gemstones

Paying homage to a brilliant Thai sunset, Nareerat crafts this necklace using 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver cable chain with a section of hand-beaded tourmaline. The necklace features a gold-plated lobster-claw clasp and extender chain adorned with matching beads.

A luminous rose quartz orb rests at the center of this classic beaded necklace designed by Thailand's Matta. The artisan places petite, gold-plated brass beads alongside the orb, then finishes the chain with tourmaline gemstones is varying hues. The necklace is completed with a sterling silver clasp.

Little tourmaline stones dangle gracefully from a sterling silver design by Sapna Mehta from India. This charm necklace comes in a high-polish finish that enhances the jewels' hue, symbolizing creativity, wisdom and stability.

This twist on a classic pearl strand is sure to shake things up. Thai artisan Matta alternates grey cultured freshwater pearls alongside petite tourmaline gemstones to create the necklace, while a rose-shaped sterling silver box clasp adds an extra touch of loveliness.

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.