gemstones

An ancient Maya legend tells how the gods gave a specific mission to each being they created. But they realized none had been chosen to carry thoughts and desires from one place to another," says Rosa Padillas of Rosa Roja. "So they carved a small piece of jade into a a slender arrowhead, and it became a beautiful hummingbird with iridescent feathers — the x ts'unu'um. Its mission was to carry good thoughts to all human beings, even those who had died.

"Today, if a hummingbird appears in front of you, it is delivering a message of love from someone who is thinking of you. And if we wear the image of a hummingbird, we carry good thoughts and desires to others.

"The hummingbird legend says that we can fly to the six cardinal points of the universe, therefore the hummingbird is the ideal link to transmit thoughts of love, of respect, tolerance and peace to all creatures on the planet."

The talented Mexican artisan reinterprets the legend as a necklace of dramatic beauty. She creates a hummingbird pendant in the pre-Hispanic style, and adds an agate geode representing the hummingbird's nest. It poses on a strand of gray cultured pearls.

This breathtaking necklace is designed by Guillermo Arregui in Mexico, who creates jewelry with silver from the famed Taxco mines. The sleek, collar-style necklace features a modern pendant set with a cabochon of reconstituted turquoise and a creamy white cultured pearl.

Captivate anyone with a glamorous and sophisticated accent made with precious jewels. Thailand's Nareerat creates this charming necklace featuring a waterfall of shiny glass beads, making a bold complement to any outfit. In addition, cultured pearls in a wine color add a luxurious touch to the accessory, which also comes with a sterling silver-plated extender and clasp.

Enchanting and unapologetically dramatic, this collar necklace is a kaleidoscope of precious metals and vibrant stones. Thai artisan Saranarat's bold design marries the glamour of 18k gold plating with bewitching cultured pearls, amethyst stones and quartz beads, creating a two-carat accessory that dances with a statement of fantastic elegance.

Following the maximalist style that characterizes her exquisite creations, Thai artisan Nareerat presents a stunning collection that combines flowers with the harmonious essence of Mother Nature. After long hours meticulously working with quartz, glass beads and cultured pearls in a grey hue, Nareerat creates this beaded statement necklace in a green palette, full of charm and sophistication. On top of that, the design—joined by stainless steel wires—features sterling silver-plated brass accents that allow for comfortable use.

Nareerat combines the magical essence of winter with myriad spring flowers made from precious jewels. Expert in creating maximalist jewelry pieces, the Thai artisan presents a new collection full of fantasy and glamour. This beaded statement necklace is meticulously crafted from quartz, labradorite, yellow cultured pearls, glass beads and tourmaline quartz stones, all joined by stainless steel wires, making a blue-toned accessory symbolizing serenity. As the final touch, sterling silver-plated brass accents allow you to wear the design comfortably, displaying it in all its shiny splendor.

Stunning and stylish, this necklace is another fascinating creation by Thailand's Nareerat, who works with multiple jewels in a palette of warm tones. The artisan uses metallic threads to join rose quartz, jasper and glass beads, creating a design that resembles a pink waterfall with dangling cultured pearls. As a final touch, Nareerat includes a sterling silver-plated clasp and extender for a comfortable fit.

A cascade of precious gems and stunning jewels embellish Nareerat's newest creation. As an expert in gemstones and jewelry, the Thai artisan starts the design with glass beads joined by metallic threads. Then, she adds natural rose quartz stones, rhodochrosite gems and white cultured pearls to the necklace, creating a breathtaking waterfall illusion. On top of that, a sterling silver-plated brass extender and lobster clasp allow a comfortable fit.