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.

Balinese Necklaces at NOVICA

Handsome Walrus, Hand Crafted Bone Pendant and Cotton Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Novica Indonesia Market Picks

(86)

$10.49 Wholesale

~~$14.99~~ $10.49

Handsome Rabbit, Hand Crafted Rabbit Bone Pendant on Cotton Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Novica Indonesia Market Picks

(86)

$10.49 Wholesale

~~$14.99~~ $10.49

Handsome Eagle, Hand Crafted Eagle Bone Pendant on Cotton Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Novica Indonesia Market Picks

(86)

$11.99 Wholesale

~~$14.99~~ $11.99

Handsome Whale, Carved Whale Cow Bone Pendant on Black Cotton Necklace

Length: 15.75"

Novica Indonesia Market Picks

(86)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99

Beautiful Lightning, Lightning Bolt Bone and Resin Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 22"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$17.99 Wholesale

$17.99

Bone pendant necklace, 'Magic Night' - Owl and Moon Bone Pendant Necklace Handmade in Bali

Bestseller

Magic Night, Owl and Moon Bone Pendant Necklace Handmade in Bali

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Sacred Bone, Cross Bone Pendant Necklace with Leather Cord from Bali

Length: 15"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Light Brown Shoe Flower, Light Brown Wood Hibiscus Flower Necklace from Bali

Length: 12.5"

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Peaceful as Buddha, Handcrafted Bone Buddha Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Bali Turtle, Sawo Wood and Bone Turtle Necklace from Bali

Length: 18"

Andi Rachmansyah

(90)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Spying Jaka Tarub, Handcrafted Floral Bone Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15.75"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Noble Swan, Handcrafted Bone Swan Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 14.25"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Crawling Lizard, Sawo Wood Lizard Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 15"

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Wavy Hook, Handcrafted Swirl Motif Bone Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 14.25"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Fantastic Angel, Handcrafted Wing-Shaped Bone Pendant Necklace from Bali

Length: 14.25"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99

Angel Wing, Hand Carved Angel Wing Men's Necklace on Black Leather

Length: 18"

Andi Rachmansyah

(90)

$20.79 Wholesale

~~$25.99~~ $20.79

Men's leather pendant necklace, 'Crow Feather Totem' - Hand Carved Horn Necklace on Leather Cords

Bestseller

Crow Feather Totem, Hand Carved Horn Necklace on Leather Cords

Length: 18"

Andi Rachmansyah

(90)

$21.99 Wholesale

$21.99

Bali Octopus, Octopus Pendant Necklace Hand Carved of Cow Bone

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$23.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $23.99

Wood pendant necklace, 'Hypnotic Borneo' - Hand Carved Wood and Bone Macrame Necklace

Bestseller

Hypnotic Borneo, Hand Carved Wood and Bone Macrame Necklace

Length: 14.5"

Andi Rachmansyah

(90)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Bone and leather pendant necklace, 'White Turtle' - Hand Crafted White Turtle Pendant on Leather Cord Necklace

Bestseller

White Turtle, Hand Crafted White Turtle Pendant on Leather Cord Necklace

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Lucky Riddle, Bone pendant necklace

Length: 19.75"

Komang Agus Saputra

(27)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Timeless, Bone Pendant Necklace from Indonesia

Length: 19.75"

Komang Agus Saputra

(27)

$23.99 Wholesale

$23.99

Bone pendant necklace, 'Sacred Tree' - Leather Cord Necklace with Bone Tree of Life Pendant

Bestseller

Sacred Tree, Leather Cord Necklace with Bone Tree of Life Pendant

Length: 13.5"

Made Wardika

(1081)

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