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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.
By Gretchen
The colors are beautiful together. The necklace holds its shape well when you wear it. It is unusual and attractive.
By Stephen
Love this bold necklace. Its unique, which I love and makes a statement. Bought to go with specific outfits.
By Ariana
The colors and design harmonize so well. I plan to buy another from this region. The textures and small details make me admire it anew, each time I reach for it.
Blue Braided Beaded Necklace Fair Trade Jewelry from Africa, "Sosongo in Blue"
Six beaded strands are interwoven in a braid to form the focal point of this necklace presented by Ghanaian Ila Suleyman. Each strand is threaded with blue recycled vinyl beads and the ends of the braided section are finished with sese wood beads and large agate stone beads that serve as spacers. The brass hook clasp matches the beads' warm tones. The name comes from the Mamprusi word meaning "good way."
Recycled Fabric Bead Necklace in Red and Blue, "Heavenly Bond"
This cheerful necklace is presented by India's Rajnandinee and Srabonti. Multiple strands of plastic beads are covered with recycled red cotton and blue printed polyester fabrics. The beaded strands culminate in braided red cords whose length can be adjusted with a sliding bead.
Diamond-Shaped Horn Pendant Black Leather Cord Necklace, "Pamga"
The natural variations in color from milk white to dark grey of a diamond-shaped pendant of horn are showcased in this necklace. The pendant is secured to a bundle of black leather cords with a recycled button clasp. Ila Suleyman of Ghana designs and crafts this unique necklace and gives it the name a Mamprusi word meaning "strong."
Boomerang Horn Pendant Orange Leather Cord Necklace, "Tuumsongo"
The natural ombre progression of color from milk white to deep black of a boomerang-shaped pendant of horn are showcased in this necklace. The pendant is secured to a bundle of orange leather cords with a recycled button clasp. Ila Suleyman of Ghana designs and crafts this unique necklace and gives it the name , a Mamprusi word meaning "good work."