Modern accessorizing does have its perils.

Example: the serious case of neck strain you sustained while trying to work strands and strands of waist-length, of-the-moment links.

Linda Smyth bypasses such pitfalls. Her creations, far from being trendy, are more like conversation starters than jewelry.

Smyth mixes bold leather accents with delicate strands of gold-filled or sterling chains and creates mismatched, dangling leather earrings. Our favorite? A sprite agate lariat necklace, which you can wear loosely around your neck. (The weight of the two stones keeps the necklace from slipping off.)

They’re affordable, too, so they won’t put a strain on your wallet.

Another all-too-common accoutrement side effect.

Available at Honeymilk at Vagabond, 37 North Third Street (267-322-4057).