Mixed-Media Tribal-Style Silver Charm Necklace with Buffalo Nickels and Turquoise
Jewelry · The piece appears to be a contemporary artisan-made or 'boho' designer boutique item; it lacks a distinct luxury brand mark but utilizes high-quality mixed components. It reflects American Southwest and 'Tribal' folk art traditions.
Pattern: Assembled Charm/Talismanic Necklace; specific pattern is unique/one-of-a-kind (OOAK) artisan assembly.
Type
Jewelry
Maker
The piece appears to be a contemporary artisan-made or 'boho' designer boutique item; it lacks a distinct luxury brand mark but utilizes high-quality mixed components. It reflects American Southwest and 'Tribal' folk art traditions.
Material
Mixed composition: potentially Sterling Silver (.925) beads and findings, genuine US Buffalo Nickels (Copper-Nickel composition), Turquoise, Jasper/Sponge Coral, sea glass, twine/hemp, and leather cord.
Dimensions
Estimated length 18-24 inches; weighted approximately 60-100 grams due to high density of coins and stones.
Description
A highly tactile and visual talismanic necklace featuring a curation of 'found objects' and semi-precious stones. Centered around American Buffalo nickels, the piece incorporates turquoise-colored focal beads, raw cut red jasper, and seaglass elements. Each section is meticulously bound with multicolored thread and hemp, creating a rugged, organic aesthetic that celebrates the 'Wanderer' style.
Key Features
Incorporation of authentic US Five-Cent pieces (Buffalo Nickels), mixed fiber wrapping (hemp/silk), and a deliberate juxtaposition of precious sterling and raw earth materials.
Material & Composition
Mixed composition: potentially Sterling Silver (.925) beads and findings, genuine US Buffalo Nickels (Copper-Nickel composition), Turquoise, Jasper/Sponge Coral, sea glass, twine/hemp, and leather cord.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and antiqued finish on silver components. Decorative techniques include coin-mounting, wire-wrapping with colored threads, and rough-cut stone settings. Style is Bohemian/Eclectic with 'western' influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image; likely stamped '925' on the lobster claw clasp or the interior of specific bead spacers. The Buffalo Nickels serve as historical markers rather than silver purity stamps.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled and hand-wrapped. Features central leather core with components secured via wire-wrapping, knots, and sliding beads. Charm dangles are attached via silver jump rings or integrated into the wrap.
Functional Features
Includes a lobster claw clasp and a toggle bar at the terminal end, allowing for adjustable lengths or varied wearing styles.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a wearable jewelry item; the leather cord acts as the primary structure with soft textile wraps for comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
Artisanal hand-crafted quality. Precision is visible in the tightly wound colored threads (serving as spacers) and the balanced distribution of visual weight.
Authentication Indicators
Construction shows hand-workmanship (irregular wraps and knots). The Buffalo Nickels are genuine coinage but do not indicate silver content for the necklace itself.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA; likely produced in an artisan workshop in the Southwest or an urban 'boho' studio using found objects and trade beads.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (Late 20th - Early 21st Century); influenced by the 1970s revival of Native American and artisanal metalwork.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day. The freshness of the colored textiles and the specific type of silver-plated or sterling spacers suggest modern assembly.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Global Traveler' aesthetic, blending American numismatic history with modern jewelry-making techniques that prioritize texture and narrative over classic polish.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. The 'distressed' look is intentional. Light oxidation on the silver is appropriate for the style. Fiber wraps appear tight and secure.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the silver content of the beads and the provenance of the artisan designer.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid immersion in water or silver dips which will ruin the leather and fibers. Use a dry silver polishing cloth on metal parts only. Store in a dry place to prevent rot in the organic fibers.
Similar Pieces
Southwest Artisan necklaces, Free People style jewelry, or Chan Luu multi-wrap necklaces. Differs from mass-market pieces by the use of genuine coinage and varied mixed-media wraps.
Interesting Facts
The Buffalo Nickel (designed by James Earle Fraser) used in this jewelry was minted between 1913 and 1938 and is a favorite among Western-style jewelers for its iconic American imagery.