formal necklace

Offered by Pornsit Mayuraks in Thailand, the round pendant of this necklace is crafted from sterling silver, revealing seed patterns in openwork that form floral motifs. The round locket houses a blue brass bell that rings.

Natural sese wood beads alternate with recycled glass beads to form the pendant in this unisex necklace by Ghana's Eliasu Adams. The balance of the necklace features smooth oval-shaped deep brown wood beads, finished with a brass hook clasp.

Kanjana in Thailand puts her considerable talent with macrame to good use in this stunning pendant necklace. Dark brown and blue cords form a half-star, accented by cords in olive, light blue and grey as well as small brass beads. At the center, a polished agate globe completes the design. A sliding knot allows you to adjust the length of the necklace as desired.

A trio of polished metals--sterling silver, shimmering brass, and warm copper--form the pendant on Shivani Choudhary's gorgeous necklace. Indian artisans use the metals to hand craft three interlocking rings, which swing prettily from a sterling silver cable chain.

Wagner and Cassia of Brazil create a statement necklace of swirling capim dourado or “golden grass” bound by golden thread and accented with brown cord. The necklace also features an adjustable cord and pine wood beads. The necklace findings are 18k gold plated brass.

Wagner discovered the beauty of capim dourado or “golden grass” as a young boy when he and his family moved to Ponte Alta do Tocantins in central Brazil, home to Jalapão state park where capim dourado flourishes. The crafting of capim dourado is an art form that has been passed down from parents to their children. Now Wagner and Cassia's four children work with them in the crafting of golden grass jewelry.