Multi-Strand Turquoise Bib Necklace with Horn Yoke

• Multi-strand construction
• Asymmetric drape
• Hand-shaped horn discs at the shoulders
• Button-and-loop closure

The beads and discs are cut from natural coconut shell and horn, so slight variation in color, grain and shape from piece to piece is normal.

In the Philippines, coconut shell and horn are two of the most common materials in local beadwork — both are byproducts, sanded and shaped rather than cast or set. Coconut shell takes dye well, which is where the saturated turquoise comes from; horn is left in its natural amber-to-black range and polished to show the grain.

This piece pairs both. Dozens of dyed coconut-shell strands carry the color and volume, and two hand-shaped horn discs at the shoulders give the necklace its structure and its asymmetric line. The button-and-loop closure is low-tech on purpose — easy to fasten one-handed, no imported hardware.

Assembly is by hand, strand by strand, with the count balanced so the layers fall the right way once the piece is on.

• Technique: Filipino coconut shell and horn beadwork

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store laid flat, away from direct sun and moisture. Coconut shell and horn are natural and can dry out or fade with heat and humidity.