Leather and Beads: Necklaces

I happily find myself working more and more with leather.  I love the supple, light feel and the textural contrast with beads, metal and wire.

I often use leather instead of chain on the piece along the back of the neck on structured necklaces and also create my own "chains" out of braided leather.  The braids provide their own beautiful texture and opportunities for dangles of infinite sorts.

This striking "bib" necklace features beautiful blue and green glass beads dangling from chain, with a turquoise deerskin lace neck piece, finished with an S clasp.

This necklace combines a structured free form wire front component, wire-wrapped with glass chips and freshwater pearls, with a white deerskin lace neck piece and toggle clasp.  I used Tibetan silver cord ends to finish the ends of the deerskin lace.

This one features a warm brown leather braid with dangles created from silvery beads on copper jump rings, with Tibetan silver cord ends, a warm brown leather cord and a toggle clasp completing the neck piece.  I like the ruffly texture of the dangles!

Below, I braided thin leather cord in a dark metallic silver to create both the front and back of the necklace.  Beads and mountain charms in an antique silver finish adorn the front, and the piece is finished with Tibetan silver cord ends and a handmade S clasp.

This elegant interpretation of the vintage "fringe" style of necklace features clear Czech crystals and freshwater pearls on a braid of silver metallic leather.  It is finished with a silver metallic round leather cord neck piece, Tibetan silver cord ends and a toggle clasp.  Perfect for a little black dress and a trip to the opera!