Layered Wood Disc Collar Necklace in Black, Gray and Cream

• Five-strand layered design
• Mixed black, cream, white and gray wood discs in varied sizes
• Lobster clasp closure
• 3-inch extender for adjustable fit

Each disc is cut from natural wood, so grain, tone and exact shading vary slightly from piece to piece.

Wood beadwork is a working craft in the Philippines — hardwoods cut into rounds, sanded, drilled and dyed for the country's export costume-jewelry trade. Much of it happens in small, often family-run workshops.

The layered disc is one of that trade's favorite forms. Circles of varying diameters, stacked across multiple strands, build a sculptural silhouette that reads modern rather than folkloric. The palette here plays natural grain against dye, so no two discs land the same.

Each disc starts as a thin round of wood, sanded smooth and drilled through the center. Some are left natural; others are dyed to reach the deep black or bright white seen here. A stringer works strand by strand, balancing size and color so all five layers fall evenly when worn.

• Technique: Philippine wood bead craft

Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth. Store flat or hanging, away from moisture and direct sunlight, so the wood discs don't warp or fade.