NOVICA {Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, ruslady!}

There are times that I'm struck by the thought that the world is such a big, big place. Here I am going about my daily life and there are families all across the earth that are moving through theirs, except that what is normal to them might be an extraordinary and fascinating culture to me.

And even though I have traveled some (and will continue to do so), there is no possible way that I will get to experience what it is like in all of the various nations that are out there. The chance of me being able to not only meet the people, but see their way of life and the handcrafted works of art that they create to support themselves seems pretty slim.

Unless I spend time browsing NOVICA. Because there I know that, through my computer, I'll be united with more than 2,000 master artists from around the world and have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handmade works of art to incorporate into my own life.

Founded 12 years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace, NOVICA now offers limited edition and one-of-a-kind handcrafted works of art that are each stunning in their own way. Carrying everything from silver jewelry to hand-sewn apparel to home decor that you're not going to find in a store near you, NOVICA not only gives you the ability to find something for you or the unique gifts that you're looking for, but you'll be helping others.

NOVICA has already succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, a number that I find both inspiring and extremely impressive. So while you may just think that the tableware or vases are lovely, NOVICA has provided a way for the artisans who created them to earn personal recognition and receive real-world prices for their work.

Now that just makes the necklaces even a little more beautiful, doesn't it?

And let me tell you, they truly are gorgeous works of art. It took me days to go through the clothing, handbags, collectibles and more that NOVICA has before I finally admitted that the sterling silver jewelry had indeed been calling my name. Of course that still meant deciding on not only which type of accessory but then which particular one...

I'm not cut out for difficult decision-making like this sometimes. However, I did know that I wanted earrings and I did know that I wanted to add a little color, so that helped. And, when I had finally chosen and waited a little while for my picks to arrive all the way from Thailand, I couldn't wait to see them in person.

The Silver Dangle Earrings and the Amethyst Floral Earrings were every bit as beautiful as they were in their photographs and even arrived in their own striking jewelry boxes.

Opening them up, I loved the simple, chic design of both pairs and the way that they were just the right combination of elegant and casual so that I can wear them for any number of occasions.

As I examined each earring closely, it was clear that although both pairs were delicate and lightweight, that they had also been crafted extremely well and would hold up easily to a small or large amount of use.

I also really enjoyed the artisan story card that came along with each set of earrings, giving me insight into not only the artist that created them but the inspiration behind the design, name and more.

When it comes to shopping for an item that is distinct as well as good-looking, NOVICA has a huge selection that is sure to provide plenty of options. But, of course, the fact that by shopping there you can help make a difference in improving lives and preserving traditional crafts worldwide just means that you (or your recipient) can be even a little more satisfied with your purchase.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of NOVICA, one person will be able to browse the handcrafted works of art to choose their favorite, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to NOVICA!

To enter to win: Visit NOVICA and tell me the name of one of the beautiful items there (other than those mentioned above) that you might purchase if you win.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow NOVICA on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $50 gift certificate to NOVICA for beautiful jewelry, decor, apparel and more! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/fMDOWX #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 18th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this then you can enter!

A big thank you to NOVICA for providing a gift card for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.