crafts from around the world

Members of the Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Association find a new take on a symbol originating in 1958. Crafted of silver, the pendant depicts the peace symbol so popular in the 1960s and '70s, and they add a heart, an olive branch and a creamy cultured pearl.

"We're inspired by what we're living today, and this made me think that we need to be united to create a better world and united to achieve peace," the Guatemalan artisan says. "This pendant represents the strength of union needed for us to achieve, together, the victory of peace. This image was designed for one of the first marches for Nuclear Disarmament in London, and later became widely used as a symbol for peace."

She displays the pendant on a brown leather cord.

Balinese artisan Komang Suastra designs and crafts this bracelet in gorgeous detail. The cuff is first carefully created from sterling silver. Then, brilliant, purple amethyst "eyes" totaling nearly 1.5 carats are placed in a vine-motif setting, gazing out from your wrist at the world around you. A hidden hinge makes it easy to put on and take off.

Balinese artisan Komang Suastra designs and crafts this bracelet in gorgeous detail. The cuff is first carefully created from sterling silver. Then, brilliant green peridot "eyes" totaling nearly two carats are placed in a vine-motif setting, gazing out from your wrist at the world around you. A hidden hinge makes it easy to put on and take off.

Spring inspires many around the world with its colors and gorgeous flora. As an homage to that flourishing time of the year, Indian artisans craft a pair of button earrings from rhodium-plated sterling silver. The accessories, presented by Alok Jain, come in a flower shape with moonstone cabochons adding an ethereal touch and symbolizing intuition.

Spring inspires many around the world with its colors and lovely flora. As an homage to that flourishing time of the year, Indian artisans craft a pair of button earrings from rhodium-plated sterling silver. The accessories, presented by Alok Jain, come in a flower shape with faceted citrine jewels totaling six carats and symbolizing prosperity.