> Flower Girl Gifts > Novica

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Captivating with natural beauty, a blossoming gerbera becomes a unique brooch, for no two flowers ever blossom alike. From Thailand's Danai, the flower is preserved in resin and fitted with a pin on the back. .925 rating silver plated nickel pin Artisan Info: "My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton province. He emigrated to Thailand at the end of the 19th century when he was in his early twenties. He was a very hard working person trading goods all along the river and during that time he met my partner's grandfather. "I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science. "In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers and plants with gold. Well, the easiest way was to

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Lavish and lovely, this necklace radiates the colors of spring flowers. Matta combines strands of cultured pearls in white, gold, pink and violet, adding the natural allure of peridot, rose quartz, citrine and aventurine. Sterling silver settings bring a pristine gleam to an exquisite design. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "My name is Matta Nandrakwang, I was born and raised in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand next to the border with Myanmar (Burma). I grew up appreciating this naturally beautiful area, home to rich and diverse cultures as well as many ancient ethnic tribes. Since the area is rich with gems and the main activity was their trade, I began to learn and develop a passion for the various gemstones. "Ever since I was a young girl, I have been enamored with the hill tribe people's love of jewelry. I regularly saw people around me wearing jewelry. I recall seeing a hill tribe girl my age, seven at the time, wearing beautiful silver jewelry accessorizing her colorful costume. She had silver coins hanging around her face, more silver ornaments on her, as well as beautiful beads. I couldn't take my eyes off her! I don't remember exactly what I said to my father about her, but remember clearly that afterwards I got my first gold ring with a little blue

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Blossoming with bold elegance, a sterling daisy centers this necklace by Kai Kittima. She crafts it by hand with glistening glass beads and garnet's stunning glow. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "Sawasdee ka! My name is Kittima Ekmahachai or Kai. I am the elder daughter in the family and am very close to my younger sister because we are almost the same age. She is only one year old younger than I am. I was born in Nan province and grow up there. My family was a big family and everyone loved each other. Now I'm married and have a son and a daughter. "In high school, I studied science and mathematics for three years and, in 1981, I was admitted to Chiang Mai University's School of Economics. I graduated four years later. In 1986, I worked as a staff member at The Royal Project center. After two years, I was promoted to head of marketing at the Chiang Mai branch where I worked for nine years. I had to resign when my husband's mother got sick so I could take care of her. I did really like this job, so when I quit, I was sad. Two years later, I started to make jewelry. "I've liked art since I was young. I get it from my grandfather - he really loved art, so art is in my blood. I grew up in a cultural Thai family. I studied in local Thai schools, learned Thai dance, sing old Thai

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Centered with sparkling cubic zirconium, polished blossoms are a gift of love. Kai Kittima designs a chic floral pendant with modern styling. It centers a lovely strand of white pearls. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "Sawasdee ka! My name is Kittima Ekmahachai or Kai. I am the elder daughter in the family and am very close to my younger sister because we are almost the same age. She is only one year old younger than I am. I was born in Nan province and grow up there. My family was a big family and everyone loved each other. Now I'm married and have a son and a daughter. "In high school, I studied science and mathematics for three years and, in 1981, I was admitted to Chiang Mai University's School of Economics. I graduated four years later. In 1986, I worked as a staff member at The Royal Project center. After two years, I was promoted to head of marketing at the Chiang Mai branch where I worked for nine years. I had to resign when my husband's mother got sick so I could take care of her. I did really like this job, so when I quit, I was sad. Two years later, I started to make jewelry. "I've liked art since I was young. I get it from my grandfather - he really loved art, so art is in my blood. I grew up in a cultural Thai family. I studied in local Thai schools, learned Thai

