inspiring jewelry

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.

Glistening gemstones align with chakra energies on the basis of their color, inspiring this pinwheel pendant necklace from Alok Jain. In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned the person feels a healthy sense of well being. In this sterling silver necklace includes amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet, blue topaz, and carnelian. The clear and light purple stones are associated with the 7th chakra (awareness and wisdom); the purple, violet and indigo gems with 6th chakra (insight and perception), and the blue or light blue with the 5th, that of communication and truth. Green and pink stones are for love and compassion, linked to the heart, on the 4th chakra. For inner power and will, the 3rd chakra is associated with yellow gems, whereas emotion and sexuality are linked to red and orange gems for the 2nd chakra. Black gems are used to stimulate the 1st chakra, that of stability and security.

.925 Sterling silver.

Believed to be the abode of the gods, Mahameru Mountain inspires this ring by Kadek Hendra. Known as Semeru, this volcano in Java is sacred in the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Hendra crafts the sterling silver ring by hand with blue topaz to signal the cardinal points and a pristine white pearl. The topaz totals 4.5 carats.

.925 Sterling silver