Braided pattern from multiple strands of beads – black/ white and deep indigo blue – creates a statement piece from repurposed materials. Made from recycled textiles by woman artisans in India, this handmade necklace measures 17” long with a 3.5” extender.
- Beaded collar necklace in indigo blue beads and black & white beads
- Beads are made from recycled Kantha textiles over wood
- Necklace length 17” long with a 3.5” extender
- Necklace band is about 2” wide
- Lobster clasp base metal chain
- Fairtrade, and handmade in India
Beauty isn't perfect, it's authentic. This piece is artistically created by hand where beauty and imperfections go together wonderfully. Please accept and appreciate minor imperfections and variations which are true characteristics of this craft.
design: A bold multi-strand collar necklace of hand-rolled fabric beads in indigo blue, black, and white, braided together into a chunky, layered torsade that sits high on the collarbone.
size: 17" long with a 3.5" extender; band sits approximately 2" wide.
material: Beads of recycled Kantha textile wrapped over wood cores; base metal chain and lobster clasp.
features: Multiple braided strands, mixed indigo and black-and-white patterned beads, adjustable 3.5" extender chain, lobster clasp closure
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and store flat or hanging, away from moisture and direct sunlight, since the beads are fabric-wrapped rather than sealed.
disclaimer: Because each bead is individually wrapped by hand from repurposed fabric, color placement, pattern, and bead size vary slightly from piece to piece.
The Story
The beads in this necklace start as Kantha cloth — the running-stitch quilted textiles traditionally made in West Bengal and Bangladesh by layering worn cotton saris and stitching them together. Here, offcuts and remnants of that recycled cloth are wound tightly around wood cores to form beads, so each one carries a small fragment of a larger, already-used fabric rather than being printed or dyed to order.
The indigo and black-and-white palette reflects the mixed sourcing of the cloth itself: indigo-dyed cotton is common across South Asian textile traditions, while the black-and-white patterned beads come from whatever printed scraps were on hand, giving the strands their irregular, one-of-a-kind mix. Braiding several bead strands together into a wide collar is a construction choice suited to this material — a single strand of lightweight fabric beads reads as delicate, but several braided together create the scale and presence of a statement piece.
Repurposing textile scraps into jewelry is part of a broader practice of extending the life of cloth in South Asian craft economies, where fabric is rarely discarded outright. This necklace applies that same resourcefulness to a wearable, fashion-forward form.
Women artisans in India hand-cut strips of recycled Kantha cotton and wind each one around a small wooden bead core, working the fabric tight and securing the ends so the cloth stays put through daily wear. Because the source cloth is reused rather than newly woven, no two beads are cut from quite the same spot in the pattern, which is why the finished strands show a mix of solid indigo and printed black-and-white beads rather than a uniform repeat. Once enough beads are wrapped and strung, the individual strands are braided by hand into the wide collar shape and finished with a base metal chain and clasp.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: India
- Craft Tradition: Recycled Kantha textile beadwork
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a bold, textural statement necklace with a story behind the materials
- Wear It With: Let it be the focus over a plain crew neck or v-neck top, with hair pulled back so the braided collar has room to show
- Purpose: Everyday statement wear, dressing up a simple outfit, gifting
- Metal: Base metal chain and lobster clasp
Questions & Answers
What are the beads made of?
Each bead is recycled Kantha cotton textile wrapped tightly around a wood core, not glass, resin, or stone.
How long is the necklace?
It measures 17 inches long with a 3.5-inch extender chain, so it can sit slightly higher or lower on the collarbone.
Will my necklace look exactly like the photo?
The bead colors and patterns will vary slightly from the photo since each one is hand-wrapped from repurposed fabric, but the indigo, black, and white palette and braided collar shape stay consistent.
Is this necklace heavy to wear?
The beads are lightweight fabric over wood, so despite its bold, layered look, it wears lighter than a comparable metal or stone statement necklace.
How do I clean or store it?
Wipe gently with a dry cloth and keep it away from water and direct sun; because the beads are fabric-covered, avoid sprays, lotions, and soaking.
