Grandmother Turtle Necklace
- Regular Price
- $40.00
- Sale Price
- $40.00
- Regular Price
- Unit Price
- per
In the story of Grandmother Turtle, the strong and the fast all tried to bring up mud from the bottom of the water, and every one of them came back empty. She kept saying, "I will go," until they finally let her try.
This handmade copper necklace was created in her honor.
We make each one by hand in our family studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The turtle design draws on patterns found on ancient pottery at mound sites across the Southeastern United States, the homelands of the Cherokee people. Many of our customers choose it for the grandmothers in their lives, and for anyone who quietly holds a family together.
Key Benefits
- A story you can wear: honors Grandmother Turtle and her persistence, sacrifice, and quiet strength
- Authentic Cherokee jewelry: designed and handmade by Cherokee artists, in keeping with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act
- Handmade in our Oklahoma studio: made one at a time by our family, never mass-produced
- Easy to wear every day: the 1 1/8" pendant is big enough to notice and simple enough to go with anything
- Your choice of length: 20" or 22" chain, to wear on its own or layered
- A meaningful gift: arrives packaged for gifting, ready for a grandmother, mother, or elder you want to thank
- Part of a set: pairs with our matching Grandmother Turtle Copper Earrings
- Supports a Native-owned family business: every order helps us keep Cherokee coppersmithing going for the next generation
Product Details
- Material: Copper pendant
- Pendant size: 1 1/8" in diameter
- Chain length: 20" or 22" (choose above)
- Design: Grandmother Turtle in the Southeastern mound style
- Finish: Natural copper that develops a warm patina over time
- Made by: Cherokee Copper artists in Oklahoma
The Story of Grandmother Turtle
In the telling we share, the earth was once covered with water except for one small island, and it had grown too crowded. Creator promised to make a great land if someone would swim to the bottom and bring up a little mud. Duck floated too well. Otter got distracted. Even Beaver could not reach the bottom.
Grandmother Turtle swam out slowly and dove deep. She was gone seven days. When she finally rose to the surface she had given her life, but under her front feet was a small bit of mud. From it, Creator formed Turtle Island, the land we live on today.
We wear this piece to remember that our elders still have wisdom to offer, and that helping others sometimes means doing what no one else will. Read the full story of Grandmother Turtle.
Shipping
- Handmade to order. Please allow 2–3 business days before your necklace ships.
- Standard shipping is $7.99.
- Need it sooner? Choose Front Of The Line Shipping at checkout to move to the front of our production line. Standard shipping times apply once it ships.
- Packaged for gifting, with tracking on every order.
Care Instructions
- Keep it dry. Take it off before swimming or showering.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, lotions, and perfumes.
- Polish gently with a soft cloth to bring back the shine.
- Copper naturally develops a patina over time. That is normal, and many people love the look.
Common Questions
Is this necklace made by Cherokee artists?
Yes. Cherokee Copper is a family-owned studio in Oklahoma, and our artists are citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Every piece is handmade in our studio.
What does Grandmother Turtle represent?
In the story we share, she represents persistence, sacrifice, and the wisdom of our elders. She succeeded where the stronger animals could not because she refused to give up.
Which chain length should I choose?
The 20" chain sits just below the collarbone on most people. The 22" chain hangs a little lower and works well over a sweater or layered with a shorter necklace.
Can I order these in quantity?
Yes. For family gifts, groups, or events, email us at hello@cherokeecopper.com for special pricing.
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