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Diah Ayu names this design for the Balinese bajang flower, a favorite hair adornment of teenage girls. Centered with a pearl, the blossom's petals are formed by onyx and citrine. The dramatic silver pendant is worn on a sterling choker. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "My name is Diah Ayu and I'm from Jogja, in Central Java. I live in Bali with my husband and two daughters. The older is Sarah, who is 13 years old, and the younger is Sekar, 11. They both like to paint and have been learning from a senior painter for almost four years. "Art and jewelry aren't new things for me. When they were young, my great grandparents worked with diamond jewelry and my grandparents ran a cottage industry of crafting batik textiles. I assume I got the art in my blood from them. "I started to work seriously with silver the first year I lived in Bali, around 1995. The unique culture, charm, and beauty of this paradise island have become my never-ending source of inspiration. My main jewelry themes are flowers, animals, stars, the moon, sun, cultural symbols and other ornamentations. There are four people from my village who help me craft my designs. "Designing and my family are my priorities in life. My family - especially my husband - gave their best support to what I've been doing and I am

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Dazzling jicuri or peyote flowers capture Higinio Hernandez Carrillo's imagination, inspiring this hand-crafted beaded choker. According to Huichol customs and traditions, jicuri is a sacred flower, for it allows communication with their gods. They consume the flower with fair warning: too much of it is detrimental to their health and would anger the gods. Artisan Info: The artistry of the Cosio Carrillo family has been featured in periodicals ranging from Business Week to The New York Times. "Hello! I'm Higinio Hernandez Carillo, and I was born in the Jalisco mountains. I have followed my family tradition of making beaded artwork, but I like using bright colors in my designs. My works are different from the traditional beadwork from my homeland, and I use contrasting colors on spherical and oval-shaped figures. "I make my masks over papier-mache figures and my wife and I place the beads one-by-one on an adhesive coating of beeswax. The designs are completely improvised and are inspired by our reflections and feelings at the moment that we're making the pieces. "I'd spent several months trying to sell my works in local markets, but I finally found with Novica a way to get the world to know my pieces. I hope that you enjoy my works as much as I enjoy making them. I hope that

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Beneath a sterling parasol, a shower of flowers forms a delicate pendant. Citrine's yellow sparkle finds a perfect setting in sterling silver. Sunita crafts this beautiful pendant by hand to grace a sleek chain. .925 rating silver. Artisan Info: "Hi. My name is Sunita and I was born on August 17, 1968 in the city of Jaipur. Being brought up in a joint family was a great fun. We got to be around lots of cousins, aunts and uncles. Besides the fun, we were taught the values of family tradition, customs, love, respect and all the qualities needed for a complete person. I remember as a child, I fancied the intricate and sophisticated jewelry used by my mother and aunts, and I'd try it on myself. "Besides my interest in jewelry, I wanted to become a chartered accountant, however I could not complete my course. But this did not bother me. "After my marriage in 1990, I decided to revive my dream to design jewelry. My husband, who is already an exporter, inspired and motivated me. I took a course in jewelry designing -- I feel that it is more important in this field to be creative and artistic, rather than just knowing the subject. "I have started to exhibit my designs on a very small scale. My jewelry is mostly traditional with some contemporary touches, which I am sure customers will

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Goldstone buds bloom over silver leaves in Kenia Cruz Lima's original "Flower" collection. Goldstone is associated with vitality and energy. .950 rating silver Artisan Info: "I have always been very involved with crafts and artistic creations of the most varied forms. My parents are architects, and our entire family had ties to art. It was a privilege to grow up amid art and artists. "I decided to study publicity, and to work in the area of design and communications. I was always tuned in to what was going on in the artistic milieu, and I tried to associate my publicity work primarily with art. "I married, and when my daughter was born, I raised her in the same way that I was brought up, with many artistic references. She was quite interested from the time she was small. She became an actress at the age of seven. Since then, I accompany her to film sets and am always present during tapings and when she travels. I take advantage of these travels to renew my connections with the diversity of local Brazilian crafts. In addition to acquiring knowledge, I find inspiration in each location and often create new pieces based upon the culture influences that I find. "My designs begin with my admiration for Brazilian stones. The beauty that nature offers us in the tropics is fabulous,

