be different art

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 collaboration. 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 honor 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.

Pearls do not have to be white! Jeweler Miriam Bruten takes cultured pearls of different colors such as pink and purple to create treasures such as this delicate beaded necklace with 925 sterling silver and pearl beads of alternating colors.

Bali artisan Made Sri takes a simple design and elevates it to art with brilliant execution. This lovely cuff bracelet is formed of a slender band of sterling silver with a hammered finish. Centering the cuff are two one-carat amethyst stones with a classic rectangular cut. The gemstones are oriented differently--one vertically and one horizontally--for a unique asymmetrical look.