Black Hills Gold Jewelry

One of the last great gold rushes occurred in the Black Hills area of southwest South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. A goldsmith from the Black Hills by the name of S.T. Butler made famous the tricolor grape-inspired motif, and the artistry continued through familial generations. F.L. Thorpe, Butler's grandson, greatly expanded the innovative designs of his grandfather.

Black Hills gold jewelry continued to increase in popularity, and today its exclusivity is maintained through a federal mandate that any jewelry claiming to be Black Hills gold must be manufactured in the vicinity of the Black Hills.

Types of Black Hills Gold Jewelry

Black Hills Gold Ring

Many different types of jewelry are designed to feature the motif of Black Hills Gold. This includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, pins, men's jewelry, wedding jewelry, and is even incorporated into some religious jewelry.

Other items that feature black hills gold include pendants, lockets, anklets, watches, key chains, belt buckles, money clips, and more.

Variations

Although the basic motif of Black Hills gold jewelry is the tricolor gold and the use of grape or grape-leaf design, there are an incredible number of variations.

Gem Stones

Gem stones are often included in the jewelry, and due to the versatile gold coloring, a wide range of gems work beautifully. Popular gems include:

• Various colors of Topaz
• Tanzanite
• Garnet
• Diamond
• Cubic Zirconia
• Amethyst
• Peridot
• Opal
• Mother of Pearl or Pearls
• Black Onyx

Designs

There is a wide variety of designs incorporated into Black Hills gold jewelry. These range from delicate, feminine looks that focus on the delicate grape-leaf pattern to masculine looks including black onyx and a more streamlined grape or grape-leaf motif.

Designs also vary from vintage looks to more contemporary pieces. Birthstone jewelry, mother's and grandmother's rings, and family tree jewelry is also popular.

Popular designs include:

• The Black Hills Hummingbird Motif
• Hearts
• Crosses
• Angels
• The Dakota Rose
• Flowers
• Frogs
• Dragonflies
• Butterflies

Prices

Due to the tremendous number of variations of Black Hills Gold Jewelry, prices also range greatly. A simple ring without the addition of jewels or other embellishments may be purchased for around $50. For more complicated designs and inclusion of gem stones, such as diamond accents, costs may range over a thousand dollars.

Where to Buy

Since Black Hills gold refers to the tricolor gold and the motif of the grapes and grape-leaves rather than a specific type of mined gold, many jewelers may claim to sell Black Hills gold jewelry. Since it is federally mandated that to be deemed authentic Black Hills gold, the jewelry must be manufactured in the Black Hills area, you may want to verify a company's manufacturing address before you purchase the jewelry.

Black Hills gold pieces are, however, often shipped and sold at a variety of stores to meet consumer need. You can purchase the jewelry from many jewelry stores, the jewelry department of some department stores (such as Kohl's and JC Penny's), and some specialty stores.

You can also purchase online from jewelry stores or sites such as the Home Shopping Network, but as suggested previously, you may want to verify where the jewelry store obtains its supply of Black Hills gold jewelry to ensure its authenticity.