- Material: A rich tapestry of materials including wood, glass, bone, and clay beads, with a traditional brass Baule bead pendant.
- Size: Necklace length is 33 inches; brass disc measures approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Origin: Crafted in the USA with beads sourced from around the globe.
- Features: Asymmetric brass medallion design accented by an eclectic mix of beads. Strung with an antiqued bronze toggle closure for a vintage feel.
- Craftsmanship: Handmade, embracing natural variations. The rustic finish on the brass disc adds character and depth to this unique piece.
design: A dense cluster of golden brass rings runs into a strand of bone-white heishi discs and teal accent beads, anchored off-center by a hand-hammered, asymmetric brass medallion.
size: Necklace length: 33 inches. Brass medallion: approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.
material: Wood, glass, bone, and clay beads with a brass Baule-style pendant and an antiqued bronze toggle closure.
features: Asymmetric hammered brass medallion, mixed-bead strand in wood, glass, bone, and clay, antiqued bronze toggle closure, rustic hand-finished brass surface
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and store away from moisture, perfume, and other jewelry to prevent scratching or tarnish.
disclaimer: Because the beads are natural materials assembled by hand, expect variation in bead color, size, and the hammered texture of the brass disc from piece to piece.
The Story
The medallion at the center of this necklace is made in the Baule tradition of brass casting, a technique rooted in the goldweight and brass-ornament casting practiced across the Akan and Baule communities of West Africa, including present-day Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Brass discs like this one were historically cast using the lost-wax method and worn or traded as adornment, and the uneven, hand-hammered surface here carries that same handmade character rather than a uniform, machine-stamped finish.
The beads strung alongside it draw on bead-making traditions from several different regions: glass and clay beadwork associated with West African trade routes through Ghana, bone and wood beads worked in East Africa near Kenya, and wood and bone beads shaped by craftspeople in the Philippines, a longstanding center for beadwork using local hardwoods and shell. Each bead type reflects a distinct local material and hand-finishing process rather than a single shared design.
Brought together and strung by hand in the USA, the necklace intentionally mixes these separate regional bead traditions into one asymmetric composition, letting the differences in color, shape, and material remain visible rather than smoothing them into uniformity.
The brass medallion is cast using the lost-wax method: a wax model is shaped, encased in a clay or plaster mold, then melted out and replaced with molten brass, after which the caster hammers and files the cooled disc by hand, which is why its edges and surface are slightly uneven rather than machine-perfect. The wood, glass, bone, and clay beads are worked separately by hand in their regions of origin, then the finished components are strung together by hand in the USA, with a maker selecting and sequencing each bead by eye to build the necklace's asymmetric rhythm before finishing it with an antiqued bronze toggle clasp.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: USA
- Craft Tradition: Baule brass casting (West Africa)
- Ideal For: The statement-jewelry lover who wants one necklace that brings together several handmade bead traditions in a single asymmetric design.
- Wear It With: Wear it solo over a plain crewneck, breton stripe, or simple v-neck and let the medallion be the focal point.
- Purpose: Everyday statement wear, dressing up a simple outfit, gifting
- Metal: Brass, with an antiqued bronze toggle closure
Questions & Answers
How long is the necklace, and is it adjustable?
It measures 33 inches with a fixed antiqued bronze toggle closure, so it isn't length-adjustable, but its long drape makes it easy to layer or wear alone.
What are the beads made of, and where do they come from?
The strand mixes wood, glass, bone, and clay beads sourced from Ghana, Kenya, and the Philippines, strung alongside a brass Baule-style medallion.
Will my necklace look exactly like the one in the photo?
Not exactly — because the beads are natural materials and the brass disc is hand-hammered, color, size, and surface texture vary slightly from piece to piece, making each necklace one of a kind.
What is a 'Baule' medallion?
It refers to the Baule brass-casting tradition of West Africa, in which discs like this one are shaped using the lost-wax casting method and finished by hand.
How should I care for a necklace with this many different materials?
Keep it away from water, lotion, and perfume, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth after wear, and store it separately from other jewelry to avoid tangling or scratches.
