I know absolutely nothing about these necklaces. I have about 3 maybe 4 of them. Most of them have small turquoise stones on a fairly simple naja. My boss seems to thing this one is actually more common than the other ones, however I just don’t see a lot of them at all. Any info would be very helpful and greatly appreciated.
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I know next to nothing about these, but have seen them occasionally. But, I love the rainbow man Naja!
Of course the coins cannot be used to determine age. Buffalo Dancer of Taos makes a lot of pieces with old coins (Maybe what your boss is referring to). I’ve seen their pieces for the last 25+ years, and they likely are still producing older looking pieces. There may be older pieces in this style, but I’ve not seen them.
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Do they make bead necklaces with dimes? I should check them out. Thank you.
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I have seen beads made with mercury dimes and buffalo nickels.
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Oooh, I haven’t seen the nickel ones. I will search for it online. Thx.
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Running Bear in Gallup was making these in the 70s.
ETA: Stones look like Persian cabs, so there’s your time frame.
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There is an artist on Facebook who is currently making them.
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There used to be a silversmith that did these with mercury dimes that sold to PNT. Maybe @Jason would know the name off hand. I have seen these represented as being very old due to the age of some of the coins used. Reality is as long as there are old coins around to do this, it will be tough to approximate an age without a Hallmark that at least identifies the maker. I still love them though! I buy the Mercury Dimes whenever I see them at reasonable prices and add them to the one day box.
Here is a photo of a couple of the Mercury Dime beads.
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Thank you for the info. 
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Do you know his/her name? I’d love to see their work.
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mmrogers, thank you for the vote of confidence. I’m truly a newbie, so I don’t have any idea what time frame Persian cabs represent. And thank you for the information, as well! Others here have mentioned that these necklaces are still being made today, with old coins, to look vintage. As a layperson, is there a way to determine the ones made back in the 70s from the ones made today? You mentioned stones, but I’m not sure how to use that information to determined age. I would love to learn more. Do you recommend any websites or books? Also, does the chain used matter in determining age?
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Persian turquoise all but disappeared after the Shah was deposed in the late 70s. The supply dried up pretty quickly. This isn’t high grade material by any means, but it does point to the time of fabrication being during the period when enough of the stuff was around to be able to use it in production jewelry.
Foxtail is still in common use so not a clue to age.
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One side note on the coins. Those 1922 Peace Dollars have been minted in high numbers, like 80 million pieces. Not rare at all but still sell for around $30 each in this grade (cheaper in the US maybe, sometimes even at 20x face value).
Many, like me, gotta love those old coins.
Silversmith art, old silver coins and turquoise, wow, what a combination. Just have to love it.
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Oscar T. Branson’s Indian Silversmithing books are great! You’ll learn a great deal about technique, and process. My experience is as an industry insider, designer, artist, fabrication metalsmith, lapidarist, long time industry manufacturer, and marketer. Others here on the forum can recommend some great books for you as well.
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Although I am somewhat familiar with the contemporary history of Iran, I had no idea how it impacted the turquoise world. You are a wealth of information. Thank you kindly!
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Thank you for the info. I see a lot of these around and the Morgans too. The silversmithing is indeed the cool part of this piece, although this necklace is a bit heavy for some folks. Some of our long-time clients love the coin belts made with silver dollars, and the belts with the coins all around. They have such a cool Southwestern look.
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That’s a heck of a lot of experience in the jewelry business. We are lucky to have you in the group. 
I just bought the book you recommended on Amazon. Thanks a bunch!!!
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James McCabe and I have seen a couple. He seems to do nice work.
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I have seen them done with dimes quarters half dollars and silver dollars. Sometimes a combination. Used to own one and they are very heavy. I’m still not certain why I sold it because I think it was a dumb move.
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I nearly purchased one in 2023. Wished I would have. I couldn’t believe how heavy they were.
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