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Peering through sterling bars, radiant flowers hold the secret to sophisticated elegance. India's Awadhesh presents this original bracelet, which is ingenuously crafted of sterling silver. .925 rating silver. Artisan Info: "Hi, my name is Awadhesh and I was born in 1978 in Jaipur. As a child, I was always different from the rest of my family. I was energetic, creative, and always wanted to do something different in life. I used to meet new people who were involved in some form of art, be it painting, designing, writing or theater. Once, I was in love with theater work and this passion led me to take a course in drama. I wanted to join the National School of Drama but, since our family has a long lineage in business, my father wanted me to follow suit. "During that time, I met a friend who is a jewelry designer. He encouraged me to take up designing and, since it was also creative work, I got interested. My father, of course, did not approve. But today, I am doing the things I love. I started with jewelry designing and later got into different kinds of art like marble, embroidery, paintings and other creative works. "Since I did not take any professional courses in designing, during my initial years, I used to visit different kinds of craftsmen - both traditional and modern

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Glowing like enchanted gem, a tiny duok mhai (flower) casts a spell of precious sophistication. The design is by Sasithon Saisuk, who crafts the anklet of sterling silver in the legendary tradition of Thailand. .925 silver. Artisan Info: "Hello. I'm Sasithon Saisuk or you can call me Eaw, my nickname. I was born on April 30, 1968 and have two older sisters. My personality is optimistic, rejoicing, forgiving and never malicious. Although I can get angry easily, I calm down very quickly. When I was young, I was a shy girl and always obedient. "After I finished high school, I worked for a newspaper with my sister, who is a journalist. But we couldn't separate our work and family relationships, so I returned to my hometown. I had a chance to study Thai dance and music, and in 2000 I began working at the school. It focuses on local intellectual methods and here I found an opportunity to do the things I truly love. I performed northern Thai regional dance and in addition I learned to make jewelry. It is the melding of art and local beauty expressed in the combination of materials. "Silverwork is a regional tradition. I design the patterns for this kind of jewelry and adjust it to suit both local and contemporary clothing styles. "I have recently begun experimenting with new materials,

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Delicate sterling silver and marcasite flowers, meticulously hand crafted. The midnight blooms are carefully arranged in a row, sprouting from the creative imaginations of Thai jewelry artisans. The bracelet is sure to please, offering a wonderful complement to any fine jewelry collection. Artisan Info: Photos by Jatuporn Rutnin Southeast Asia has a millenary silversmith tradition, which has developed along different art periods and the interrelationship of diverse cultures. Thailand's renowned artistic periods such as Dvaravati, Sri Vijaya, Lopburi, Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Ratanakosin, bear a strong Indian influence. This in turn has been absorbed into the Thai way of life and sensibility. Thailand's silversmith legacy also bears evidence of hill tribe influences. Silver has long adorned hill tribe attires for it symbolizes wealth and prestige - some also believe silver wards off illness and misfortune. Originally, silver was intended for small votive stupas and as an inlay for religious statues. Later it was confined to creating decorative items, ceremonial, and religious articles. Then, with the rise of Chiang Mai and its handcraft industries, silver tooling began to develop more actively. This was also due to an influx of Burmese refugees, following the fall

