Here is a bracelet I just picked up. I never see items in semi precious metals so I wonder if most people shun jewelry if not made in silver or gold. I think it’s a super piece with some age and history.
Bell Trading Post is renowned for its distinctive solid copper jewelry, particularly from their Corinthian line. Let me share some insights about this fascinating jewelry:
- Origins and Symbolism:
- Bell Trading Post was a company that specialized in creating and selling southwestern-style jewelry. They operated at various tourist stops across the United States.
- The Corinthian line was introduced in the 1950s and featured a rustic and organic aesthetic.
- The jewelry often combined solid copper with turquoise, creating a beautiful contrast between the bright blue stones and the patinated copper.
- Designs and Pieces:
- Cuff Bracelets: The Corinthian line included cuff bracelets with textured copper surfaces. Some featured turquoise cabochons set in a random pattern.
- Necklaces: Circular pendants bezel-set with bright blue turquoise cabochons were popular in this line.
- Other Jewelry: Bell Trading Post also produced rings, medallion necklaces, and other accessories in solid copper.
- Signature Markings:
- The trading post symbol first appeared on jewelry in 1961.
- After the formation of Sunbell in 1969, pieces were often signed with a bell symbol surrounded by four lines (representing sun rays) on each side.
- Some Sunbell items were part of a rustic-looking line called Corinthian1.
- Examples of Bell Trading Post Solid Copper Jewelry:
- Vintage Bell Trading Post Copper Cuff Bracelet: These cuff bracelets showcase the Southwestern flair, often featuring Native American motifs like Knifewing Kachina designs.
- Vintage Bell Trading Post Copper Turquoise Necklace: A bold and rustic necklace with a Brutalist style, combining copper and turquoise.
- Solid Copper Bear Claw Design Cuff Bracelet: Another unique piece from the Corinthian line, perfect for smaller wrists.
- Wide Copper-Colored Cuff: Reflecting the Route 66 era, this cuff is a piece of tourist jewelry with a historical touch.
Remember, Bell Trading Post’s jewelry captures the essence of the American Southwest, blending craftsmanship, symbolism, and natural materials.
I think your cuff is cool, @StevesTrail. And thanks for the info, @Steve. I prefer silver with native jewelry, but I have a copper cuff with some turquoise made by a Cherokee artist, and a heavy narrow silver and copper cuff by Navajo artist Wylie Secatero. I also have a few other copper pieces. It’s gold that I don’t wear; but that’s just me.
I love the copper and turquoise. It brings Michigan float copper to mind.
Handsome and a bit moderne ! Love it
I like the combo of turquoise and copper better than silver. Especially when paired with turquoise that has a copper colored matrix.
Thanks for sharing some Bell history.
I love the look of copper and turquoise. I have some somewhere. I think copper as a metal for jewelry is underused! I have always used it to make pieces.