I rarely leave the house without a necklace. I see my body as another canvas for creativity, and I choose pieces that reflect my mood and spirit.

Necklaces are the oldest known form of human adornment, dating back over 40,000 years to the Paleolithic era. In many ancient cultures, they were more than just decoration—necklace beads often held economic value, functioning as a form of currency. While today’s sense of value may be different, necklaces still carry deep personal meaning. We may no longer trade them, but we treasure them for their beauty, symbolism, and the way they connect us to something greater—our memories, our beliefs, and ourselves.

World on a String began with a necklace. I discovered an antique netsuke while on vacation in Hawaii, erotic on one side, mysterious on the other, and instantly knew it needed to be worn. That single piece sparked something larger. I started searching for meaningful elements to transform into jewelry with a story. Over time, I began designing my own components, and what started as one necklace became a collection that continues to evolve.

Like our ancestors, we still use natural materials like bone, but also work with mammoth tusk and tropical hardwoods. Each necklace is hand-carved by Balinese master artisans, and many are finished with delicate hand-painting to enhance their details. Pieces are often accented with silver, freshwater pearls, and a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, adding color, contrast, and a sense of refined elegance. Our designs are inspired by nature, mythology, and spiritual symbols from cultures around the world.

Whether chosen for style, significance, or the quiet joy of wearing something meaningful, our artisan necklaces carry on the ancient tradition of adornment; one that honors artistry, craftsmanship, and a deep personal connection.

Find the piece that speaks to your own story, and let it become part of your everyday journey.

I rarely leave the house without a necklace. I see my body as another canvas for creativity, and I choose pieces that reflect my mood and spirit.

Necklaces are the oldest known form of human adornment, dating back over 40,000 years to the Paleolithic era. In many ancient cultures, they were more than just decoration—necklace beads often held economic value, functioning as a form of currency. While today’s sense of value may be different, necklaces still carry deep personal meaning. We may no longer trade them, but we treasure them for their beauty, symbolism, and the way they connect us to something greater—our memories, our beliefs, and ourselves.

World on a String began with a necklace. I discovered an antique netsuke while on vacation in Hawaii, erotic on one side, mysterious on the other, and instantly knew it needed to be worn. That single piece sparked something larger. I started searching for meaningful elements to transform into jewelry with a story. Over time, I began designing my own components, and what started as one necklace became a collection that continues to evolve.

Like our ancestors, we still use natural materials like bone, but also work with mammoth tusk and tropical hardwoods. Each necklace is hand-carved by Balinese master artisans, and many are finished with delicate hand-painting to enhance their details. Pieces are often accented with silver, freshwater pearls, and a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, adding color, contrast, and a sense of refined elegance. Our designs are inspired by nature, mythology, and spiritual symbols from cultures around the world.

Whether chosen for style, significance, or the quiet joy of wearing something meaningful, our artisan necklaces carry on the ancient tradition of adornment; one that honors artistry, craftsmanship, and a deep personal connection.

Find the piece that speaks to your own story, and let it become part of your everyday journey.