Deep Red and Gray Diamond-Set Horn Necklace

• Double-strand design
• Alternating red and gray horn beads
• Hand-set brass nugget accents
• Asymmetrical bead placement
• Tie closure

Each bead is cut and finished from natural horn by hand, so slight variations in color, grain and shape are normal and make every necklace one of a kind.

Horn is worked by hand in India as a bead material, valued for how it takes a smooth polish and holds deep, saturated color once dyed. Small blocks are shaped and sanded into flat squares, drilled, then strung individually — a slow process, since each bead is faceted by hand rather than machine-cut to a template.

The gray beads keep horn's natural grain visible; the red beads are dyed and polished to a deeper tone. Brass nuggets set between them are a common pairing in Indian beadwork, where metal accents break up color and add a warm, reflective note against the matte horn.

An artisan strings the beads across two cords, alternating red, gray and brass, and knots between beads to fix the asymmetrical pattern before tying off the closure.

• Technique: Horn beadcraft

Wipe the horn beads with a soft, dry cloth and keep away from water, perfume and prolonged sun exposure to preserve their color and finish.