's Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts is exquisite. Their intricate beauty comes from seed beads in black and greens, meticulously placed one at a time. They dance on sterling silver hooks.

You'll want to keep everything else low-key when wearing this breathtaking statement necklace by Adriana Trejo. Glass beads in sky blue, sapphire and apple green mingle with daffodil, candy apple red, marigold and black. The Mexican artist joins each piece by hand in precise diamonds and triangle patterns. The beaded button clasp can be closed with one of several loops that allow the necklace's length to be adjusted.

These pretty earrings feature a rainbow cluster of glittering Swarovski crystals, topped by black crystals and swinging from sterling silver hooks. Artisan Alejandra Aceves names her original earring design Colors of Pride in homage to Gilbert Baker's rainbow-hued flag that became the symbol for LGBTQ rights in the USA. Whether you wear them in support, or just because of their multicolored versatility, it is sure to become a favorite in your jewelry wardrobe.

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collaboration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honor of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.