How do I know if my necklace is handmade?

Handmade necklaces are incomparable works of wearable art. Each one is unique in shape, color, size and design. Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets. Handmade finishes may show variations in metal patterns. No two natural gemstones share the same characteristics. Each necklace holds its own individualistic sense of beauty, making it evident that it was crafted by hand. Some even bear the artisans signature.

What makes a necklace eco-friendly?

Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. In Thailand, Mexico and Bali, coconut shells are often used. Indian artists sometimes repurpose silk from saris. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs.

What are the classic techniques for making women’s necklaces?

Many artisans the world over work in lost wax. They sculpt the image they want in wax, encase it in a mold, and pour molten silver or gold into it. The wax melts and flows out, leaving only the precious metal. However some artisans in Peru specialize in handmade silver and gold filigree, and some Balinese necklaces feature chains that are handwoven from slender metal strands. Karen hill tribe artisans in Thailand often use manual tools to stamp decorative motifs on fine silver. Other techniques include macram, beaded or gemstone strands, hammered metals, and carved wood or bone.

What are the most common materials for making women’s necklaces?

Precious metals and natural gemstones are the most popular materials for women's necklaces. Silver, gold and brass all provide durability as well as beauty. Artisans also utilize local materials that can include coconut shells, bamboo, bright African print fabrics, ceramic beads, natural amber, carved bone and bull horn. Both Peru and Mexico have rich silver mines and silver is used for traditional jewelry as well as contemporary designs.

What is the best way to wear women’s necklaces?

Women's necklaces are versatile and come in many styles and lengths. They can be layered or worn alone as a statement piece. Many designs go with everything from jeans to office wear or an evening out on the town. The best thing about jewelry is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality.

What are the signs of a well-made necklace?

When assessing the workmanship of a necklace, its helpful to pay attention to certain characteristics. For example, quality necklaces are balanced designs that rest comfortably around the neck. Clasps are secure and work well, and gemstones and beads are properly set. The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials.

Are there specific cultural symbols used in womens necklaces?

Each culture celebrates its rich jewelry-making history through specific symbols and styles. For example, traditional West African beads, which adorn many necklaces from the region, each have a story and a specific occasion when they are worn. Others may feature the Ghanian adinkra symbols, which convey popular wisdom. In ancient Andean civilizations, the leaders apparel and jewelry showed their rank and also incorporated religious symbols. Similarly, necklaces from Bali often depict deities from the Hindu pantheon. In India, a womans jewelry is linked to her status in society and may depict Hindu gods as well as mantra symbols such as the omkara, the root of all sounds and the emblem of the Most High. Angel necklaces and harmony ball necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and in Mexico. The pendant makes a delicate bell sound, thought to soothe the mother and the baby she is carrying. Some believe it summons a guardian angel, thus making it a symbol of loving protection.

Thai Necklaces at NOVICA

Chiang Mai Belle, Wood Beaded Necklace in Rainbow Colors

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$16.99 Wholesale

~~$19.99~~ $16.99

Brown Squared, Black and Brown Cube Boxwood Beaded Torsade Necklace

Length: 25.5"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Natural Belle, Fair Trade Artisan Crafted Wood Torsade Necklace

Length: 19"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$20.79 Wholesale

~~$25.99~~ $20.79

Heartfelt Wish, Orange Chalcedony Pendant Necklace

Duanpen Tajunin

(80)

$22.09 Wholesale

~~$25.99~~ $22.09

Phuket Belle, Artisan Crafted Wood Beaded Necklace in Rainbow Colors

Length: 19.75"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$22.09 Wholesale

~~$25.99~~ $22.09

Wood torsade necklace, 'Phrae Belle' - Wood Beaded Jewelry Yellow Torsade Necklace

Bestseller

Phrae Belle, Wood Beaded Jewelry Yellow Torsade Necklace

Length: 19"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$22.39 Wholesale

~~$27.99~~ $22.39

Oasis Dance, Long Multi Strand Bright Green Beaded Wood Necklace

Length: 33"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$22.39 Wholesale

~~$27.99~~ $22.39

Ping Belle, Hot Pink Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry

Length: 19"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$22.95 Wholesale

~~$27~~ $22.95

Trang Belle, Multicolor Wood Beaded Artisan Crafted Necklace

Length: 18.5"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Island Dance, Yellow Wood Bead Necklace Hand Crafted in Thailand

Length: 33"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$23.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $23.99

Pool Party, Turquoise Colored Calcite and Brass Beaded Necklace

Length: 20.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$24 Wholesale

~~$47.99~~ $24

River of Gold, Handmade Pearl Necklace

Length: 16.25"

Sasina

(409)

$24.49 Wholesale

~~$34.99~~ $24.49

Dazzling Bloom, Jasper and carnelian flower necklace

Nareerat

(1853)

$24.65 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $24.65

Dance Party, Amethyst Chip and Brass Bead Necklace from Thai Artisan

Length: 18.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $25

Wood torsade necklace, 'Chao Phraya Belle' - Blue Green Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry

Bestseller

Chao Phraya Belle, Blue Green Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry

Length: 18.5"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Wood and coconut shell beaded strand necklace, 'Fire Diamonds' - Red and Golden Wood and Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Bestseller

Fire Diamonds, Red and Golden Wood and Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Amulet, Handmade Leather Necklace with Tiger's Eye and Wood Beads

Length: 37"

Chaloemphon

(375)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cycles of Magic, Purple and Brown Round Wood Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Thai Cowboy in Black, Men's Black Leather Tiger's Eye Pendant Necklace

Length: 35"

Chaloemphon

(375)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fiery Lotus Oval, Oval Lotus Flower Brass Pendant Necklace in Orange

Length: 25.5"

Thanadol

(13)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Pink Muse, Hot Pink Wood Beaded Necklaced Handcrafted in Thailand

Length: 33"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fragments of Majesty, Hand-Painted Teal and Golden Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Dreamy Diamonds, Pink and Turquoise and Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fragments of Fantasy, Painted Turquoise and Fuchsia Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Enchanted Diamonds, Purple Wood and Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Tender Diamonds, Pink and Golden Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fragments of Magic, Hand-Painted Purple and Brown Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cycles of Fire, Red and Yellow Round Wood Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Fragments of Sweetness, Hand-Painted Fuchsia and Yellow Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cycles of Tenderness, Fuchsia and Golden Round Wood Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Coastal Diamonds, Teal and Golden Coconut Shell Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cycles of Majesty, Teal and Golden Round Wood Beaded Three-Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Lamphan Belle, Orange Torsade Necklace Wood Beaded Jewelry

Length: 18"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Windy Forest, Hand Threaded Coconut Shell Beaded Necklace

Length: 18"

Sasithon Saisuk

(142)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Cycles of Fantasy, Fuchsia and Turquoise Round Wood Beaded Strand Necklace

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99

Rising Summer Ivory, Handcrafted Littleleaf Boxwood Ivory Beaded Necklace

Length: 37"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$26.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $26.99

Island Allure in Ruby, Red Wood Beaded Strand Necklace from Thailand

Length: 23.5"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$26.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $26.99

Island Allure in Purple, Purple Wood Beaded Strand Necklace from Thailand

Length: 23.5"

Sumalee Nawakul

(184)

$26.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $26.99

Oneiric Petal, Blue and Purple Orchid 22k Gold-Accented Pendant Necklace

Danai

(358)

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