Buffalo Nickel And Turquoise Jewelry Set Appraisal

Buffalo Nickel and Turquoise Jewelry Set

This jewelry set comprises a necklace and a pair of matching dangle earrings, all crafted using repurposed US Buffalo Nickels, likely dating from the early 20th century (1913-1938). The primary material appears to be a silvery metal, likely sterling silver or a silver-plated base metal for the chains, coin settings, and feather charms, contrasted with small, polished turquoise beads. The necklace features a central pendant consisting of a Buffalo Nickel, visibly depicting the Native American head profile on its obverse side, and a string of light blue turquoise nugget or chip beads, terminating in two small, flat, stylized feather charms. The necklace chain is a fine, possibly snake chain or similar woven design. The earrings are also dangle-style, each featuring a Buffalo Nickel. One earring clearly displays the Native American head (obverse) while the other shows the buffalo image (reverse). Each earring also incorporates a cluster of turquoise beads and two feather charms, suspended below the nickel. The ear hooks for the earrings appear to be a different, possibly gold-toned, metal, suggesting they might be brass, gold-plated, or even real gold given the contrast with the silver-toned components. Overall, the items exhibit a handmade or artisanal quality. There's some visible patina and light wear on the metal components and coins, consistent with age and use, but no obvious significant damage or repairs. The details on the coins, especially the buffalo on one earring, are somewhat worn but still discernible, which is typical for circulated coinage. The craftsmanship, while not factory-perfect, indicates a deliberate assembly, likely aiming for a rustic or Southwestern aesthetic. The turquoise beads are irregularly shaped, hinting at natural stone rather than uniform synthetic pieces, and are strung with jump rings to connect them to the other elements. The size of the nickel coins (approximately 21.2mm in diameter, or 0.835 inches) provides a good scale for the jewelry.