Wampum Jewelry
All of the wampum beads in my jewelry are Native-made. Quahog clams display a range of shades along the rims and may be pure white-ivory, have a slight lavender blush, and more rarely display a deep purple-black. I harvest from local waters and open the bi-valve shells myself, carefully selecting for thickness and color. Each piece is hand-polished and lightly oiled for a satin finish that enhances the rich, varied purple of the shell.
The jewelry is finished with quality sterling silver clasps, or with natural tanned deerskin, sinew, and organic hand-spun hemp for those with allergies to metal, or who prefer a traditional Native look. Each piece is unique and bears my artist's mark. For an additional fee, chain length can be adjusted. Please contact the artist for pricing information or to order any of the pieces shown. Payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover are accepted through PayPal.
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"Memories of a Sachem" PendantThis three-part necklace features soft striations of color, strung on very long white wampum beads with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Pendant 3" long on 18" chain |
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"Wampum Shield" PendantA thick, nicely contoured piece strung on handspun traditional milkweed fibers hand-dyed with Logwood. Pendant approx. 2" long, 1-1/4" wide |
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"North Woods" PendantThick dark pendant with good contrast, strung with wampum beads. Smoked moosehide ties. Pendant 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" |
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"Inscription" PendantThis large, bold piece has been inspired by traditional Eastern Woodlands pottery designs. Strung on braided black deerskin. Pendant 3" long, 1-1/4" wide |
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"Bird's Wing" CollarThis richly patterned piece is strung on 3 strands of fine purple wampum and ties of deerskin. Length: 14" plus ties. |
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Woven Bias CollarWoven white collar with a purple edge on deerskin. Size: 11-1/2" plus ties, and just over 1/2" wide. |
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White Wampum GorgetBased on early slate pendants and bracelets, this one is approximately 1" x 3/4" and can be worn as a choker or a bracelet. |
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Traditional Wampum ChokerTraditional hand-woven wampum beaded choker, 4 rows wide, on naturally-tanned deerskin with deerskin leather ties. Inspired by a historic belt example from Northern New England. Length: 11" plus ties |
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"Orca" CollarThis woven bias collar is made from purple and white wampum shell beads and features a centerpiece inscribed with an Atlantic Killer Whale motif. Size: 12" x 1/2", plus deerskin ties. |
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"Singing Face" PendantThis hand-sculpted pendant is 1.5 x1", while the wampum and whelk bead chain is 18" long with a sterling silver toggle clasp. |
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EarringsAvailable in a variety of styles. Wampum Shell Disc Earrings in white or purple 3/4" diameter on sterling hoops; Purple Oval Earrings are 1-3/4" long (including sterling earwires); single 2" wampum loop or multiple loop earrings just over 2" (length includes earrwires). |
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Single-Row ChokerThis slender version of the wampum belt is 7-1/4" long plus deerkin ties, while the disc is 3/4" in diameter. |
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"In Balance" NecklaceOrnate wampum pendant with heavy wampum disc beads on white wampum rounds and purple wampum tube beads. Sterling silver toggle clasp. Pendant: 2-3/4" Beaded chain: 19" |
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"Wave" Cuff BraceletHandwoven of wampum shell beads on deerskin leather. Design based on early examples of Native jewelry worn by men and women. 1-1/4" x 7" long, plus ties. |
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Wampum BeltThis belt is based on 17th century Wampanoag and Narragansett crowns worn by Native people of status. Size: 20-1/2" x 1 3/4" plus ties. |