gemstones

Garnet, citrine, iolite, peridot, and amethyst surround a central blue topaz in this sterling silver pendant. The gems are hand-cut in Jaipur and hand-set in Kolkata. Inspired by the works of recently canonized missionary Mother Teresa, who spent much of her life ministering in Kolkata.

Gemstone flowers bloom on the tree of life. Beautifully portrayed in a sterling silver setting, it grows in the center of a pendant from Bhavesh. Amethyst, garnet, iolite and peridot set this necklace apart.

Evoking the beauty of the sea, a one-carat teardrop of natural iolite combines with dangling faceted apatite gems. Thai artisan Saranarat designs this pendant necklace, which circles the wearer with 18k gold plated sterling silver chain.

Dancing gloriously, gemstones of natural iolite dangle alongside charms of sterling silver bathed in 22k gold. India's Vivek Nathany designs this necklace, which circles the neck with two lengths of gold plated cable chain; one chain hosts the charms while another chain is centered by a beaded strand.

Evoking the beauty of the sea, a one-carat teardrop of natural iolite combines with dangling faceted apatite gems. Thai artisan Saranarat designs this pendant necklace, which circles the wearer with 18k gold plated sterling silver chain.

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.