There was a time that the word ethnic seemed irrevocably connected to African jewelry, or designs with that flavor. Today, though, designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry can have an African, Celtic, or Middle Eastern flavor.

African

Designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry with an African theme is often seen with large multi-colored glass beads, known as trade beads. These beads are accented with handmade silver beads and can be further accented with a large handmade silver pendant. African designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry can be designs inspired by the different tribes that reside there, or can simply be from a region; for example, designs from West Africa often contain geometric configurations like circles.

Celtic

When you are looking at designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry with a Celtic flair, it is always the centerpiece that is the focal point. While there may be beads or even sterling silver accents on a leather cord, the most important part of this piece of designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry is the pendant. Because pendants can be larger than almost any other type of jewelry, these are usually what designers will create the most. Celtic designs are intricate knots that are endlessly connecting and represent animals or emotions and can have religious implications.

Middle Eastern

Designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry can also have a decidedly Middle Eastern motif. When this is the case, the jewelry is often large, with a graduated series of connecting pendants. In addition, it quite often uses gemstones found in the area where it was created. For example, designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry from Afghanistan is often created to accentuate beautiful blue Afghani Lapis. When this is the case, customers will rarely see any other stone in the necklace. Instead, you will find intricate large connecting pendants with Lapis that get gradually larger as they reach the centerpiece.

Today, purchasing a piece of designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry does not mean that you will be buying only those pieces that suggest Africa. In fact, your piece of designer ethnic handmade silver jewelry may well be Celtic, Afghani, Ethiopian, Native American, Somalian or any of a number of places that export beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry. Because these pieces are often imported into the United States, you will pay a bit more. However, if owning such a treasure is your dream, then it will be worth every penny you spend. Make sure, though, that you only buy from reputable sources, or your treasure may not be exactly what you hoped.