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. A blossom of exquisite beauty becomes a fascinating pendant in a necklace from Thailand's Danai. Preserved in resin, the chrysanthemum hybrid poses on black cotton cords exuding organic elegance. Because natural blossoms are used, size, shape and color will vary slightly. .925 rating silver clasp. Artisan Info: "My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton province. He emigrated to Thailand at the end of the 19th century when he was in his early twenties. He was a very hard working person trading goods all along the river and during that time he met my partner's grandfather. "I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science. "In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. A blossom of exquisite beauty becomes a fascinating pendant in a necklace from Thailand's Danai. Preserved in resin, the chrysanthemum hybrid poses on black cotton cords exuding organic elegance. Because natural blossoms are used, size, shape and color will vary slightly. .925 rating silver clasp. Artisan Info: "My name is Danai Leosawathiphong. I was born March 20, 1949 in northern Thailand. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant from the Canton province. He emigrated to Thailand at the end of the 19th century when he was in his early twenties. He was a very hard working person trading goods all along the river and during that time he met my partner's grandfather. "I studied business and left for England. Engineering interested me, and I graduated with an engineering degree from Leeds University. I met Ilkay, my wife there. She went to Brunel University where she graduated in polymer science. "In 1976, Ilkay and I came back to Thailand. Originally my family and partner's family planned to get into mining. And in order to analyze the rocks, ores and minerals, we needed to set up a lab. Then my partner's father suggested that we could also use the lab to create something representative of the area, and we came up with the idea of covering natural products such as exotic flowers

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Stone of love and compassion, garnet glows with fiery beauty in a design by Parul. She surrounds the mystical gems with cubic zirconium petals to create dazzling flowers for a sterling silver bracelet. .925 rating silver with rhodium plate. Artisan Info: "Hi friends, I am Parul and I was born and brought up in Delhi. I come from a traditional Indian family with rich cultural and traditional values. I have always been mesmerized by the richness and uniqueness of our Indian art and culture, especially jewelries. Traditional jewelries styles are so captivating! "When I got married, I saw my dreams coming one step closer since my husband was already in the field of jewelry design. I used to help my husband design a style or two, until I came out with my own design style. I love every aspect of my work! Besides keeping me busy and occupied, it definitely provides us with a source of income. "I have not taken any professional courses and whatever I know, is what I have learned from my husband and my own experience. I feel that a professional course is not always essential to achieving success. In the field of art, you have to have it in you, and work hard to achieve success. "I design all my jewelries and experienced silversmiths help me craft them. I oversee each and every step.

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Elegance blossoms into a flamboyant flower to create a mesmerizing choker. Busarin crafts the shimmering accessory by hand, threading carnelian, citrine and glass on stainless steel. Artisan Info: "Dear Novica customers, thank you for all of your support and testimonials. Your trust in my jewelry has made me very proud and brings me great strength. "My name is Busarin Hutawarakorn, and I was born on June 30, 1975, the youngest of three sisters. After I graduated from the university, I did some disc jockeying but felt that this job did not reflect who I was and what I wanted. Indeed I wanted to be independent and earn a living from something I love. "The idea of making jewelry came not only because I love jewelry but also because it goes along so well with women. I initially bought and resold items, but gradually started making them myself. I chose easy patterns and low prices but customers came to me with different needs, asking for better items regardless of the price. Therefore, I started using higher quality materials and updated the patterns accordingly. "My jewelry is skillfully handmade with delicate patterns. I always pay attention to new or different things that could inspire me. "Although I could draw my inspiration from pop culture, mostly I prefer to help get society

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Resting on silver cushions, flowers blossom with cheerful elegance. Carmen Anocibar designs feminine earrings that are crafted by hand in Peru. .950 rating silver Artisan Info: "I'm Carmen Griselda Anocibar. I was born in Argentina on February 23, 1961. Most of my life has been dedicated to art, both in teaching and in crafting ceramics and jewelry, and I was a ceramics professor at the Universidad Nacional de Misiones in Argentina. "My husband's job took us to Lima where I met a Peruvian friend who was taking jewelry classes. I went with her to the academy one day and after that, I never missed a class until I had learned all I could. "I visited many different cities to learn about ancient and modern techniques for working with a metal as beautiful and precious as silver. "This is how I became familiar with this wonderful Peruvian culture and all that can be done with its riches - minerals, wood, etc. - combined in unique ways. So I decided to stay here, studying and discovering the secrets of pre-Hispanic silversmiths, and applying them to jewelry. "My inspiration comes from ethnic art. In nature's forms such as stones, seashells and wood, I find a perfect source of inspiration for creating jewelry with my own hands. "My work is somewhat contemporary, lineal with contrasting

