may necklaces

Artisan Zandra Lorena Sajbin starts with raw Guatemalan jade to create this uniquely beautiful pendant necklace for men or women. Represented in subtle relief on the jade's surface is the nahual Kan. A nahual is a spirit familiar associated with the day of one's birth, according to the Mesoamerican calendar system. The nahual 'Kan' is symbolized by the feathered serpent, and represents movement and evolution of all kinds, as well as justice, truth, intelligence and peace, the spontaneity of action, survival, power and sexual magic. The pendant is centered on an adjustable cotton cord.

This bold necklace takes its inspiration from Aztec icons. Ollin represents movement while tlalli refers to the earth. An eye centers the image, taken from the 16th century Codex Telleriano-Remensis manuscript. Working in Taxco sterling silver, Angel Ortiz recreates the ancient symbol and displays it on a black rubber cord.