Padauk

The Padauk Necklace is a vibrant expression of history, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of reclaimed materials. Crafted from striking padauk wood, this piece showcases the bold red and orange hues that have made this wood revered for centuries. Once reserved for royalty, padauk’s rich color and durability have long been symbols of prestige. Today, it is more commonly used in fine inlays and small artisan projects, but in this case, it has been elevated into a wearable statement piece, highlighting its natural brilliance in a gem-cut form.

This particular wood comes from Dave, an 80-year-old lifelong woodworker and former Navy man, whose passion for reclaimed materials mirrors that of Found & Found. A storyteller and craftsman, Dave once recalled an incredible experience from the 1980s—spotting a giant redwood burl floating in the ocean and using a crane to haul it onto the beach to salvage its beauty. He later provided small scrap pieces of padauk as a challenge, a test to see what could be made from the remnants of his collection. The result is this rare and meaningful necklace, a testament to how even the smallest pieces of wood can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Polished to a silky-smooth finish and sealed with Rubio Monocoat, a plant-based, food-safe oil, this necklace preserves the wood’s fiery tones while ensuring longevity. The wood gems are suspended from a durable braided leather cord with an adjustable length of 10 to 20 inches, offering both versatility and comfort. Weighing just 4oz, it is lightweight yet substantial in presence, designed for those who appreciate the beauty of rare and storied materials.

The Padauk Necklace is more than an accessory—it is a piece of living history, connecting the wearer to a legacy of craftsmanship, adventure, and ingenuity. From its origins in ancient royalty to its journey through the hands of a dedicated craftsman, this wood has seen lifetimes of transformation. 

Necklace Details

• Material: Padauk  

• Necklace Length: Adjustable length from 10 - 20 inches long.

• Oil Finish: Rubio Monocoat (plant-based & food safe)

• Leather: Durable braided chord

• Weight: 4oz

• Wood Sourcing: Drop wood from Santa Cruz former Navymen

• Wood Texture: Very smooth to the touch, fine finish