Southwestern Native American Style Coin Charm Bracelet on Twisted Leather
Jewelry (Charm Bracelet) · Unidentified Artisan Craftsman; typically associated with Southwestern or 'Old Pawn' styles from various Navajo, Zuni, or Hopi creators or modern boutiques like Jesse Robbins or Peyote Bird.
Pattern: Non-industrial artisanal design; characterized by the 'Buffalo Nickel' and 'Mercury Dime' motif common in Americana and Tribal fusion jewelry.
Type
Jewelry (Charm Bracelet)
Maker
Unidentified Artisan Craftsman; typically associated with Southwestern or 'Old Pawn' styles from various Navajo, Zuni, or Hopi creators or modern boutiques like Jesse Robbins or Peyote Bird.
Material
Silver coin elements (typically 90% silver for Mercury Dimes, nickel-copper for Buffalo Nickels), likely sterling silver (.925) findings and beads, mounted on a dark brown twisted leather cord with textile thread wrapping.
Dimensions
Estimated length 7–8 inches; total weight approximately 15–25 grams including non-metal components.
Description
An eclectic and rugged charm bracelet featuring authentic US vintage coinage as focal points. A Mercury Dime and a Buffalo Nickel are suspended from a core of braided brown leather, which is accented by meticulous thread-wrapping in earthy harvest tones. This piece embodies the 'Western Chic' aesthetic, blending historical currency with modern mixed-media jewelry techniques.
Key Features
Use of genuine US currency as pendants; distinctive thread-wrapped aesthetic; organic leather elements; 'Boho-Western' style language.
Material & Composition
Silver coin elements (typically 90% silver for Mercury Dimes, nickel-copper for Buffalo Nickels), likely sterling silver (.925) findings and beads, mounted on a dark brown twisted leather cord with textile thread wrapping.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized (antiqued) patina to emphasize relief details, thread-wrapped sections in olive and orange, and hand-strung beads. Mixed media aesthetic combining metallic, textile, and cordage elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps in the provided image; silver content is inferred from the US coinage (Mercury Dime) and potential '925' or artisan pictograph marks often located on the clasp or charm reverse.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled piece utilizing jump rings to attach coins to a central leather core; features 'towel' or thread-wrapping reinforcement at points of tension.
Functional Features
Lobster claw or toggle clasp (obscured); charms are suspended via drilled holes through vintage US coinage.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a wearable jewelry item; the leather cord provides a flexible, organic grip on the wrist.
Craftsmanship Details
Features high-quality hand-wrapping techniques; the use of repurposed currency requires careful drilling to avoid damaging the silver luster.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Mercury Dime' pendent is a known US silver coin (1916–1945); the wrap style is consistent with high-end Southwestern boutique manufacturing; construction utilizes jeweler-grade jump rings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Southwest region); bench-made in a small workshop utilizing found objects (coins) and traditional leatherwork.
Era & Period
Contemporary Artisan (late 20th - early 21st Century) following New West/Southwestern design movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–2020 based on the type of leather cord, textile thread colors, and contemporary popularity of coin-based jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of American numismatics with Native American-inspired jewelry traditions, serving as a talismanic or 'souvenir' piece of Western heritage.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Leather shows slight softening from wear; silver components exhibit heavy natural oxidation (tarnish) which is likely intentional; textile threads show minor fraying on the central knot.
Value Estimate
$45–$125 USD depending on the specific artisan's name and the silver content of the findings.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water due to leather and thread components. Clean silver charms gently with a jewelry cloth; avoid chemical dips that may rot the leather cord.
Similar Pieces
Peyote Bird coin bracelets, Chaco Canyon sterling sets, or Ralph Lauren Double RL (RRL) accessory line pieces.
Interesting Facts
Mercury Dimes are popular in folk magic and jewelry because they were designed by Adolph A. Weinman and are often mistaken for the Greek god Hermes; Buffalo Nickels are a staple of Western 'Old Pawn' jewelry despite having no silver content themselves.