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THE TREND: Since caveman days, animal hide and metal have been used for adornment. So a marriage of the two oldest materials is a natural. Leather of all kinds is being combined with metals of all kinds to produce some dramatic--and wearable--jewelry designs. Most often seen in cuffs, bracelets, and bangles, leather is an understandable medium that is suddenly thrust into a position of being precious. Of course, that's not news to lovers of handbags and other status leather goods which have been so coveted by consumers the last few years.
WHY IT'S HAPPENING: With luxury leather goods continuing to perform well at retail, it's not surprising that leather, from calfskin and lambskin to exotics such as stingray and crocodile, is now being combined with diamonds, gold, and other precious materials. Obviously, leather is more affordable and available, but the real advantage is in comfort and wearability. Leather becomes more supple and softer over time. Originally leather denoted a more casual approach to jewelry, but now skins are showing up in dressier, more elegant styles. Leather jewelry has often been associated with rock and roll and biker looks, but this latest generation of designs is much more glam.
WHO HAS IT: Most men's or unisex jewelry lines have some leather and precious metal styles. But more women's designers, both here and abroad, are using various types of leather in their collections. Among these are: Sevan, Mizuki, Carolina, Kamofie, Dara Dubinet, Armenta, John Hardy, David Yurman, Calgaro, De Beers, Rebecca, Nanis, Tous, Cathy Waterman, Simon Alcantara, Elle Jewelry, Bliss, Hermes, Gucci, Zina, and Simmons Jewelry.
HOW TO SELL IT: In casual opening price point or men's and unisex jewelry, leather has become a staple, often combined with sterling silver or even steel. It is a must-have in basic brown and black. But to take full advantage of this trend, also look for leather used in new and inventive ways--a stingray cuff with diamonds or sumptuous embellishments once associated only with a gold cuff. Leather is most versatile in the bracelet category where styles permit a large, bold look at an attractive price point. These are pieces to highlight in assortments, creating opportunity to engage consumers in the latest precious jewelry store offering: fine leathers.
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