For the indigenous people of pre-Columbian America, especially the Mayas, the ya’ax chich or 'jade' meant life, fertility, and power. It was the most precious object, even above gold. These dangle earrings, by Guatemalan artisan Zandra Lorena Sajbin, feature dark green jade ovals on silver ear wires with an etched frog design.

Says Sajbin of her designs, 'God has given us the wonderful gift that is nature: flora and fauna. These pieces represent all those domestic or wild animals that we can appreciate in all parts of the world.'

• materials: 925 sterling silver, jade
• High polish finish
• Natural stone -- color and variegation will vary
• Kidney earwire