Southwestern Style Mixed-Media Leather and Token Silver Charm Necklace
Jewelry (Necklace/Choker) · Individually handcrafted artisan piece; likely small workshop or independent jeweler. No prominent brand name visible in the design, though it echoes the 'Santa Fe' or 'Bohemian' school of jewelry design popularized by brands like Sweet Romance or independent Santa Fe Market artisans.
Pattern: Southwestern Boho-Chic; characterized by eclectic assembly and organic materials rather than a rigid mass-produced pattern.
Type
Jewelry (Necklace/Choker)
Maker
Individually handcrafted artisan piece; likely small workshop or independent jeweler. No prominent brand name visible in the design, though it echoes the 'Santa Fe' or 'Bohemian' school of jewelry design popularized by brands like Sweet Romance or independent Santa Fe Market artisans.
Material
Mixed media including sterling or high-grade coin silver beads and tokens, leather cordage, fiber wrapping, semi-precious stones (turquoise and coral colored), and glass or resin beads.
Dimensions
Estimated 16–18 inches in total length. Weight is likely between 40–70 grams depending on whether the beads are solid or plated and the density of the stones.
Description
A striking, eclectic multi-strand leather necklace featuring an array of 'found' treasures. Distressed brown leather cords serve as the foundation for silver-toned tokens, vibrant red coral-colored stones, and bright turquoise beads. The piece is finished with ornate silver cone end-caps featuring a classical fan motif, bridging the gap between rustic tribal aesthetics and refined silver-smithing.
Key Features
Multi-strand leather construction; fan-motif cone end-caps; eclectic mix of fiber, stone, and silver; token-style charms featuring relief-carved figures.
Material & Composition
Mixed media including sterling or high-grade coin silver beads and tokens, leather cordage, fiber wrapping, semi-precious stones (turquoise and coral colored), and glass or resin beads.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish on silver components. Features repoussé-style cone end caps with fan motifs, cast coin-like tokens with low-relief figures, and tactile fiber wrapping. The aesthetic is intentionally distressed and 'found-object' in style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None clearly visible from current angle; small silver components like the lobster clasp or the underside of the cone caps may bear a '925' or 'STERLING' mark. The tokens appear to be decorative replicas of ancient coins rather than stamped silver bullion.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled using cold joinery techniques; multi-strand leather cords are crimped into cast silver cone end caps. Tokens are attached via jump rings. Cordage is reinforced with decorative thread wrapping (whipping).
Functional Features
Lobster claw clasp for secure closure; multi-strand design for structural durability; rotating charms that provide kinetic movement.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The tactile nature of the leather and fiber wrapping provides an organic 'grip' against the skin, designed for comfort and ease of wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Expert hand-assembly. The fiber wrapping is tight and consistent, and the selection of disparate materials shows a strong eye for balance and color theory typical of professional jewelry designers.
Authentication Indicators
The lobster clasp is a modern hallmark of 20th-century jewelry; construction techniques (glued/crimped cones) are consistent with high-end artisan assembly rather than traditional Navajo sand-casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Mexico, specifically the Southwest (New Mexico or Arizona) or a boutique artisan workshop specializing in tribal-fusion jewelry.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th to 21st Century. Stylistically rooted in the Santa Fe Bohemian movement that gained popularity from the 1990s to the present.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000–2020. Minimal patina on the leather suggests it is not true antique jewelry, but rather modern high-end artisan craft.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of American Western culture with global bohemian influences, reflecting a 21st-century appreciation for handcrafted, non-industrial fashion accessories.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Leather shows light suppleness and character; fibers are slightly frayed which may be intentional to the design; silver components show light surface wear and intentional oxidation in recessed areas.
Value Estimate
$75.00 – $225.00 depending on the confirmed silver content and the specific artisan's reputation.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid immersion in water to protect leather and fiber integrity. Clean silver components with a dry jewelry cloth. Store in a breathable fabric bag to prevent leather from drying or molding.
Similar Pieces
Peyote Bird jewelry, Jes MaHarry designs, or Chan Luu wraps. These differ by using specific signature clasps or higher-grade precious gemstones.
Interesting Facts
This style of jewelry often uses 'Milagros' (miracles) or religious tokens to symbolize protection or personal intention for the wearer.