Brown Necklaces(514 items)
Welcome to our Brown 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 Brown Necklaces
Wood pendant necklace, 'King of the Lions'





By Deirdre
Majestestic Beauty
Simple yet beautiful craftsmanship I am so please with this piece. It was bought as a birthday gift and nothing is better than a hand made item with such detail!
Tiger's eye beaded necklace, 'Golden Light'





Wow was all I could say!
I have never seen such a beautiful and mystical Tigers eye! This particular natural stones Africa Tigers eye necklace somehow reminded me The Ghost and The Darkness movie that was played by the two awesome actors Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. I could not thank you enough to the Ghana Artist for such a magnificent art.
Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Maya Tree of Life'





By Lisa
Beautiful!
I love, love, love this necklace! Finally found a sterling necklace that doesnt look like so many others.
Featured Artist
Anusara Handcrafted gemstone jewelry
"I feel love and pride for all of my artwork. I'm proud of my designs, proud of creating them, proud to wear them and proud to sell them."
"When I was a child, I wove... read more
Popular Brown Necklaces
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Gold Plated Gemstone Necklace with Prasiolite and Amethyst, "Golden Age"
$260.10The golden age of Indian jewelry arrived with the Mughal emperors in the 16th century. From turban to toe, rulers and their courtiers wore countless gemstones. So-called "sumptuary laws" even prevented anyone who wasn't a member of the royal family from wearing jewels. This necklace captures a small facet of that splendor with a collection of dazzling gems encircled in 14k gold plated sterling silver. Blue topaz, amethyst, prasiolite and smoky quartz are joined in an intriguing and subtle color combination.
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Rectangular Ceramic Pendant Necklace from Brazil, "Rectangular Labyrinth"
$19.99Handcrafted from ceramic, a rectangular pendant is detailed with intricate labyrinth motifs. Brazilian artisan Cida Matos creates this stunning statement necklace, crafted with a suede ribbon that connects the pendant to the cord. Polyester cord encircles the neck, and an adjustable sliding knot is accentuated by imbuia wood beads.
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Hand Crafted Turtle Pendant on Leather Cord Necklace, "Happy Turtle"
$25.99Three joyful turtles swim gracefully in a circle in this unique hand carved necklace. Made Wardika of Bali carefully carves the pendant from bone to wear on a dark brown leather cord. This pendant necklace features a sliding knot allowing for adjustable length.
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