Cherokee syllabary jewelry, handmade in copper. In the Sequoyah Collection, the Cherokee syllabary is the design. Every piece is covered with characters from the writing system Sequoyah created for the Cherokee language, engraved into copper in our family studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Designed by Cherokee artist Greg Stice, the Sequoyah Legacy design was recognized at the 2022 Cherokee Holiday Art Show. You'll find it here on earrings, necklaces, cuff bracelets, cufflinks, mini gorgets, and jewelry sets.
What Is the Cherokee Syllabary?
The Cherokee syllabary is the writing system of the Cherokee language. Sequoyah completed it in 1821, and the Cherokee Nation officially adopted it in 1825. It is often called the Cherokee alphabet, but it is a syllabary: each of its 85 characters stands for a syllable instead of a single letter.
Before Sequoyah, Cherokee was a spoken language only. Within a few years of his work, a large share of Cherokee people could read and write in their own language, and in 1828 the Cherokee Phoenix began printing in Cherokee and English. The syllabary is still in use today.
Why the Syllabary Is the Design
We didn't add a Cherokee word to a piece of jewelry and call it done. We made the syllabary itself the pattern. It is one of the things we are proudest of as Cherokee people, and we think it deserves to be worn where others will see it and ask about it.
Why Customers Choose the Sequoyah Collection
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Authentic Cherokee design: Created by Cherokee artists, featuring our own written language.
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Award-winning: Recognized at the 2022 Cherokee Holiday Art Show.
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Handmade in Oklahoma: Engraved and finished by our family, two generations of Cherokee artists.
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A conversation starter: An easy way to share the story of Sequoyah and Cherokee literacy.
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Gift worthy: A meaningful gift for teachers, language learners, graduates, and anyone proud of their Cherokee heritage.
- Supports a Native-owned family business.
Shipping
- Ships in approximately 2-3 business days
- Standard shipping is $7.99
- Packaged for gifting, with tracking included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherokee syllabary jewelry?
Cherokee syllabary jewelry uses the characters of the Cherokee writing system as its design. In Cherokee Copper's Sequoyah Collection, the syllabary covers the surface of each copper piece.
Who created the Cherokee syllabary?
Sequoyah created the Cherokee syllabary and completed it in 1821. The Cherokee Nation officially adopted it in 1825.
Is the Cherokee syllabary the same as the Cherokee alphabet?
People often call it the Cherokee alphabet, but it is a syllabary. Each of the 85 characters represents a syllable, not a single letter.
Who makes the Sequoyah Collection?
The collection is designed by Cherokee artist Greg Stice and handmade by Cherokee Copper, a family-owned coppersmithing studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Will the copper change color?
Yes. Copper naturally darkens and develops a patina with time and wear. A soft polishing cloth brings back the shine.