Design Feature: Multiple strands of vibrant teal wood discs, twisted for an eye-catching layering effect
Material: Wood discs with a horn eye and hook closure for a bold yet natural look
Size: 21 inches in length
Country of Origin: Handmade in the Philippines
design: A bold multi-strand necklace of teal-dyed wood discs, the strands loosely twisted together for a layered, sculptural drape, and gathered at the back by a curved horn eye-and-hook closure.
size: 21 inches in length.
material: Wood discs, dyed teal, with an eye-and-hook closure carved from horn.
features: Multiple twisted strands, disc-cut wood beads, saturated teal color, natural horn hook closure, no metal components
care: Wipe the wood discs with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and keep the necklace away from water, perfume, and lotion so the teal dye and horn closure stay in good condition.
disclaimer: Because the discs are cut from natural wood and dyed by hand, and the closure is carved from horn, slight variations in shade, grain, and finish are normal and part of each piece's individuality.
The Story
This necklace draws on a long-running craft economy in the Philippines built around small, disc-cut beads turned from wood and horn. Cutting flat, uniform discs from a rounded material and stringing them by the hundreds into multi-strand pieces is a signature approach of Filipino costume jewelry making, prized for turning a humble material into something with real visual weight.
The twisted, layered arrangement seen here is a hallmark of that same bead-work tradition: rather than one strand, several are combined and allowed to fall and cross over each other, so the color reads as a solid mass from a distance but resolves into hundreds of individual discs up close.
The horn hook closure is not an afterthought but a deliberate design choice consistent with this craft. Horn is worked alongside wood in Filipino accessory making because it can be shaped, polished, and curved into functional forms like clasps, letting the necklace close with a natural material rather than metal hardware.
A piece like this starts with raw wood, cut into small rounds and sliced into thin, uniform discs, each one drilled through the center by hand. The discs are dyed in small batches to reach the deep teal shown here, then sorted and strung strand by strand until enough lengths are built up to twist together into the finished necklace. The horn closure is shaped and sanded separately, its curve worked until the hook and eye fit together smoothly, then joined to the strands to complete the piece.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Philippines
- Craft Tradition: Filipino wood disc beading with a carved horn closure
- Ideal For: Someone who wants one necklace to anchor an entire outfit
- Wear It With: Wear it with a solid-color top or dress in black, white, or neutral tones so the teal strands stay the focal point.
- Purpose: Statement necklace, evening wear, layering piece, everyday bold accessory
Questions & Answers
Is this necklace heavy to wear?
It has some presence, since it's made of many wood strands, but wood is naturally lightweight compared to stone or metal beads of the same size, so it wears comfortably for a statement piece.
Will the teal color fade over time?
The wood discs are dyed to achieve the teal shade, and like any dyed natural material, the color is longest-lasting when the necklace is kept dry and out of direct sun for extended periods.
How does the horn closure work?
The necklace fastens with a simple eye-and-hook closure carved from horn, so no metal clasp is involved, just the two curved horn pieces that hook together at the back of the neck.
Is this a good choice for sensitive skin or metal allergies?
Yes. The necklace is made entirely of wood and horn with no metal components, making it a comfortable option for those who avoid metal against their skin.
How should I store it between wears?
Lay it flat or hang it on a wide hook rather than a thin peg, so the multiple strands don't tangle, and keep it away from damp areas.