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Brazilian designer Mary Geluda creates beautiful onyx flowers with pearl petals. Set on an 18k gold ring, they captivate with original elegance. Marked 750, the official designation for 75% gold and the equivalent of 18k. Artisan Info: "I was a little girl when I first felt the stirs of an unconditional passion for art. It started as a passion for music, and it was soon followed a passion for jewelry design. I have happy memories of my piano and singing lessons, for they mark the beginning of a romantic journey through the artistic universe. "Several encounters with artists followed, and they soon became my friends and teachers, such as Bernardo Krengiel, Caio Mourao, Marcio Mattar and Andreia Nicaccio. However, the most significant encounter in relation to my artistic formation came by way of Roberto DeRegina and his band. During those dynamic years, I was in his band as a singer of Medieval and Renaissance melodies. I also managed the band's performances throughout Brazil and abroad. "It was a marvelous period in my life, and it is from here that a considerable part of the essence of my artistic work comes from. I was able to absorb naturally all the refinement, elegance, and delicacy of the poetic universe through my contact with erudite music. This definitely has influenced

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Sterling hearts filled with silver granules form the petals of a love flower. In its center, faceted garnet sparkles with the light of passion. Ketut Widarma completes the necklace with a black cord. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: Ketut Widarma Putra was born in Buleleng, West Bali on October 21, 1979. He is proud of his name, for Widarma means "good man." From the time he was a child, he liked Balinese art so much that he decided to attend a handicrafts school in Batubulan. "I loved going to school because I could learn everything about silver, metals, textiles, wood carving and design," he recalls. "And everything was related to my beloved island." When he finished his studies, he worked for six months making candleholders. "I liked it a lot. I love creativity, but I thought that this was not my destiny so I quit. Just a few days later, by coincidence, I was offered a job in a silver company and that is how everything started." He began as an assistant in the quality control department and soon, step by step, he became the manager of that department. After two years, he began creating his own designs. "Thanks to Janet, the owner of the company, I started traveling a lot and visited the U.S., Australia, India and Thailand," Widarma says. "It was great because I could compare

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Flowers blossom into swirling stars in a modern design by Peru's Rocio Talavera. Cast of sterling silver, their dynamic design is captivating. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "I was born in Huanuco on May 6, 1966. At the age of four, I showed such manual dexterity that my parents signed me up for piano lessons. For the next ten years, these classes were my favorite pastime. When I was ten, we moved to Lima. My father is a physician and his services were requested in the capital so I finished my schooling there. "After graduating, my life took a 180 degree turn as I left artistic pursuits behind and focused on the intellect. I majored in business administration for my BA and master's degrees. I was a vehement child and always gave my best effort to achieve my goals. "Even so, I felt that something was missing in my life. I'd given up the piano to focus on my studies but I suddenly realized it was art that made me feel satisfied. So I learned to combine my profession with my creative side. "I went to Argentina where I took jewelry classes in a designer's workshop. In this way, little by little, art reawakened in me. I was really excited by the many textures that can be applied to silver and the shapes I can create with it. After this, I went to Brazil where I discovered the

