Alternative Jewelry Materials

Many contemporary jewelry designers choose alternative materials for their designs. Non-metallic materials include rubber, silk, and leather or leather-like imitations.

The rubber used in jewelry is almost always black cord of various diameters. You’ll see it in bracelets, necklaces, and rings, often in combination with metals and gems. Black rubber used with highly polished silver is particularly striking.

Braided leather and leather-like imitations are also often used as cord in bracelets and necklaces. Woven silk is used as necklace cord and in wide bracelets with jeweled clasps. You’ll also see watchband-like leather bracelets with clasps that combine gems and precious metals.

The bright blue and purple shanks of these pearl rings are made of rubber. The rubber runs through a precious metal mounting that secures the pearls.