Black Necklaces(340 items)
Welcome to our Black Necklace Collection, each piece crafted by NOVICA artisans who carry on ancestral traditions in contemporary designs.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Handmade necklaces are incomparable works of wearable art. Each one is unique in shape, color, size and design. Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets. Handmade finishes may show variations in metal patterns. No two natural gemstones share the same characteristics. Each necklace holds its own individualistic sense of beauty, making it evident that it was crafted by hand. Some even bear the artisans signature.


Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. In Thailand, Mexico and Bali, coconut shells are often used. Indian artists sometimes repurpose silk from saris. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs.


Many artisans the world over work in lost wax. They sculpt the image they want in wax, encase it in a mold, and pour molten silver or gold into it. The wax melts and flows out, leaving only the precious metal. However some artisans in Peru specialize in handmade silver and gold filigree, and some Balinese necklaces feature chains that are handwoven from slender metal strands. Karen hill tribe artisans in Thailand often use manual tools to stamp decorative motifs on fine silver. Other techniques include macram, beaded or gemstone strands, hammered metals, and carved wood or bone.


Precious metals and natural gemstones are the most popular materials for women's necklaces. Silver, gold and brass all provide durability as well as beauty. Artisans also utilize local materials that can include coconut shells, bamboo, bright African print fabrics, ceramic beads, natural amber, carved bone and bull horn. Both Peru and Mexico have rich silver mines and silver is used for traditional jewelry as well as contemporary designs.


Womens necklaces are versatile and come in many styles and lengths. They can be layered or worn alone as a statement piece. Many designs go with everything from jeans to office wear or an evening out on the town. The best thing about jewelry is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality.


When assessing the workmanship of a necklace, its helpful to pay attention to certain characteristics. For example, quality necklaces are balanced designs that rest comfortably around the neck. Clasps are secure and work well, and gemstones and beads are properly set. The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials.


Each culture celebrates its rich jewelry-making history through specific symbols and styles. For example, traditional West African beads, which adorn many necklaces from the region, each have a story and a specific occasion when they are worn. Others may feature the Ghanian adinkra symbols, which convey popular wisdom. In ancient Andean civilizations, the leaders apparel and jewelry showed their rank and also incorporated religious symbols. Similarly, necklaces from Bali often depict deities from the Hindu pantheon. In India, a womans jewelry is linked to her status in society and may depict Hindu gods as well as mantra symbols such as the omkara, the root of all sounds and the emblem of the Most High. Angel necklaces and harmony ball necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and in Mexico. The pendant makes a delicate bell sound, 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.
Featured Reviews on Black Necklaces
Amethyst and cultured pearl pendant necklace, 'Love Like Midnight'





By Pam
beyond beautiful
I bought this pendant and the matching earrings. The set is gorgeous. The black bone of the heart is so smooth and dark, it could be mistaken for onyx. So glad I invested in the set!
Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Silver Skull'





By Kathleen
Another great pendant from this artist!
Beautiful, large sugar skull pendant! That quality and detail is great. I also have the stylized jaguar from this artist. (Not a great fan of the rubber necklace, but plan to wear the pendant on a sterling chain or black leather.). Highly recommend!
Jade pendant necklace, 'Ancient Strength'





By Patricia
Lovely to wear .
Comfortable , light, adjustable length . Daughter loved the necklace, especially the adjustable cord .
Popular Black Necklaces
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Black Fused Glass Disc Pendant Brown Leather Cord Necklace, "Mysterious Midnight"
$39.99This pendant necklace features a disc of black fused glass, like looking deep into the abyss of a midnight sky. Handcrafted by Silvana and João Alexandre of Brazil, the pendant hangs from a light brown leather cord.
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Sterling Silver Turtle Pendant Necklace on Black Cord, "Swimming Turtle"
$77.99$70.19Relaxing on a hot summer day, this delightful turtle swims gracefully through a peacefully-flowing river. This sterling silver animal-themed pendant with an oxidized finish hangs on a rubber cord necklace and is presented by Guillermo Arregui of Taxco, Mexico. The people of Taxco, Mexico are well-known for their exquisite and unique products crafted from silver.
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Amethyst Cultured Pearl Silver Black Bone Heart Necklace, "Love Like Midnight"
$59.99Crafted in a traditional, lovely heart-shaped design, this necklace is the perfect way to wear your emotions on your sleeve, or at least around your neck. Made Wardika handcrafts the exquisite setting from sterling silver in an intricate Balinese motif of tendrils and granules. A faceted amethyst crowns the pendant, while cultured pearls beads dance delicately beneath. However, the main attraction on this necklace is the prominent black heart carved from bone. When illustrated as a symbol of love, hearts are most notably depicted in red but, as black is the combination of all colors, we like to think this heart signifies a love as deep as the night is dark.
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Black Jade Sterling Silver Heart Pendant Necklace Guatemala, "Mayan Heart in Black"
$69.99$62.99Guatemalan artisan Zandra Lorena Sajbin chooses to work with jade due to the stone's cultural significance for people of Mayan descent. She crafts this necklace from sterling silver, hanging a single black jade heart from a mariner chain.
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