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Flowers inhabit a silver temple, their petals etched into sterling trapezoids. Chanatip Na Lampoon presents delightful earrings with hill tribe styling. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "Hello, I'm Chanatip Na Lampoon - or you can call me 'Too.' I was born on January 4, 1980 in northern Thailand, but I grew up in Bangkok. However, when I was about ten years old we moved back to my childhood home to help my aunt take care of her business. "My mother, on her part, also used to sell clothes that she'd bring over from Bangkok. All of this inspired me to delve into an area of my own, which is that of silver jewelry. When I was in high school, I studied interior design, and at university, I graduated in engineering. I realized I could combine all of my interests and set up my own workshop. I also learned a lot from my neighbor; he was a silversmith and he integrated colorful beads and leather pieces into his designs. "Fortunately, the Thai government supports people who start their own ventures by providing the proper guidance. They suggested buying silver from the hill tribe people since the government is encouraging them to develop other activities rather than growing opium. The people of the different hill tribes craft the silver pieces such as beads, which I then integrate into

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Star-bright marigolds radiate luminous elegance in the design of these earrings. They are crafted by hand with sterling silver by Peru's Alfredo Inga. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: Alfredo Inga was born on July 18, 1960, in Catacao in northern Peru, considered the "City of Filigree." At the age of eleven, he began to learn the art with friends who taught him little by little. "I enjoyed it because a jeweler's work is a delicate art, and I was able to create beautiful pieces for women," the artist recalls. "My inspiration comes from nature, especially from flowers. First I design a piece, then I carefully craft it." After winning a prize for his jewelry, Sr. Inga was awarded a scholarship to study with a professor from Israel. "I really enjoyed the course because I learned new and different techniques. I was one of the best students, and they offered me the chance to teach the art of filigree in Israel. But I love Peru too much to leave. I decided to stay here, near my family, and carry on the craft."

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Discreet yet mesmerizing, a silver rose captivates the imagination. The design is by Ritu, in India, and features an antique finish. The flower glows with the fresh green elegance of heat-treated onyx. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "Hi, I'm Ritu Aggarwal, and I was born in Jaipur, popularly known as the pink city. But did you know that it is also called the City of Gems? For me, to be in the field of jewelry is like being in dreamland for I have always wanted to be connected to this wonderful world of gems and jewelry. "I grew up here and had a lot of fun. The vibrant and architectural beauty of the city is a sight to enjoy. I remember spending our weekend time in the park and strolling around the monuments. This always took us to the ancient era of kings and queens. "Though I have always been fascinated by the art of jewelry, I never got to actually be in the field until I got married. Many people in Jaipur have a long lineage in crafts and trade, which has been handed down from generation to generation. And my husband is one of them. His family has worked in the design and crafting of jewelry for many years and, when I married him, I was exposed to its vast and enigmatic beauty. I would spend endless time watching them work. It was a delight to see. "Slowly my husband

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Thailand's exotic flora is Ying's beloved muse as she designs this mesmerizing necklace. Sterling flowers and leaves reveal their beauty under the enchanted elegance of citrine and smoky quartz dew. The pendant centers three brown silk cords. .925 rating silver. Artisan Info: "My full name is Sainamphung Chuntakowsol, but everyone calls me by my nickname, Ying. I'm the second of four siblings, born and raised in Bangkok but always pining for Chiang Mai, where my father and uncle worked. When I finished college, I didn't think it twice and moved to Chiang Mai, making my dream come true. "At first I started working as a designer of decorative items, but after a while I fell in love with Lanna, symbol of northern Thailand's culture and way of life. I studied all I could, and absorbed their way of thinking. Now I feel as if I've always lived in Chiang Mai. "After a few years' experience in my family's silk venture I asked my other siblings, who still worked in Bangkok, to move up to Chiang Mai so we could start on our own. That was in 2001, and I was again working as a designer. "In 2006, we decided to diversify and explore the realm of silver jewelry, because we believed in preserving the silversmith traditions of northern Thailand. Even though I didn't have any experience in

