This is a necklace near and dear to my heart, literally. I designed the original for myself and wear it 24/7, and simply never take it off. I carve the central pendant out of African blackwood, a very dark, almost black, very finely grained hardwood which stands up well to daily wear. I sand it by hand until the surface is buttery smooth, but with a dull matte finish. The beads on this choker are tiny glass beads which have been heated with 24k gold, fusing the gold to the glass. They offer the glint and beauty of gold without the large investment.

This necklace is very tactile. The wood gets more beautiful with wear, lovely and smooth and warm against the skin. My own necklace is the lower necklace in the photo with the mannequin.