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.

Let these dangle earrings show their vibrant sweetness! Indian designer Sapna Mehta creates these sterling silver earrings in a palette of green and yellow enamel hues, transporting you to a tropical scape. Lapis lazuli, green onyx, amethyst and cubic zirconia jewels crown the design with enchanting colors, reminiscent of spring berries.

Amethyst and lemon quartz glisten in geometric beauty in this cocktail ring presented by Chintan of India. Over five carats of radiant purple amethyst is bezel set in a square setting while lemon quartz is bezel set in a circular setting, alongside two squares in sterling silver with a hammered finish. The endless imagination of Indian artisans inspires this exquisite hand crafted sterling silver ring.

Crowned with petite floral motifs, a peridot sits regally in the center of this dramatic cocktail ring. Amethysts center the blossoms and citrine teardrops flank the verdant oval. Inspired by Balinese royalty, Kadek Hendra handcrafts the sterling silver ring with intricate oxidized engravings. The gemstones total two carats.

More than 21 carats of garnet, citrine, peridot, iolite and amethyst bring a rainbow of color to this sterling silver bracelet. The design is inspired by Rangwali Holi, the Hindu festival where friends and strangers playfully douse each other with vivid colored powders in a celebration of renewal, reconciliation, and thanksgiving.