gemstones

Stones of green and smoky quartz and citrine achieve a sleek, yet complex look atop this multi-band ring. Indonesia's Ketut Sulastri designs this brilliant accessory with four interlocking bands that are handcrafted from hammered sterling silver.

Stones of green and smoky quartz and citrine achieve a sleek, yet complex look atop this multi-band ring. Indonesia's Ketut Sulastri designs this brilliant accessory with four interlocking bands that are handcrafted from hammered sterling silver.

Thailand's Nareerat designs a pair of sublime dangle earrings in a cheerful palette with vibrant hues. These unique earrings feature metallic cords that are meticulously hand-knotted around clusters of chalcedony, green quartz, amethyst and glass beads, forming a lovely design with dangling howlite stones that symbolize patience. These charming accessories are also equipped with polished sterling silver hooks for handy use.

A single lapis lazuli bead takes center stage in this classic beaded bracelet designed by Thai artisan Siranya. The artist hand threads tiny magenta quartz beads alongside sterling silver beads, then finishes the bracelet with a Karen silver clasp and accompanying flower charm.

Save these bohemian beaded earrings from Thai artisan Siriporn for a rainy day. Each macrame earring is hand knotted from polyester cord and finished with shining blue quartz gemstones. Blue glass beads accentuate these earrings, which swing from sterling silver hooks.

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.