James Dean. Joan Jett. Indiana Jones. Historically, leather staples are synonymous with sex appeal. But swathing yourself in hide on the daily can weigh you down.

Bandelier — a local leather-centric jewelry line — is proof that a little edge goes a long way.

Designer Andria Crescioni developed a love for the tough stuff while studying at Parsons, when she apprenticed to master craftsman Jason Ross. Now back in SoCal, she translates her appreciation for the American West (her next collection looks to the canyons and deserts of Arizona) and traditional leather-working techniques (cutting and stitching by hand) into minimalist necklaces and cuffs.

Forgo glitzy baubles for the adjustable-length Ritual necklace (a tassel adds drama with zero fuss) or collarbone-skimming Logan. Even simpler, the hammered brass Kiva choker lets plunging necklines soar, while the Kiva bracelet takes that rager of an arm party down a notch.

The black and nude palette makes for endless layering possibilities.

Go ahead — show some skin.

Available at needsupply.com and mohawkgeneralstore.com, $122-$198.

Photos: Andrew Lee / Courtesy of Bandelier