The Rich History of Cherokee Jewelry

The Rich History of Cherokee Jewelry 

If you’ve ever shopped for Cherokee-made jewelry, or been gifted some from a loved one, you might have noticed the high quality craftsmanship and durable materials that go into each piece. If you’re curious about the history of Cherokee jewelry and why it’s often made of materials like shell and copper, we’re excited to dive deeper into the details of this craft. 

Copper and other Metals 

*Some time before the invasion of Europeans on Cherokee land, most Cherokee villages were located near copper mines, which is why copper has long stood out as a leading material for the Cherokee people. After learning to work copper by hand, the Cherokee people used this resourceful metal to make tools (including cooking tools) and arrow points. Eventually, this ingenuity developed into the ability to craft beautiful and decorative pieces of jewelry. 

The Europeans brought with them materials like silver and iron, which they traded with the Cherokee people in exchange for copper. This meant that eventually, the Cherokee people were able to expand their expertise and begin working with various metals. 

The love and value of copper never went away however, and continued to serve as the backbone of Cherokee craftsmanship, especially when it came to jewelry. 

Shells 

Over the decades, Cherokee people continued relying on copper with the addition of other natural resources to inspire their jewelry. This meant that things like shells, as well as seeds and nuts were traitional materials. 

While copper may seem like an obvious material for the Cherokee people to use for crafting jewelry, it might surprise you to learn about the inclusion of shells. Many see shells as fragile and breakable, not always useful for crafting. but the Cherokee people used their delicate craftsmanship to carve intricate designs into shells and incorporate them into beautiful jewelry. 

Because shells were often easily accessible, it was a wonderful addition to traditional Cherokee jewelry and crafts, appealing to all who came across it. Today, some of the most popular Cherokee jewelry pieces include shell details or are inspired by the natural looks, shapes, colors, and textures of shells. 

Today 

We create modern designs that incoporate both of these traditions, using shell, freshwater pearl and copper. These timeless designs are a reminder of our past and a legacy for our future.