Mixed-Media Hill Tribe Style Pegasus Charm Bracelet
Jewelry - Charms and Multi-strand Bracelet · Unidentified Artisan; likely produced in Thailand or Southeast Asia by Hill Tribe silversmiths (Karen or Hmong traditions). Not a major brand-name house.
Pattern: Folklore/Nomadic Style; features a Pegasus/Winged Horse coin motif and ribbed tribal beads.
Type
Jewelry - Charms and Multi-strand Bracelet
Maker
Unidentified Artisan; likely produced in Thailand or Southeast Asia by Hill Tribe silversmiths (Karen or Hmong traditions). Not a major brand-name house.
Material
High-content silver (likely .950 to .999 pure) for charms and beads, mixed with leather cord, cotton thread, and plastic/glass seed beads.
Dimensions
Estimated 7-8 inch length; coin charm approximately 15mm; estimated silver weight 15-20 grams.
Description
An eclectic, multi-strand bohemian bracelet featuring a central silver-toned coin depicting the mythical Pegasus. The piece is accented by varying silver beads, earthy green and orange threads, and rustic leather cords, providing a textured, worldly appearance.
Key Features
Pegasus coin charm; ribbed 'pumpkin' style silver beads; distinct wire-wrapping at cord junctions; high-contrast oxidation.
Material & Composition
High-content silver (likely .950 to .999 pure) for charms and beads, mixed with leather cord, cotton thread, and plastic/glass seed beads.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish with recessed darkened areas; features a repoussé Pegasus coin charm and granulated/ribbed silver spacer beads.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in image; typical of Hill Tribe silver which is often unstamped or features only a small purity mark on a hidden surface.
Construction Details
Hand-cast or die-struck coin charm; machine or hand-wound spacer beads; manually assembled using knotting and wire-wrapping techniques.
Functional Features
Multi-strand leather cord structure with wire-wrapped thread reinforcements for durability and aesthetic contrast.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Jewelry item; flexible leather cord serves as the main structural interface.
Craftsmanship Details
Human-element visible in the uneven thread wrapping and the organic strike of the Pegasus charm; suggests authentic bench-work rather than high-volume mass production.
Authentication Indicators
Slightly irregular shape of the coin charm and the matte finish are consistent with high-purity 'fine silver' artisanal production rather than factory steel.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai region); handcrafted in small workshops specializing in 'Karen Silver'.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Bohemian (late 20th to 21st century); inspired by ancient Greek Pegasus motifs blended with Southeast Asian tribal aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-2020; indicated by the condition of the leather cord and the popularity of the 'Earth-toned' bohemian jewelry trend.
Cultural Significance
Represents the globalization of jewelry design, where ancient European myths (Pegasus) are interpreted through Southeast Asian tribal craftsmanship for an international market.
Condition Notes
Good condition; moderate tarnish on silver components; significant fraying and wear visible on the textile/thread components (common for organic materials).
Value Estimate
Market value $35–$75 USD; value is primarily in the artisanal design and silver content rather than brand prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean silver with a soft cloth only; avoid silver dips which will ruin the leather and thread; keep dry to prevent leather rot and thread fraying.
Similar Pieces
Chan Luu wrap bracelets (uses more stones), Sundance Catalog silver jewelry (similar aesthetic but often sterling), or authentic vintage Greek numismatic jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Karen Hill Tribe silver is renowned for being higher purity than sterling (.925), often reaching .999, making it softer and easier to hand-stamp with intricate designs.