praying hands

Diligently carved by hand from natural bone, the image of Jesus decorates this large oval pendant necklace from Java. Rosalia Tarigan designs the necklace, featuring intricate designs in sterling silver that frame the bone. A teardrop of faceted amethyst is displayed just above the image of Jesus. The designer imagines Jesus praying in Gethsemane Garden.

Inspired by the floral prayer offerings in Balinese culture, artisan Wayan Lasti creates a lovely pair of dangle earrings that perfectly capture the gentle beauty of nature. Crafted by hand from sterling silver, each earring features a sleek circular frame centered by a faceted round amethyst gemstone enclosed by lush leaves and swirling vines.

Inspired by the floral prayer offerings in Balinese culture, artisan Wayan Lasti creates a lovely pair of dangle earrings that perfectly capture the gentle beauty of nature. Crafted by hand from sterling silver, each earring features a circular frame centered by pretty blooming flowers and leafy vines. A faceted round amethyst gemstone completes the design of the accessory, dangling beneath with elegance.

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.