I like the idea of the leather spacer. If you use a very fine grit sand paper to clean up the edge then dress it(use wax or a specific leather edge dressing) then burnish it with something smooth it should look great. Guys that build muszleloaders use a product called aquafortis, not sure if I spelled it right, that makes the grain really pop in curly maple. Should work on the birds eye too.
Thanks for the tips

I also really like the leather spacer and you're right...it could look more decent with just a little bit of finish on the wood and the spacer!