protection necklace

Stone of passion, love, and courage, garnet centers this cross pendant from India's Bhavesh. The radiant gem is in powerful harmony with peridot's protective green glow. The pendant and chain are crafted of luminous sterling silver.

.925 sterling silver

Representing the seven chakras, petite faceted gemstones of amethyst, iolite, garnet, blue topaz, carnelian, citrine, and peridot decorate the pendant of this necklace from India. Alok Jain presents this accessory, featuring a sterling silver hamsa pendant that houses the gemstones. Believed to bring protection, hamsa is a cultural symbol that takes the shape of a hand.

By Ketut Sulastri, this intriguing pendant evokes an ancient lantern decorated with plumeria blossoms. It opens to reveal a shining brass sphere. Garnet globes punctuate the length of the long silver chain and the sterling pendant is crowned with peridot.

Also called "angel necklaces" and "harmony balls," Such necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and also in Mexico. The chain lets the pendant reach to the belly and the delicate sounds are thought to soothe the mother and the baby she is carrying. Some believe it summons a guardian angel, thus making it a symbol of loving protection.

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.