What Is Fish Leather? (And Why I Love Using It in Jewelry)

Yes, fish leather is real — and no, it doesn’t smell like fish!

If you’re a customer, or if you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m always trying something new, and I love working with eco-friendly materials.

Fish leather is a beautiful, sustainable material made from the skin of fish like salmon, perch, carp … and more. None of the fish used are endangered species. In fact, the leather I use comes from skins that would otherwise be discarded by canneries in Canada. Instead of being thrown back into lakes and rivers (where they contribute to water pollution), the skins are cleaned, tanned, and transformed into durable, eco-friendly leather.

What makes fish leather especially striking is the natural scale pattern. Each piece has its own unique texture and markings, so no two earrings or cuffs are ever the same. The material is surprisingly strong — when properly tanned and cured, fish leather is as tough and long-lasting as cowhide, but much lighter and more flexible.

I’m really enjoying working with fish leather not just because it’s sustainable, but because it invites curiosity. So far, I’ve made only earrings, but I’m working on a design for a cuff bracelet. People are often surprised by how refined and wearable it is. Like my cork line, it reflects my commitment to beautiful materials that are also kind to the planet.

Next time you see a pair of earrings made with fish leather, take a closer look — the texture, the story, and the craftsmanship all speak for themselves.