Each wooden bead in this fairtrade layered necklace is made with love and care, wrapped in discarded saris, creating a unique and colorful piece that tells a story of sustainability and craftsmanship.
- Material: Recycled wood beads wrapped in textile and brass metal
- Size: Approximately 20" with an adjustable chain at the end
- Origin: Made in India
- Features: Fairtrade, Handmade, Each bead is unique, making each necklace one-of-a-kind
design: A three-tier layered necklace on fine gold-tone brass chains, each strand strung with a graduated cluster of round and teardrop wooden beads wrapped in scraps of recycled sari fabric, so no two beads show quite the same print or color.
size: Approximately 20" with an adjustable chain extender at the clasp.
material: Recycled wood beads wrapped in reclaimed sari textile, on brass chain and findings.
features: Fairtrade, handmade, three-tier layered design, adjustable length, one-of-a-kind bead patterning on every piece
care: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and store flat or hanging to avoid tangling the chains; keep away from water and perfume, which can fade the fabric-wrapped beads.
disclaimer: Because each bead is individually wrapped in a scrap of repurposed sari fabric, the colors, prints, and placement on your necklace will vary slightly from the one pictured.
The Story
This necklace is built around a simple, resourceful idea: nothing goes to waste. Saris are worn for years across South Asia and often passed between women in a household before they're set aside; here, the worn or leftover fabric is cut into strips and wrapped around wooden beads rather than discarded, so the pattern of a decades-old textile gets a second life around someone's neck.
Because the wrapping fabric comes from real, previously worn saris, every bead carries a fragment of a different print — a floral border, a paisley edge, a solid field of color — with no two beads matching exactly. That's not a design flourish; it's the direct result of sourcing from reclaimed cloth instead of yardage bought and cut to order.
The layering itself is a straightforward jewelry-making choice rather than a symbolic one: three chains of graduated length let the beads cascade from collarbone to chest, giving a single necklace the visual weight of several.
Making a piece like this starts with sorting used sari fabric by color and condition, then cutting it into small strips. Each strip is hand-wrapped tightly around a wooden bead core and secured, a repetitive process done one bead at a time since machines can't replicate the tension and finish of a hand-wrap. Once enough beads are ready, they're strung and knotted onto brass chain in graduated lengths, with the small brass cone caps and jump rings set by hand to keep the dangles moving freely.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: India
- Craft Tradition: Recycled sari-wrapped wood beads
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a colorful, conversation-starting layered necklace with a sustainability story behind it
- Wear It With: Let it be the focal point over a simple solid-color top, the way it's styled here against a plain neckline
- Purpose: Everyday wear, layering piece, gifting, adding color to a simple outfit
- Metal: Brass
Questions & Answers
Will my necklace look exactly like the one in the photo?
Close, but not identical. Since the beads are wrapped in scraps of real, reclaimed sari fabric, the exact colors and prints on your necklace will vary a bit from piece to piece.
How long is the necklace?
It measures approximately 20" and has an adjustable chain extender, so you can shorten or lengthen it slightly to suit how you want it to sit.
What are the beads made of?
Each bead has a wooden core that's hand-wrapped in strips of recycled sari fabric, then finished with small brass caps and chain.
Can I get it wet or wear it swimming?
It's best to avoid water, sweat, and perfume, since the fabric wrapping can fade or fray with prolonged moisture exposure. Wipe it down with a soft dry cloth after wear instead.
Is this necklace fairtrade?
Yes. It's handmade under fairtrade practices, which support fair pay and working conditions for the artisans who wrap and assemble each bead.
