friendship necklaces

Inspired by the beauty of Balinese nature, artisan Wayan Lasti creates this beautiful pendant necklace that captures the serenity of nature perfectly. Within a sterling silver circular pendant, the artisan depicts a hummingbird feeding from the sweet nectar of a round amethyst gemstone, watched on by a curious friend perched on a leafy branch.

This sterling silver locket features intricate granulation techniques that have been perfected for centuries by Balinese silversmiths. The designs frame a deep red garnet, January’s birthstone and a symbol of creativity, love, and friendship. The hinged locket is deep enough to hold a tiny memento.

Citrine exists as a symbol of inspiration and self-healing. Turquoise represents friendship, as well as purification. From India's Neeru Goel, this exquisite necklace celebrates the stones' beneficial properties. A curling sterling silver bezel frames a gorgeous composite turquoise and a sparkling citrine. The pendant hangs on a matching cable chain.

In a sweet display of pachyderm gratitude, a gentle elephant shares his wealth with a friend. Thai artisan Jantana presents a sterling silver necklace in her signature style, with a brushed satin finish. The two elephants flank three crimson garnets.

.925 Sterling silver

Sukanya Thongperm designs a necklace of lavish beauty featuring the harmonious encounter of two powerful gemstones. Amethyst reigns over all things mystical while turquoise is said to free communication and forge friendships. Adorned with sterling motifs, this necklace makes for a radiant accessory.

.925 Sterling silver

Turquoise, the December birthstone, is sublime in this necklace by Alon Diller. A gem that represents inner peace, turquoise is linked to friendship, loyalty and wisdom. The rhombus pendant is crafted by hand of fine silver and worn on a silver chain.

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.