cultural jewelry

Hanzi are characters used in Chinese writing. As early as the sixth century A.D., many of these characters began to be simplified and adopted into Japanese writing, where they're known as kanji, a term that is more widely used in the West. Artisans in Yiwu, China, create these pendants by using sterling silver and the lost-wax casting method. Each character emulates the sweeping brushstrokes of traditional calligraphy. Choose based on birth month, favorite color, or simply the symbol that resonates with you most.

January: Garnet/Beauty, February: Amethyst/Generosity, March: Blue Topaz/Affection, April: White Quartz/Love, May: Green Quartz/Sweetness, June: White Pearl/Longevity, July: Carnelian/Perfection, August: Peridot/Purity, September: Iolite/Protection, October: Pink Tourmaline/Happiness, November: Citrine/Artistry, December: Turquoise/Imagination.

Featuring an impressive array of green quartz, cultured pearl, and petite glass beads, this pretty beaded necklace circles the neck with a fascinating cluster of color. Thai artisan Nareerat designs the necklace, working with local artisans to diligently apply each bead by hand. The necklace is completed with a sterling silver plated brass clasp and extender chain.

A 38-carat stone of natural rose quartz centers this necklace, flanked by petite beads of sterling silver. Featuring alternating colors of green and white, this pendant necklace from Thailand is designed by Matta, beaded with dyed quartz and cultured freshwater pearls.

A rainbow of colorful gemstone beads forms a dazzling blossom on this necklace from Anusara in Thailand. The flower pendant is composed of amethyst, carnelian, tiger's eye, dyed cultured freshwater pearl and dyed quartz in shades of cherry, forest green and yellow. She centers the pendant on multiple twig-like knotted strands of cream waxed polyester cord. The necklace can be secured at one of two lengths with a round red quartz bead.