Hand Painted Leather Bead Choker

THROUGH THE DESIGNER'S LENS- A thoughtfully curated jewelry collection grows one exceptional piece at a time.

 Every design begins long before I choose a single gemstone. It begins with years of noticing—the architecture I've admired, the places I've traveled, the remarkable people I've met, and the curiosity that has shaped the way I see the world. I'd love to share my perspective behind this design.

WHY YOU 'LL REACH FOR IT: I've had these artisan hand-painted leather beads in my collection for years, but it never occurred to me to use an entire strand. Then one day I picked them up and realized just how incredibly lightweight they were. Suddenly I could picture them as a choker. Their oversized holes called for equally delicate spacers, and these matte gold-filled beads turned out to be the perfect punctuation marks. The finished necklace makes a statement without ever feeling heavy.

• Lightweight and chunky rarely belong in the same sentence, but these featherweight leather beads make that unlikely combination possible. They have all the presence of a bold choker while feeling surprisingly light against your skin. It's a statement piece that whispers rather than shouts.
• These rare vintage leather beads date back to the 1940s, yet their soft rosewood tones accented with mustard and emerald feel remarkably current. I've been noticing these unexpected color combinations appearing on today's runways, which is exactly what drew me to them.
• I chose matte gold-filled spacer beads for their quiet contrast. They're understated enough to let these one-of-a-kind leather beads take center stage, while adding just the right finishing touch.
• Designed to nestle comfortably at the base of your neck, the adjustable gold-plated extender lets you find the length that feels just right for you from 17-20 inches