symbolic necklaces

Jewelry artisan Bhavesh, in India, created this pendant necklace to carry with it a symbolic message of world peace. "The pink tourmaline strings encourage peace and understanding, representing peace and harmony between mankind," he explains. Modeling humanity's peaceful coexistence, he embellished this unique sterling silver design with cultured pearls, pink tourmaline beads and faceted cubic zirconia stones.

He explains that the pearls are symbolic of innocence and faith, enhancing harmony between people, while the pendant's pink tourmalines, being symbols of humanity, encourage sympathy and understanding. Comprising the pendant's dome, cubic zirconia stones are believed to help keep selfishness and negative emotions at bay.

Colorful beads of natural tourmaline circle the neck for a beautiful necklace from Thailand. Matta designs the necklace, centered by an om pendant handcrafted of Karen hill tribe silver. The necklace closes with a sterling silver clasp.

Pink tourmaline, the birthstone of October, centers this necklace, which reads "I Heart Elephant." Working in brushed silver, Jantana handcrafts the delightful design. Elephants are a symbol of Thailand, where March 13 is designated as Thai Elephant Day.

.925 Sterling silver

Glamorous and vibrant, Ibrat Yusupov's sterling silver necklace exudes an exquisite aura that transports you to an ethereal world. Crafted in Uzbekistan, the accessory's pendant features a filigree design enriched by floral motifs and crowned with amethyst and tourmaline jewels, whose hues symbolize wisdom and creativity.

Natural elements inspire Somsiri Juntamin of Thailand to handcraft a stunning accessory full of symbolism and charm. Working with 24k gold-plated sterling silver, the artisan completes this waterfall necklace with kyanite and tourmaline stones, adding a magical blue tone to the piece. Each little natural gem is faceted, totaling six carats.

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.