Cotton Necklaces(591 items)
Welcome to our Cotton Necklace Collection, each piece crafted by NOVICA artisans who carry on ancestral traditions in contemporary designs.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


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.


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.


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.


Womens 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.


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.


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.
Featured Reviews on Cotton Necklaces
Agate pendant necklace, 'Cross of New Life'





By Julie
Cross of New life
I love this piece. I have a similar one my son has always wanted. Now he has his own a special gift for his 35th birthday.
Jade pendant necklace, 'Mayan Ellipse'





By Josue
This is better than I expected
I was excited for this pendant, I added a sphere of 10mm in the hole, now looks better. The artisans alway the best. I highly recommend this necklace for everyone.
Jade pendant necklace, 'Real Stone'





By Aura
Unique and Bold
The cut and heaviness of the stone was so unique. It s such a bold piece of jewelry it does not need anything else. I like that I have options on how to wear it. The cotton cord is size-able to your liking. As a choker or as a long necklace.
Featured Artist









Zandra Lorena Sajbin Jade jewelry
"I strongly believe that everything is possible if one has dreams, and that nothing is impossible if you work hard to achieve your goals."
Popular Cotton Necklaces
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Estoraque and Quina Wood Heart Necklace from Costa Rica, "Estoraque Heart Stripe"
$19.99Decorated with a stripe of light brown quina wood, a heart is hand-carved from dark brown estoraque wood with a beautiful natural grain. Costa Rican artisan Milagro Cascante creates this love-inspired pendant necklace, which is decorated with four divots. This necklace circles the neck with an adjustable length of cotton cord.
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Hand-Carved Bone Cross Pendant Necklace from India, "Glorious Cross"
$9.99Indian artisan Sabir invites you to add this glorious necklace to your wardrobe. Carefully carved by hand from bone, a cross is decorated with dark lines. A haldu wood bead accentuates the pendant, which centers cotton cord that adjusts with a sliding knot.
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