peace symbol

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collabouration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honour of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.

jewellery 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.

Members of the Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Association find a new take on a symbol originating in 1958. Crafted of silver, the pendant depicts the peace symbol so popular in the 1960s and '70s, and they add a heart, an olive branch and a creamy cultured pearl.

"We're inspired by what we're living today, and this made me think that we need to be united to create a better world and united to achieve peace," the Guatemalan artisan says. "This pendant represents the strength of union needed for us to achieve, together, the victory of peace. This image was designed for one of the first marches for Nuclear Disarmament in London, and later became widely used as a symbol for peace."

She displays the pendant on a brown leather cord.

Guatemalan artisan Jorge López handcrafts this striking pendant necklace. A circular pendant made of jade hangs on an adjustable black cotton cord. On the pendant, the artisan uses a combination of polished and unpolished jade to form the iconic symbol of peace.

This sterling silver pendant necklace will add a tender and captivating accent to any outfit as it features a larimar stone as the centrepiece, a symbol of peace and love. India's Rakesh Rana crafts each detail with dedication, adding a combination finish for an elegant look.

Indian artisans draw inspiration from the region's traditional art style, creating a stunning design in a divine lotus shape. Presented by Alok Jain, this sterling silver pendant necklace has a high polish finish that enhances its filigree structure and the reconstituted turquoise cabochon at the centre, a symbol of peace and calm.

Polished for a regal look, this sublime accessory shines with the essence of the Balinese landscapes. Crafted by local artisans with expertise in jewellery arts, Sukartini's sterling silver pendant necklace features a polished finish that gracefully enriches the natural beauty of the main jewel: a cultured pearl in white hues, a symbol of peace.

Historical figures have been crowned with olive leaves, strongly associated with victory and peace. Often present in many artworks, this elegant symbol is now the inspiration for Ketut Jagrasunu's newest creation. Working with sterling silver, the Balinese artisan crafts this pendant necklace in a polished finish, setting a faceted amethyst stone totaling four carats.

Designer Hema brings us a series of accessories aimed at the spiritual and courageous souls around the world. Collabourating with Indian artisans, Hema creates this black macrame bracelet featuring a comfortable cord and an adjustable sliding knot for an easy fit. The main element is a sterling silver round pendant embellished with cubic zirconia stones around a radiant Om symbol at the centre, often associated with inner peace and spiritual growth.

From Sukartini, this silver pendant evokes an ancient lantern decorated with lace. The locket opens to reveal a shining brass sphere. The silver pendant is crowned with moonstone and a long sterling chain completes the lovely necklace. Moonstone is thought a sacred stone of the moon goddess, who is protective of women,

Also called "angel necklaces" and "harmony balls," Such necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and also in Mexico. Many wear it as an amulet. Others prefer a long chain that lets the pendant reach to the belly and the delicate sounds are 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.