Grandmother Turtle Copper Earrings

Regular Price
$45.00
Sale Price
$45.00
Regular Price
Sold Out
Unit Price
per 

Meet the sister to our Grandmother Turtle Necklace. These 1" handmade copper earrings carry the same turtle design as the pendant, so you can wear the earrings alone, the necklace alone, or the whole set together.

Grandmother Turtle holds a special place in Cherokee tradition, and we wanted a piece that lets you carry her story every day, not just on special occasions. We make each pair by hand in our family studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma, so no two pairs are exactly alike.

Key Benefits

  • Matches the Grandmother Turtle Necklace: the same design on both, so your set truly looks like a set
  • Authentic Cherokee jewelry: designed and handmade by Cherokee artists, in keeping with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act
  • Handmade in our Oklahoma studio: made by our family, never mass-produced
  • Lightweight for all-day wear: comfortable from morning coffee to an evening out
  • Everyday statement: simple enough for daily wear, detailed enough that people ask about them
  • A meaningful gift: arrives packaged for gifting, ready for a grandmother, mother, or anyone who holds family close
  • Supports a Native-owned family business: every order helps us keep Cherokee coppersmithing going for the next generation

Product Details

  • Material: Copper
  • Size: 1" diameter disc
  • Ear wire: Stainless steel fish hook
  • 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
  • Pairs with: Grandmother Turtle Necklace, available in 20" and 22"

The Story of Grandmother Turtle

In the telling we share, the earth was once covered with water, and Creator promised to make a great land if someone would bring up a little mud from the bottom. Duck, Otter, and Beaver all tried and failed. Grandmother Turtle kept saying, "I will go," until they let her.

She dove deep and was gone seven days. She gave her life on that journey, but she came back with the mud that became Turtle Island, the land we live on today. Her design follows patterns found on ancient pottery at mound sites across the Southeastern United States, the homelands of the Cherokee people.

She reminds us that our elders still have wisdom to offer, and that quiet persistence can do what strength alone cannot. Read the full story of Grandmother Turtle.

Shipping

  •  Please allow 2–3 business days before your earrings ship.
  • Standard shipping is $7.99.
  • Packaged for gifting, with tracking on every order.

Care Instructions

  • Keep them dry. Take them off before swimming or showering.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, hairspray, 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

Are these earrings made by Cherokee artists?

Yes. Cherokee Copper is a family-owned studio in Oklahoma, and our artists are citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Every pair is handmade in our studio.

Do the earrings match the Grandmother Turtle Necklace?

Yes. They carry the same turtle design at a slightly smaller size: the earrings are 1" across and the necklace pendant is 1 1/8". The necklace is sold separately.

What are the ear wires made of?

The ear wires are stainless steel fish hooks. The discs themselves are copper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Cherokee Copper an authentic Native American business?

Yes, Cherokee Copper is proudly owned and operated by Cherokee artisans, and we comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. This law ensures that any product marketed as Native American-made is genuinely crafted by a member of a federally recognized tribe. We are committed to upholding the integrity of this tradition, ensuring that each piece of jewelry is a true representation of Cherokee craftsmanship.

Our artists are not only members of the Cherokee Nation but also award-winning creators. Joshua Stice, a second-generation coppersmith, recently won 1st Place Emerging Artist at the Cherokee Homecoming Art Show. Each piece you purchase from Cherokee Copper is crafted with pride and carries the spirit of our heritage.

How do I care for my copper jewelry?

The best way to care for your copper jewelry is to wear it often. The natural oils from your skin will help keep the copper, and any pearls, nice and shiny. Over time, copper will develop a beautiful patina, which we believe adds to the metal's natural beauty.

To keep your jewelry in great condition:

  • Avoid wearing it during workouts or any heavy physical activity that may cause excessive sweating.
  • Clean your copper jewelry with a soft cloth. If it’s dirty, use some liquid dish soap and gently wash it.
  • If you prefer, you can apply a coat of clear fingernail polish to the copper to maintain its shine.

Why does copper sometimes turn my skin green?

If you notice a green tint on your skin after wearing copper jewelry, don’t worry—this is a natural chemical reaction between the copper, oxygen, and the sweat on your skin. The process, known as oxidation, is how your body absorbs copper, which is an essential element.

This often happens on hot days or when you’re sweating. The good news is that the green washes off easily with soap and water. If you'd like to prevent it, you can coat the copper with clear fingernail polish. Some of our customers actually view the green tint as a sign that the copper is working!

Where can I find Cherokee Copper in person?

While we don’t have a permanent storefront just yet, you can find our handcrafted jewelry in cultural gift shops, museums, and art galleries across the country, from Cape Cod to Tahlequah. For our most up-to-date list of locations, click here.

What is your return policy?

Your happiness is our top priority, and we’ll do our best to make things right if you're not satisfied with your purchase.

  • We accept returns on regular-priced items within 30 days of purchase. A 3% restocking fee will apply to all returns and cancellations.
  • Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items (including Mystery Boxes, Mystery Earrings, Grab Bags and future mystery items). These are final sale.
  • Custom-designed items are also non-refundable, as they are made to your specifications. Please double-check your proof before approving the design to avoid issues after production.

If a credit is offered, it will be for the purchase price, not the original retail value.

Can I apply a discount code after placing my order?

Because we’re a small, family-run studio and don’t have a dedicated customer service department, our system can only accept one discount per order and it must be applied before checkout. Once an order is placed, we’re not able to make price changes or add codes retroactively.

If you ever have trouble using a code, please reach out before completing your order — we’ll gladly help make sure it works next time. Every order helps us keep creating and teaching this Cherokee art form, and we truly appreciate your understanding.

How long does shipping take?

Our standard processing time is 2-3 business days. Once shipped, most U.S. orders arrive within 3-5 business days. International orders may take longer, depending on the destination.

Can I track my order?

Yes! Once your order ships, we’ll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your doorstep.

Do you accept custom orders?

Yes, we love working on custom pieces! If you have a design in mind, contact us with your ideas, and we’ll help bring your vision to life. Please note that custom pieces are non-returnable due to their personalized nature.

How can I prevent my copper jewelry from tarnishing?

To maintain the shine of your copper jewelry, you can apply a coat of clear fingernail polish. This will help preserve its luster and prevent oxidation.

Where are your pieces made?

All of our jewelry is handcrafted in our studio in Oklahoma by Cherokee artists. Every piece is made with care and is never mass-produced.

How do I contact Customer Service?

We’re a small, family-run studio, every message goes straight to someone on our team (usually Lisa, our co-founder). The best way to reach us is by email:

We do our best to reply within 1–2 business days, Monday through Friday. We appreciate your patience and your support of Cherokee-made art.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to stay up to date on sales and events.

*By completing this form you're signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time