peace

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.

Are you looking to leave a lasting impression? Indulge in the ultimate accent piece with Roy Nilson's spectacular sterling silver statement necklace, meticulously crafted in Mexico using the revered Taxco silversmithing techniques. This sublime necklace features intricate floral, dove and heart motifs, accentuated by a captivating combination finish that elevates it to sheer magnificence.

A cascade of aqua, tangerine, peach and espresso is transformed into earrings almost five inches long. By skilled artisans from Mexico's Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts, these bold waterfall earrings make a dramatic fashion statement. The lovely seed beads and faceted globes dance on sterling silver hooks.

Evoking the universe and its mystic movement, this radiant sterling silver link necklace is the ideal complement to a modern ensemble. Ezequiel Tapia's newest design is crafted in Mexico using advanced techniques, which allows the accessory to display a luminous, high-polish finish. As a whimsical touch, the ring-shaped pendants are linked or intertwined with each other, crowned with obsidian jewels as a symbol of spiritual growth and inner peace.