gemstones

The peaceful face of Buddha is captured in bone, carved by hand in the pendant of this Balinese necklace. Made Wardika designs the necklace, elaborating Buddha with a sterling silver headdress, accentuated by garnet and amethyst gemstones with a pair of cultured pearl earrings that dangle from Buddha's ears.

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.

Over 60 smooth cultured freshwater pearls glisten in this wonderful necklace by artisan Ketut Sulastri. Traditional Balinese motifs of swirls and dots decorate the circular sterling silver pendant, which is accented by two dangling cultured pearls. The artisan adorns the long black nylon cord with dozens of petite cultured pearls, completing the exquisite design.

Om, the sound of the union between spirit and universe, will be present in your everyday with this radiant sterling silver pendant necklace. India's Ajay Patil works with advanced silversmithing techniques to create this accessory, accented by the mantra's sacred symbol. As a majestic touch, a cultured pearl in a natural gray hue crowns the piece.