Oval Leaf Oya Necklace - Charcoal

This versatile and flattering necklace is made in one continuous loop and is designed to be worn by looping it around the neck - anywhere from two to four times, depending on the look you're trying to achieve. Measuring 100 inches long, the necklace is adorned with 31 hand-crocheted leaf shapes in greys, purples, and gold with charcoal trim.

"Oya" refers to the needle-lace crafts made in Turkey since the 15th century. It is used as an embellishment for clothing, home textiles, and most commonly as edging for headscarves. Traditionally, these colorful, charming motifs have a symbolic language used as secret communication between family members. They are known to express feelings of joy, sadness, loneliness, jealousy or a myriad of other emotions. The oya jewelry presented here comes to us from Meredith Strauss, a Los Angeles-based textile artist, researcher, and teacher. It is a celebration of the centuries-old lace-making tradition, adapted into contemporary jewelry and handcrafted by women artisans in Turkey.