Nappa leather refers to lamb, goat, or calfskin. It is a very fine, smooth, and processed leather. It results from transformations in the tannery. A surface treatment is added to its classic processing to maximize skin protection. It is distinguished by its supple, grain-free appearance and its resistance to sun and weather.
Leather in Art'emi's creations
The jeweler Artemi creates many of her designs using nappa leather combined with solid silver, a timeless material, or mother-of-pearl. Our jewelry collection includes several bracelets made from these raw materials, which will be a hit in your jewelry box. Nappa leather has now become essential in the creation of all types of fashion accessories.
The Art'emi leather collection mainly consists of women's cuffs:
- You can find leather alone in the women's leather bracelet, available in several colors.
- But also leather combined with silver with the women's leather cuff bracelet. A pretty clover to decorate your wrist and bring you luck, also available in several colors.
- You can also match leather with mother-of-pearl with the women's leather cuff bracelet with mother-of-pearl flower. A stunning flower made of mother-of-pearl contrasts with the light leather to enhance your wrist.
Leather jewelry pairs perfectly with gold or silver, instantly adding a touch of character to the design. Take a look at a ring, necklace, pendant, long necklace, bracelet, earring, or chain. Our beautiful jewelry is made of solid silver with the 925 hallmark, so it is stainless. Besides being elegant, they are guaranteed to be very durable and will last over time.
History and origins of nappa leather
After covering the technical part and discovering the jewelry collections of Art'emi jewelry, let's talk a bit about history now. Leatherworking is an ancient craft. It dates back to prehistoric times when humans wanted to protect themselves from the elements and began making clothes or huts. Native Americans also used it to cover their tipis. However, the exact date of the beginnings of tanning is unknown. In the Middle Ages, leather workshops were all located near a river. The same was true for the first artisan tanneries before the development of the chemical industry in the 19th century. This industry then grew increasingly and new techniques appeared. A constantly evolving craft, advances are moving towards environmental protection and reducing its impact.
Its care and characteristics
Nappa leather is extremely pure and fine, making it vulnerable to wear over time. Although it receives treatment to be resistant, it should be maintained twice a year if you want to keep it intact.
Regarding leather care, here are our little tips:
- Cleaning the leather to allow the treatment to penetrate properly afterward. Use a cotton material slightly dampened with water to dust it off.
- Using a gentle cream to clean and preserve the original finish of your jewelry.
- Using a colorless leather lotion or even a body lotion or makeup remover. It cleans the material and provides all the nutrients it needs to stay well hydrated.
- Finally, protection with a waterproofing spray.
For more information, feel free to refer to the following article on leather care.
After covering the best practices, here are some mistakes to avoid with leather jewelry:
- Never put it in the washing machine to clean it.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or near a heat source. Heat dries out the leather and lightens it. Beyond damaging it, your leather jewelry may shrink, causing serious damage…
- Take care to properly store your leather jewelry to avoid contact with other jewelry that could scratch it.
- Never clean your leather jewelry with a sponge, a hard brush… or any other abrasive material.
- In case of rain, absolutely avoid drying your leather near a heat source (fire or radiator), as this would dry it out and could also deform it. Simply gently rub it with a cotton cloth.
Now that you know everything about leather, find it in the sublime Art'emi creations!
Discover examples of our women's leather jewelry
For the curious, here are the steps of transforming hides into leather:
- First, the hides must be salted and kept at a temperature of about 10°C to preserve them. During this step, they can lose up to 10% of their weight in water.
- 15 days later, the hides are sorted according to their quality (thickness, defects, weight, size…).
- They are then sent to the tannery. This is where the "river work" begins, consisting of 5 operations: soaking (to remove the last impurities), hair removal (to take off the hairs), fleshing (removal of subcutaneous tissue), softening (making the leather supple), pickling (acidifying the skin). The hide is then tanned (transforming the skin into leather using tannins).
- The leather then undergoes dressing (a chemical and mechanical treatment that gives it its color, suppleness…).
- It is then wrung out one last time and aired to be stretched and dried.
- Finally, the last step is called finishing. This is where the leather takes on its visual characteristics (its grain, appearance, waterproofing…).
Now that you are a leather professional…
Feel free to come and discover the other materials offered by Art'emi jewelry. You will find wood, cotton, polyester, as well as precious metals like silver, gold, and vermeil. Additionally, the workshop offers many pieces set with precious stones such as tourmaline, rose quartz, turquoise, coral, black agate, and mother-of-pearl. In our collection, you will find all types of jewelry: rings, bracelets, earrings, hoops, necklaces, pendants, chains, accessories, and many others to enhance your outfits for any occasion. Original jewelry for a bohemian or fantasy look, come discover our new arrivals for women or men.
The novelty of the store, what sets it apart from other jewelers, is that it offers a blog with many tips and articles for women and men that can provide you with multiple gift ideas. Art'emi's jewelry collections are so refined that you will undoubtedly find the perfect gift for your family or friends. On our blog, you will find subtle and feminine style advice to shine at your evening events. You will also find many personalization ideas for all types of jewelry. An engraved gift is a personal and original gift that will warm the hearts of your loved ones. So come discover engraving ideas for every occasion on our blog.
FAQ
Is a leather bracelet sturdy?
Yes, leather is a particularly durable material when well selected. It withstands daily use and develops a patina over time, giving the jewelry a unique character.
What are the advantages of a leather bracelet?
Leather offers a more flexible and lighter alternative to metal. It allows the creation of jewelry with a style that is both elegant and casual, while highlighting precious elements like a medal or pendant.
Why are some bracelets made with a leather strap?
Leather is a natural material known for its durability and character. Used on a bracelet, it adds an elegant and timeless touch while offering great comfort on the wrist.
Do you know nappa leather? Discover all the specifics of nappa leather thanks to Art'emi: history, creation processes, treatment
