Design Feature: Cascading white disks in varying sizes for an elegant, flowing design
Material: Made of wood for a lightweight and comfortable wear
Size: 34 inches in length, with the largest disk measures about 1.5 inches, beads measure 8mm in diameter
Country of Origin: Handmade in the Philippines
design: A single strand of round wood disks in a soft white finish, graduating from small at the nape to large at the center front, strung alongside rounded wood beads that carry the necklace around the neck.
size: 34 inches in length; largest disk measures about 1.5 inches across; beads measure 8mm in diameter.
material: Wood, finished in a soft white tone.
features: Graduated cascading disk sizes, lightweight wood construction, slip-over-the-head design, knotted beads at the back closure
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and keep away from water, lotions, and prolonged direct sunlight to protect the finish.
disclaimer: Because each disk is cut and finished from natural wood, slight variations in grain, tone, and shape are normal and make every piece one of a kind.
The Story
This necklace belongs to a long-running tradition of wood jewelry-making in the Philippines, where local hardwoods are cut, shaped, and finished into beads and disks for necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories. Wood has long been a practical, accessible material for Filipino artisans, prized for being light enough to build large, statement-making pieces that don't weigh on the wearer.
The graduated disk shape seen here, cascading from small to large, is a common construction in Filipino wood and shell jewelry, where uniform beads are cut and then hand-sorted by size to build a silhouette that widens toward the center front. It's a design built around the material's strengths: wood takes a clean, even cut and a smooth polish, letting the disks sit flush against one another in an unbroken line.
The soft white finish on the wood is a common treatment in this craft tradition, achieved through sanding, bleaching, or light staining to shift the wood's natural tone toward a cleaner, more neutral shade, useful for pairing with a wide range of clothing colors and other jewelry.
Each disk starts as a length of wood, sliced into thin rounds, then sanded smooth and drilled through the center by hand. Artisans sort the finished disks by size before stringing them in graduated order onto a cord, a step that requires a practiced eye to keep the cascade even on both sides. The beads are knotted individually between disks, a technique that keeps the strand secure and lets it drape naturally rather than sitting stiff against the collarbone.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Philippines
- Craft Tradition: Filipino wood beadwork
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a bold, graphic statement necklace in a lightweight, easy-to-wear material
- Wear It With: Wear with a simple crew or v-neck top to let the cascading disks take center stage
- Purpose: Everyday statement wear, dressing up a plain neckline, layering under a blazer or cardigan
Questions & Answers
What is the necklace made of?
The disks and beads are made entirely of wood, finished in a soft white tone.
How long is the necklace and does it have a clasp?
It measures 34 inches in length and is designed to slip over the head, so there's no clasp to fasten.
Is it heavy to wear?
No. Wood is naturally lightweight, so even with the largest 1.5-inch disks, the necklace stays comfortable for all-day wear.
Will the color or pattern vary from the photo?
Some variation is normal. Each disk is cut from natural wood, so grain and tone can differ slightly piece to piece.
How should I care for it?
Wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water, lotions, and extended sun exposure to keep the finish looking its best.
