Dark Gray Horn, Amber, Hematite, Pyrite and Silver Choker Necklace

Carabao:

I've been loving the color combination of charcoal gray and amber yellow and I saw these beads together on my work bench and this fantastic choker necklace practically created itself! The beautiful dark gray/brownish round beads are exotic horn beads that come from the horn of the water buffalo, called carabao in the Philippines.

Some of the horn beads in this collection are from the Philippines and some are from Vietnam. The water buffalo is a very important animal in both of these countries for farming, milk and sometimes for food. They are highly valued and are not killed for the horn; it is important culturally to use the entire animal and let nothing go to waste once the animal dies and this is one of the ways the horns are used.

The beautiful focal bead was created by artists in Kathmandu, Nepal and is amber tree resin capped by intricate silver work. The amber yellow beads are coconut wood from Indonesia. The other beads include pyrite, charcoal gray and silver gray hematite and silver. Meant to fit as a choker, this necklace measures 15" and has a 4" chain extender.

I have designed a whole Carabao Collection as can be seen in the pictures so be sure to check it out! The Carabao Charm Bracelet is to die for!