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