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. A trio of blossoming daisies casts a spell of enchantment in a design from Nareerat. The flowers feature smoky quartz petals and golden pearl hearts. They center a rutile quartz torsade threaded by hand on stainless steel. Features a silver plated clasp. Artisan Info: "My name is Nareerat Tansuwansophon but you can call me Lek. I was born into a Catholic family in Trang province, in southern Thailand. My mother passed away after I was born. I am the youngest child of six siblings and have three brothers and two sisters. My family members are merchants. My house was next to the church so I did many activities at the church. My family believed in God, just as I do. "In 1982, after I graduated from grade nine, I moved to Bangkok. There I was a secretarial major at the Convert of the Holy Infant Jesus School, where I studied for three years. Then I worked as a buyer at a foreign trading agency until 1992 when an enamel company asked me to work in their marketing department. I thought it was a good opportunity so I worked there for three years before I quit to get married. "My hobby is origami, folding papers into many shapes. In 1996, my first daughter was born. I named her Ice. While I was pregnant, I spent all of my time doing origami. It made me get better and appreciate art.

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Known as "Koforidua Flowers," the women of Koforidua in eastern Ghana are renowned for their beauty. Agnes Mills uses a classic black and white color scheme to create a necklace with modern elegance. The African beads are crafted of recycled glass in a dizzying array of shapes. Artisan Info: Born on November 10, 1951, in central Ghana, Mrs. Mills studied Home Science, now known in Ghana as Home Economics or Catering. Upon graduation, Mills became a teacher. She works on her beaded necklaces as a hobby and in times of leisure, also creating the beads when she is on holiday from the school. She is married, and her children seem to be committed to their mother's bead-making vocation and sometimes help her with it. "I hope the world will enjoy my designs. They come from my heart, and my homeland."

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Forest flowers adorn a graceful hanger carved of rain tree wood. Yodchai Saelor sculpts an elegant piece that can be mounted on the wall. It hangs from a cotton cord. Artisan Info: "Thank you, everyone, for helping me to do what I love to do most! Best wishes to you! "Sa-was-dee-krab. I'm Yodchai Saelor, or 'Jo.' I'm from the hill tribes. My people were the Lisu, and I was born in 1981 in northern Thailand. "When I was just a little boy, I lived in the forest with my grandparents, my mother and my two sisters. We all respected the spirits as our religion. We worshipped our ghosts who remain in some object, and we place the object on an overhead shelf we inherited from our great grandparents. "My father is a man from town. He separated from my mother when I was just a baby and I saw him only once. But I never talked with him, because the first time I saw him I felt afraid and ran into the forest. When I came back, I found that he had already gone. That was the only time he came to visit us. "My house in the forest was just somewhere to sleep. There was no running water or electricity. We used water from a small rivulet nearby and our income was obtained from growing opium. It took half a day to reach the Lisu tribe's village. Every two or three months when we needed consumer

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Flowers come to life on a sterling heart in a tribute to love by Oscar Figueroa. Crafted of silver mined in Taxco, the lovely pendant features a cutout heart. It is worn on a circlet of silver and silk that ties around the neck. .925 rating silver Artisan Info: "I was born in the city of Taxco on February 2, 1964. I studied until secondary school in the same city. I then traveled to the state of Mexico to study high school and then in Mexico City I did a degree in business administration. Later, I studied marketing at a post-graduate level. "Growing up in a silversmith environment, especially since my city is recognized worldwide for its silver jewelry, I decide to venture into this same business. In 1983, at 19 years old, I began to make my own designs. It took me four years to prepare the design and elaboration of my own lines. Now I am proud to say my jewelry collections have been accepted in the US, Europe and South America. "The process begins with the melting of pure silver that is purchased in small grains, forming an alloy with a minute amount of copper to give the metal a better consistency and to be able to work with it. That is why it is 0.925 silver. "Once the metal is melted and transformed into a sheet, it is passed through a laminator to make wires, cases, etc.

