A Matching Chewelry Set That Makes Sensory Chewing Something to Share

The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is a matched pair of medical-grade elastomer chew necklaces made by ARK Therapeutic in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Each set contains two halves of a split heart pendant, each worn on its own 30-inch adjustable breakaway cord. Keep one half and give the other to a best friend, a sibling, or a parent, so that each person wears a unique piece that only becomes whole when the two are together. The pendants are both wearable and fully chewable, combining the familiar comfort of a friendship necklace with a genuine sensory function.

How It Helps

The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is designed for front teeth and pre-molar chewing. Each pendant measures 6.1 cm tall and 3.8 cm wide, making it a wider and flatter shape than many other ARK chewelry pendants. This shape provides satisfying, consistent oral sensory input across the front of the mouth, which suits chewers who tend to bite at the front rather than reaching the back molars. Three colour-coded toughness levels mean the set can be matched to any chewing intensity, from light chewing to avid chewing, with both necklaces always supplied at the same toughness level.

Like all ARK chewelry, the Best Friends set supports self-regulation in children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and other conditions where chewing provides calming proprioceptive input. It also provides a socially engaging alternative to nail biting, chewing on clothing, biting pencils, and other oral habits that can cause harm or draw unwanted attention.

Why It Works in Schools and Classrooms

• Normalises chewing tools through social connection: when two pupils, or a pupil and an adult supporter, wear matching halves of the same necklace, the chew tool becomes a shared object rather than a therapeutic device - reducing stigma and encouraging consistent use.
• Supports inclusion and belonging: children with sensory processing differences sometimes feel isolated by the tools they need to use; the BFF concept reframes the necklace as something desirable and relational, which can have a positive effect on confidence and peer relationships.
• Suitable across primary and secondary year groups: the split heart design is age-appropriate and socially acceptable from KS1 through to KS4 and beyond, as friendship necklaces are a recognised and broadly understood concept at all ages.
• Therapists and key workers can wear matching halves: an occupational therapist, SENCO, or teaching assistant wearing one half of the set alongside a pupil wearing the other can build therapeutic rapport and help the child feel more comfortable using their chew tool in school.
• Wearable for hands-free access during lessons: each pendant hangs from a breakaway cord at chest height, remaining accessible throughout the school day without the child needing to pick it up or ask for it.

For Parents and Home Use

The set is also well suited to home use. A parent and child can wear matching halves, which can strengthen connection and reduce any sense that the chew tool marks the child as different. The matching set format also makes this one of ARK's most popular gift choices for children and teenagers who need sensory chewing support.

Understanding Sensory Chewing and Self-Regulation

Chewing provides proprioceptive input through the jaw and masseter muscle, which has a recognised calming and organising effect on the nervous system. For children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, or sensory processing differences, providing a safe, purposeful chew tool is a well-established occupational therapy strategy for meeting oral sensory needs. The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set delivers this therapeutic function while also addressing a common barrier to use: the reluctance some children and teenagers feel about wearing something that looks medical or therapeutic. A friendship necklace worn alongside someone they care about is simply easier to accept.

If you are unsure which toughness level is right, or whether this set suits your child's chewing profile, our team is happy to help before you order.

• Split heart design - sold as a matching set of two: each set contains two halves of a heart pendant that fit together; keep one half and share the other with a friend, sibling, or carer
• Designed for front teeth and pre-molar chewing: the wider, flatter pendant shape provides oral sensory input across the front of the mouth; suits chewers who prefer front-of-mouth biting over back molar chewing
• Six colour options across three toughness levels:
  • Standard (softest) - red or magenta: recommended for mild chewers
  • XT Medium Firm - teal or hot pink: recommended for moderate chewers
  • XXT Very Firm - royal blue or lavender: recommended for avid chewers; the most durable option
• Pendant dimensions: approximately 6.1 cm (2.4 inches) tall; 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) at the widest part; 0.9 cm (0.35 inches) thick
• Worn on 30-inch adjustable breakaway cords: two black breakaway cords included, one per pendant; cords are not intended for chewing
• Medical-grade elastomer: body-safe, latex-free material designed to withstand sustained chewing
• Made in the USA: manufactured by ARK Therapeutic in Columbia, South Carolina
• Age suitability: ages 3 years and over; direct adult supervision recommended; contains small parts - choking hazard
• Cleaning: pendants are top-rack dishwasher-safe or handwashable; cords should be handwashed
• Package contents: 2 x split heart pendants + 2 x breakaway cords; both necklaces in the same toughness level and colour
• Caution: inspect pendants and cords regularly; replace at first sign of wear or damage

• What is the ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set and who is it for?
  The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is a matched pair of medical-grade elastomer chew necklaces made by ARK Therapeutic for ages 3 and over. Each set contains two halves of a split heart pendant on individual 30-inch breakaway cords, designed to be worn by two people - a best friend, sibling, parent, or carer. It provides a safe, wearable outlet for sensory-seeking chewing while normalising the use of chewelry through a shared, social concept.
• How many necklaces are included in the set?
  The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set includes two pendants and two breakaway cords - one complete necklace for each person. Both pendants are half of the same split heart design and are supplied in the same toughness level and colour. They fit together to form a whole heart when held side by side.
• What age is the ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set suitable for?
  The set is suitable for ages 3 and over. The split heart design and friendship concept make it particularly popular with primary and secondary school-age children and teenagers, though it is equally suitable for adults. The breakaway cord and small-parts caution mean direct supervision is recommended for younger users.
• What type of chewing is the Best Friends set designed for?
  The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is designed for front teeth and pre-molar chewing. The pendant is wider and flatter than many ARK back-molar pendants, making it best suited to chewers who tend to bite at the front or middle of the mouth. Those who primarily need back molar input may prefer a longer pendant such as the ARK Baseball Bat Chew Necklace.
• Is the ARK Best Friends Chewelry Set suitable for children with ADHD or autism?
  Yes. The set is used by occupational therapists, SENCOs, and parents to support children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, and sensory processing differences who chew as a way of self-regulating. The social and relational design can also help reduce the reluctance some children feel about using a visible sensory tool, encouraging more consistent daily use.
• Can the ARK Best Friends Chewelry Set be used in school?
  Yes. The pendant hangs on a breakaway cord for hands-free access throughout the school day. The split heart concept means it can be worn by a pupil alongside a friend, teaching assistant, or therapist - which can normalise the tool within the classroom. It can be included in a pupil's sensory diet or EHCP provision as a wearable chewing support.
• Can both people in the pair have different toughness levels?
  No. Each set is supplied in a single toughness level, so both pendants are the same firmness. If two people in the pair have different chewing intensities, the toughness level that suits the more avid chewer is typically the better choice, as a firmer pendant is safe for a mild chewer to use. If both people need significantly different levels, two separate single necklaces from the ARK chewelry range may be more appropriate.
• How do I clean the ARK Best Friends Chewelry Set?
  The pendants are top-rack dishwasher-safe or can be handwashed with warm soapy water. The cords should be handwashed separately. Inspect both pendants and cords regularly and replace at the first sign of wear, biting damage, or deterioration to maintain safety.