Most of the natural materials used in Artisan Jewelry only come in one color – sodalite is blue, chrysocolla is teal, a huayruro seed is always red and black. However, some materials are very versatile and can be used in different ways for different effects. Spondylus shell is one of these materials. The shell comes from the thorny oyster, and has been prized in Peru for hundreds of years. Depending on the part of the shell that is polished and used in jewelry, it can be red, orange or purple. All three of these hues can be gorgeous when paired with sterling silver. These earrings are an example of two colors of spondylus used in one Spondylus Jewelry design. With a natural material this versatile, the looks and styles artisans can come up with are endless.

Sodalite Jewelry is something many people are unfamiliar with here in the U.S. Everyone knows about precious stones, but when it comes to semi-precious people are often confused by the different names, colors, etc. Sodalite is a blue semi-precious stone that ranges in color from pale blue to royal blue. The darker the color, the more valuable and desired it is. Some Sodalite Jewelry is made with lighter stones that are dyed to look more desirable, and covered with a sheen to make them appear polished. However, the sodalite used in Tikanchay designs is always natural and polished by hand. We work with artisans who respect the natural materials they use in their designs, and strive to create naturally beautiful jewelry that will stand the test of time. This Sodalite Pendant is an example of a natural stone accented with a handcrafted .950 sterling setting.

If you’re unfamiliar with Peruvian culture you might ask, what characterizes Peruvian Jewelry? What makes it different from other jewelry? Well, Peruvian Earrings and other jewelry pieces often borrow the artisan traditions that have existed in Peru for centuries. Thousands of years ago, ancient Peruvians carved gourds to tell stories and create art. Today you will still find a vast selection of carved gourds in shops and markets Peru, but you will also find perfectly cut pieces of gourd in pendants, bracelets and earrings. These Gourd Earrings are a great example of an ancient art that has evolved over the years to create interesting modern art. Another tradition that stretches back through the centuries is the use of huayruro seeds as good luck charms. Peruvians carry the seeds in their pockets, or strung on bracelets, necklaces or even earrings. You’ll find that some are very simple, but others have evolved into fine pieces of artisan jewelry, with the use of .950 sterling silver and handcrafted settings. These are just two examples of what makes Peruvian jewelry exotic and intriguing. Follow this blog to learn more.

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, and the stores are already filled with the usual red and pink boxes of chocolate and other little treats. This year, why not go above and beyond the roses and candy and surprise her with a gorgeous piece of Handcrafted Jewelry? You don’t have to spend a lot to impress her with a sterling silver Jewelry Gift like these Sterling Silver Butterfly Wing Earrings. She’ll be amazed when she finds out these Handcrafted Earrings feature real blue morpho butterfly wings from the Amazon rainforest. No two butterfly wing Jewelry designs are exactly the same because of nature’s variations, making each one a special gift for a unique woman. And of course, no butterflies are harmed to make this jewelry. Artisans in Peru recycle the wings of expired butterflies to create fascinating organic jewelry designs.

One of the most classic and timeless gifts you can give a woman you care about is a piece of Sterling Silver Heart Jewelry. Whether you’re shopping for your wife, girlfriend, daughter, sister or mother, a Silver Heart Pendant is a wonderful gift idea. Not only will it always be in style, but she’ll be reminded of how thoughtful you are each time she wears it. With a style like the necklace on the left, the sterling silver is complemented by a sleek black cord. This makes it a more versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. The silver in this heart pendant is wrapped by hand using the filigree technique. The care and attention that goes into each of these handcrafted necklaces makes each one just as special as the woman who receives it.

True Artisan Jewelry always stands out, due to the unusual level of quality and craftsmanship. And what better time to stand out and feel special than on New Year’s Eve? Most women look for something sparkly, shiny, or bold to wear as they ring in the new year. Sterling silver jewelry is perfect for occasions like this. These Silver Artisan Earrings are a great example of a unique design that could dress up any outfit without taking away from the rest of your look. Some of the rings have a smooth, polished look, while the others are hammered by hand to give them an extra special sparkle. Choose a style like this to complete your New Year’s look, and you are sure to start 2011 in style.

Peruvian Chrysocolla is  not only known for its beauty, but also for its metaphysical properties. Since ancient Egypt, people have used this stone to aid in conflict resolution, problem solving, and to decrease violent or negative energies. It is said that Cleopatra carried chrysocolla with her wherever she went. People who wear Chrysocolla Jewelry on a regular basis say it calms them and helps them think more clearly. The stone is also called Peruvian Turquoise due to its mesmerizing teal and green swirls, but the story behind it makes it unique. Like all Tikanchay Handcrafted Jewelry designs, these Chrysocolla Earrings are handcrafted by a master artisan. Sterling silver braids accentuate the natural beauty of the stones, which are carved and polished by hand for enhanced color and shine.

Today is the last day Tikanchay customers will be able to place an order for overnight Christmas delivery. Place your order by midnight with our 1-2 day overnight shipping option to receive your Silver Jewelry Gift before the 25th. We have a wide selection of gifts for every woman on your list, so don’t just go with whatever is left in the stores, choose an impressive piece of Artisan Jewelry that will “wow her” this holiday. Whether it is a thoughtful gift like a Huayruro Seed Necklace to wish her good luck in the new year, or a sleek and elegant sterling silver pendant, she is sure to love a gift from Tikanchay. Our Artisan Necklaces, bracelets and earrings all make perfect gifts for the holidays.

Many of our customers return to our site again and again to buy Jewelry Gifts. Why? Because they know that Handcrafted Jewelry from our collection will always be an impressive gift for the women in their lives. This holiday season, we’ve made an effort to add lots of new gifts to the site, in all price ranges and styles. We’ll be adding more new designs in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back a few times for the best selection. Consider these new Artisan Silver Pearl Earrings, recently added to our pearl collection. Multicolored freshwater pearls dangle from hammered silver leaves, creating a look that mimics the beauty of nature. You can be sure your recipient won’t find these artisan earrings anywhere else. Handcrafted Earrings, necklaces and bracelets are all great gift ideas, but if you really can’t decide, we also offer gift certificates.