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Laudelia Rivas designs a fascinating set of necklaces under the theme of tropical red. Rivas crafts the necklaces by hand, threading umburana wood along with resin and glass beads. Cotton flowers add a touch of exotic elegance. The set includes two regular length necklaces, as well as one long necklace, which can be folded to create the illusion of four necklaces. Artisan Info: "I grew up in an environment that stimulated artistic sensibility and the development of hand-crafting abilities. My father was linked to literature and art, and he appreciated antiques, which he also collected. He also had an impressive library, which for many years was regarded as one of the greatest collections in the State of Pernambuco (Recife). "I remember the collection of National Geographic Magazines he bought from an antiques shop. They were dated from 1922, and he had them bound. I inherited this collection, and later I donated it to the faculty for the formation of English Teachers in Petrolina. My father also had a furniture business and he dealt with textiles, which my mother often used to make dresses for my sisters and me. "When I was a teenager I studied piano, dance and theater. At university, I studied Philosophy and Literature, and after graduation, I went to Europe with one of my

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Ginger petals conjure a luxuriant flower that blooms deep in the rain forest. Its tendrils and floral buds cascade in delicate array. Combining polished carnelian with citrine, and glass, Busarin creates an extravagant choker. Artisan Info: "Dear Novica customers, thank you for all of your support and testimonials. Your trust in my jewelry has made me very proud and brings me great strength. "My name is Busarin Hutawarakorn, and I was born on June 30, 1975, the youngest of three sisters. After I graduated from the university, I did some disc jockeying but felt that this job did not reflect who I was and what I wanted. Indeed I wanted to be independent and earn a living from something I love. "The idea of making jewelry came not only because I love jewelry but also because it goes along so well with women. I initially bought and resold items, but gradually started making them myself. I chose easy patterns and low prices but customers came to me with different needs, asking for better items regardless of the price. Therefore, I started using higher quality materials and updated the patterns accordingly. "My jewelry is skillfully handmade with delicate patterns. I always pay attention to new or different things that could inspire me. "Although I could draw my inspiration from

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Petals of pearl conjure an ice flower that blooms amid glittering crystal snow. Busarin crafts a delicate ring by hand, threading the beads on stainless steel strands. The ring is wrapped about the finger for a custom fit. Artisan Info: "Dear Novica customers, thank you for all of your support and testimonials. Your trust in my jewelry has made me very proud and brings me great strength. "My name is Busarin Hutawarakorn, and I was born on June 30, 1975, the youngest of three sisters. After I graduated from the university, I did some disc jockeying but felt that this job did not reflect who I was and what I wanted. Indeed I wanted to be independent and earn a living from something I love. "The idea of making jewelry came not only because I love jewelry but also because it goes along so well with women. I initially bought and resold items, but gradually started making them myself. I chose easy patterns and low prices but customers came to me with different needs, asking for better items regardless of the price. Therefore, I started using higher quality materials and updated the patterns accordingly. "My jewelry is skillfully handmade with delicate patterns. I always pay attention to new or different things that could inspire me. "Although I could draw my inspiration from pop

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Alternating smooth agate with ornate beads cast in brass, Yaw Abora Asante creates a beautiful necklace. The choker is complemented by matching earrings. Asante names this design Serwaa, meaning "Beautiful Girl" in the language of Ghana's Akan people. Artisan Info: "I am Yaw Abora Asante, born September 7, 1967, in Ghana's Ashanti region. I attended Roman Catholic primary and middle school from 1975 to 1985. "I learned this art from Mercy Amaning. In 2000, she sent me to an art school to learn more about jewelry making and I was awarded a certificate in jewelry. In 2003, I was admitted to a computer school where I obtained a diploma in graphics. "What inspires me most is dreaming all the time of dressing models with bead jewelry for programs. Also, the way I see most Africa women dressed in beads that they really cherish motivates me in my work. "I like to make jewelry, because it teaches me more about our culture and how very important jewelry has been since our forefathers' times up to today. In making my jewelry, I prefer Krobo beads, which are more traditional. There is a saying in the Akan language that says 'tradition always goes on.' "I passed through some difficult times but I never gave up on jewelry making, although some of my friends always tell me that this is women's