simple necklaces

Inspired by the Taxco landscape at dusk, Alon Diller creates the fabulous design of this silver necklace. Turquoise represents the clear blue skies, and copper plating symbolizes the sierra where mesquite trees grow.

Crafted from sterling silver, openwork swirl patterns frame four petite citrine gemstones that sparkle. Presented by Neeru Goel in India, these dangle earrings are completed by teardrop composite turquoise cabochons.

A teardrop of natural turquoise reveals heavenly hues in this necklace by Guillermo Arregui. He works in Mexico's precious Taxco silver to create his beautiful design. Simple and classic with a feeling of old world charm.

Really talented artisans can made amazing jewelry from the most simple of materials. Costa Rican artisans Marielos and Tania demonstrate what their gifted hands can do with this intricately-woven waterfall style necklace made of brown, beige and dark teal cords, with reconstituted turquoise accents.

Hanzi are characters used in Chinese writing. As early as the sixth century A.D., many of these characters began to be simplified and adopted into Japanese writing, where they're known as kanji, a term that is more widely used in the West. Artisans in Yiwu, China, create these pendants by using sterling silver and the lost-wax casting method. Each character emulates the sweeping brushstrokes of traditional calligraphy. Choose based on birth month, favorite color, or simply the symbol that resonates with you most.

January: Garnet/Beauty, February: Amethyst/Generosity, March: Blue Topaz/Affection, April: White Quartz/Love, May: Green Quartz/Sweetness, June: White Pearl/Longevity, July: Carnelian/Perfection, August: Peridot/Purity, September: Iolite/Protection, October: Pink Tourmaline/Happiness, November: Citrine/Artistry, December: Turquoise/Imagination.