Jewelry Traditions From Around the World

There are a wide variety of distinctive jewelrydesigns. Brass and copper can also be used as an
styles, techniques, and pieces created in differentaccent metal. Garnet, carnelian, amethyst and
countries and cultures throughout the world.pearls are all common gems found in the designs.
Exploring these diverse and unique world jewelryIndia
styles is an excellent way to create your ownIndian jewelry may be silver or gold, however it is
personal style.typically much more detailed and filigree type
Finding unique and unusual jewelry pieces fromstyles than seen in other countries. Close fitting
around the world is simple through the Internet.chocker necklaces with many different gems and
Additionally, various marketing and charity groupsbeads suspended from the main chain accentuate
help local artisans and craftspeople sell theirthe neck area. Black onyx, pearls, moonstones,
jewelry creations internationally. While browsingamethysts and peridot are gems that may be
these sites or at their retail stores or exhibitions itseen in the beautiful jewelry from India.
is possible to find truly one-of- a-kind items fromAndes
Africa, Bali, India, Thailand, Mexico and even theJewelry from the Andes tends to be more
Andes area of South America.geometric in shape with silver predominantly used
Africaas the metal since it is so prominent. The
Jewelry from Africa typically features a widependants for necklaces tend to be more inlayed
range of nature based themes and materials.with a variety of gems and stones that create
Bronze. copper and brass are common metalspatterns and motifs that are culturally defined.
used in necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings andFiligree and the use of nature themes such as
are typically combined with leather, glass beads,leaves, water and flowers are very popular in the
bone carved beads pieces and naturally occurringjewelry but are also completely unique to the
semi-precious gems such as amber. Typicallyarea. Different semi-precious stones including
balance, symmetry and a very structured look isaragonite, a brown stone and chrysocolla, a
achieved using these materials, however thebeautifully variegated green stone are also very
overall presentation of the jewelry is very softprominent in the jewelry from this area.
and gentle. Black onyx is often used in round andThailand
larger squared settings that add to the warmthJewelry from Thailand is often very delicate,
and natural glow of the jewelry.inspired by nature, butterflies, dragonflies, flowers
Baliand the natural surroundings. Silver and gold are
Bali and Java have a long history of producingboth used in most jewelry items with pearls,
families of gold and silversmiths that maketopaz and turquoise making a striking visual
beautiful bracelets, necklaces, earrings andimpression. Thin chokers with distinctive and
pendants. Silver is typically the metal of choice,detailed pendants worn close to the throat are
however it is typically combined with gems toalso a common theme in the jewelry of Thailand.
make one of a kind items. Another key featureJade and crystal, two very traditional materials
of many of the Bali silver jewelry designs is thefigure prominently in many of the custom designs
use of small dots of silver on a naturally tarnishedfrom the country.
background to produce detailed and striking