casual necklaces

For husband-and-wife artisan team Ruben and Gilda Perez, art is an expression of culture. In this design, an apple green jade cabochon is surrounded by a bloom of sterling silver with subtle heart-shaped cutouts. It’s a nod to the ancient jade traditions of the Maya. Handcrafted in Guatemala and strung on cotton cord.

A colorful gemstone grid aligns with chakra energies to achieve a harmonious sense of well-being. From Alok Jain in India, the sterling silver necklace glistens with amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet, blue topaz, and carnelian. Their colors correspond to a specific chakra. 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.

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.

.925 Sterling silver.

Cultured pearls bring a mystical luminescence to this necklace by Matta. Symbols of pure heart and mind, they are centered with a single bead of polished jade. The smooth green gemstone is thought to foster mercy, love and generosity. Matta frames the jade with delicate filigree of sterling silver.

.925 Sterling silver

The staring face of a glowing moon is carved by hand of smooth cowbone to center the pendant of this impressive Balinese necklace. Made Wardika presents the necklace, which is elaborated with sterling silver designs that surround the moon's face. The pendant is accented with a petite peridot gemstone.

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.

Historically worn to attract love, jade was regarded as a sacred stone by the ancient Maya. Zandra Lorena Sajbin carves green jade into a voluptuous heart for the design of this necklace. She crafts the necklace by heart with sterling silver.

.925 Sterling silver

The natural beauty of a perfect rose is captured for eternity in a pendant of smooth, carved bone. The rose is hand-carved by artisan Made Wardika, and centers a pendant of sterling silver replete with romantic flourishes. A faceted apple-green peridot adds a dash of color to the design. The artisan centers the pendant on a classic sterling silver Cuban link chain.

Garnet, citrine, iolite, peridot, and amethyst surround a central blue topaz in this sterling silver pendant. The gems are hand-cut in Jaipur and hand-set in Kolkata. Inspired by the works of recently canonized missionary Mother Teresa, who spent much of her life ministering in Kolkata.

Mystical, alluring Jaipur, Babun Dey's native city, is the inspiration for the Indian artisan's design of this fascinating sterling silver pendant necklace in which the metal's dark oxidized hues predominate. In a bezel setting in the center of the oval-shaped pendant, 5.5 carats of dazzling faceted green onyx is gracefully encircled by a dainty leafy vine, tiny silver balls, and arrow-shaped figures. A silver line weaving a serpentine pattern completes the pendant, which is suspended from an adjustable rolo chain and features a lobster claw clasp.

Neeru Goel designs a mesmerizing jewelry set featuring glistening totemic columns. The necklace and earrings are crafted with sterling silver and feature the powerful alliance of amethyst, citrine, garnet, peridot, and iolite. The whole set holds approximately 15 gemstone carats.

.925 Sterling silver