This bold necklace features a striking combination of red and black wooden discs, twisted into a layered design for a dramatic yet timeless accessory.
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Design: Multiple strands of smooth red and black wooden discs are twisted, creating a layered effect. The contrasting colors add depth and visual intrigue, while the horn eye and hook closure provide a polished and refined finish.
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Material: Natural wood discs with a horn closure.
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Size: Approximately 21 inches in length.
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Country of Origin: Handmade in the Philippines.
- Special Feature: Handcrafted using natural materials; the unique combination of red and black adds a bold statement to any outfit.
design: A bold multi-strand collar of smooth wooden discs, twisted into layered strands that graduate from deep red at the shoulders to black at center front, finished with a carved horn hook-and-eye closure.
size: Approximately 21 inches in length.
material: Natural wood discs (dyed) with a horn closure.
features: Multi-strand twisted construction, color-graduated red-to-black disc design, carved horn hook-and-eye closure, lightweight wood beads
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and store flat away from direct sunlight and moisture to protect the wood's color and finish.
disclaimer: Because the discs are cut and dyed from natural wood and the closure is shaped from natural horn, slight variations in grain, tone, and shape occur from piece to piece.
The Story
Wood and horn have long been staples of Philippine accessory-making, where coastal and upland communities turn abundant natural materials — coconut shell, buffalo horn, and native hardwoods — into jewelry components once cutting and polishing workshops took root as a craft export industry in the mid-20th century. Discs like these are cut from wood dowels, sanded round, and dyed in small batches, a process that turns an everyday material into something with real presence.
The twisted, multi-strand bib form seen here is a modern design built on that same base skill: stringing large numbers of small, uniform wood pieces so they move and catch light like a woven textile rather than a rigid collar. The shift from red to black across the strands is a deliberate color-blocking choice, giving the piece graphic weight without relying on metal or stone.
The horn hook closure is a detail worth noticing on its own: horn is carved and polished to a smooth, glassy finish, doing double duty as both hardware and ornament rather than being hidden at the back of the neck.
A necklace like this starts with raw wood cut into small discs, which are sanded smooth, dyed in the red and black tones seen here, and set to dry before stringing. A maker then threads dozens of discs onto multiple cords by hand, working strand by strand so the layers fall with even weight and the color transition lines up across the piece. Separately, a piece of horn is shaped, sanded, and buffed to form the hook-and-eye closure, then attached to gather all the strands at the back of the neck. Assembling one necklace involves handling hundreds of individual beads, so no two come out quite identical.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Philippines
- Craft Tradition: Philippine wood and horn jewelry making
- Ideal For: Someone who wants one confident, conversation-starting necklace to anchor a simple outfit.
- Wear It With: Let it be the focal point over a solid black, white, or cream top with minimal other jewelry.
- Purpose: Statement jewelry, evening wear, gifting
Questions & Answers
What is the necklace made from?
Smooth discs of natural wood, dyed red and black, strung on multiple strands with a hook-and-eye closure carved from natural horn.
Is it heavy to wear?
Wood is naturally lightweight compared to metal or stone, so despite its full, layered look, it sits comfortably on the shoulders and chest.
How does the closure work?
A carved horn hook slips through a horn eye at the back of the neck, a simple and secure clasp that doubles as a design detail.
Will the color fade or transfer?
The discs are dyed and then handled carefully during finishing, but as with any dyed natural material, avoid contact with water, perfume, and light-colored fabrics to keep the color true.
Where is this necklace made?
It's handmade in the Philippines, where wood and horn jewelry-making is a long-established craft.
