Indigenous Artistry Appraisal

Native American Style Coin Earring with Turquoise and Feathers

This is a single dangle earring featuring a modified US Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel) as its central element. The coin appears to be genuine, likely silver or a silver alloy, due to its typical appearance and patination. It is suspended from a standard silver-colored earring hook, probably made of sterling silver or pot metal, and shows some slight tarnishing consistent with age and exposure. Attached to the bottom edge of the coin are four small rings, from which descend various decorative elements. One ring on the viewer's right supports a silver-colored feather charm, which is attached via a small turquoise bead. Two other small turquoise beads are suspended directly from rings on the coin's bottom, and a final ring holds two more silver-colored feather charms, again separated by a turquoise bead. Each feather charm is intricately detailed, mimicking the texture of a real feather. The turquoise beads are irregular in shape, suggesting natural stones rather than perfectly uniform manufactured ones, adding to an authentic, handcrafted aesthetic. The overall construction suggests a Native American or Southwestern style, likely made by an artisan rather than mass-produced. There are no visible maker's marks or stamps on the coin or metal components, which is common for handcrafted items of this type. The coin itself shows wear consistent with circulation before being repurposed into jewelry, and the metal components exhibit a light patina. The item appears to be in good, wearable condition with no significant damage beyond typical light wear.