Sequoyah's Gift Gorget – Cherokee Syllabary Copper Gorget
- Regular Price
- $325.00
- Sale Price
- $325.00
- Regular Price
- Unit Price
- per
In 1821, Sequoyah gave the Cherokee people a gift that changed everything: a written language. His syllabary turned spoken Cherokee into something that could be read, written, and carried forward, and within a few years Cherokee people were reading and writing in their own language. More than 200 years later, that gift is still alive in our classrooms, our street signs, and our homes.
The Sequoyah's Gift Gorget puts the syllabary right where it belongs: front and center. This large copper gorget uses Sequoyah's syllabary as the design. It's Cherokee syllabary jewelry made to be noticed, and it's handmade to order in our Oklahoma studio by our family of Cherokee artists.
Key Benefits
- The syllabary is the design – a bold, wearable celebration of Sequoyah's Cherokee writing system.
- A true statement piece – a large gorget made to be worn at ceremonies, celebrations, graduations, and any day you want to wear your culture with pride.
- Gift ready – arrives in a presentation box, ready to give to a graduate, elder, language learner, or someone you honor.
- Rooted in Cherokee tradition – gorgets have been worn by Cherokee people for generations.
- Supports a Native-owned family business – designed and handmade by Cherokee artists, not mass-produced or imported.
Product Details
- Material: Copper
- Design: Cherokee syllabary created by Sequoyah
- Style: Large statement gorget
- Chain: Copper chain; ribbon may be substituted. Please contact us for details.
- Artists: Designed by Cherokee artist Greg Stice at Cherokee Copper
The Story of Sequoyah's Gift
Sequoyah was a Cherokee silversmith, a metalworker like us, who spent years developing a symbol for each syllable of the Cherokee language. His syllabary was completed in 1821 and quickly spread throughout the Cherokee Nation. By 1828, the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper, was printing in Cherokee.
Gorgets have their own deep history. Long before Sequoyah's time, Cherokee and other Southeastern peoples wore gorgets of carved shell and copper as markers of identity and honor. The Sequoyah's Gift Gorget brings those two traditions together: an ancient form carrying one of the greatest gifts in Cherokee history.
Explore more Cherokee Gorgets, or pair it with the Sequoyah Legacy Cuff.
Shipping
- Each gorget is made in our Oklahoma studio. Please allow approximately 2–3 business days before your order ships.
- Standard shipping is $7.99, and tracking is included.
- Need it sooner? Choose Front of the Line Shipping at checkout to move your order to the front of our production line. Standard shipping times apply once it ships.
- Arrives boxed, ready for gifting.
Care Instructions
- Keep dry, and remove before swimming or showering.
- Avoid lotions, perfumes, and harsh chemicals.
- Polish gently with a soft cloth to bring back the shine.
- Copper naturally develops a warm patina over time. Many people love that look; others prefer to keep it bright.
- Store in its box between wears.