Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry

Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry
Butterfly copper brooch. 1940s. Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry

Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry
The history of “Bell Trading Post Inc” began at the height of the Great Depression in 1932 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its founders, Jack Michelson and his wife, Mildred, hired Native Americans, famous for their craftsmanship in silver and turquoise jewelry. For them, it was a good opportunity to survive this difficult time by selling products to tourists.

The company’s name comes from the maiden name of Mildred, and the marking includes the word Bell, or the image of a bell. In addition, some pieces include “Nickel Silver”, “Solid Copper”, or “Sterling” marking. Noteworthy, the image of the bell in the marking appeared in the 1950s, after the death of Jack Michelson in 1957. His two sons and daughter continued the family business. Traditionally, the company’s craftsmen used silver, nickel, brass, copper, gold and semi-precious stones, as well as faux gems.

Having become part of the larger Sunbell Corporation, along with three other jewelry firms, the Bell Trading Post Inc ceased to exist in 1960.

Round shaped tribal man necklace. Copper, faux turquoise
Round shaped tribal man necklace. Copper, faux turquoise
Signature
Signature
Bell Trading Post company, in business since 1932
Bell Trading Post company 1932-1960

Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry

Belt Buckle. Copper
Belt Buckle. Copper
Bolo Tie clip. Nickel, silver
Bolo Tie clip. Nickel, silver
Copper cuff bracelet
Copper cuff bracelet
Feather sterling silver pendant
Feather sterling silver pendant
Fish copper charm
Fish copper charm
Floral design copper lucite brooch. 5 cm. 1961
Floral design copper lucite brooch. 5 cm. 1961
Kachina sterling silver turquoise necklace
Kachina sterling silver turquoise necklace
Nickel Copper cuff bracelet
Nickel Copper cuff bracelet
Road Runner copper pendant
Road Runner copper pendant
Solid copper turquoise cuff bracelet
Solid copper turquoise cuff bracelet
Sterling silver turquoise ring
Sterling silver turquoise ring
Thunderbird nickel silver pendant
Thunderbird nickel silver pendant
Tribal design copper dangle screw back earrings
Tribal design copper dangle screw back earrings
Turquoise cabochon copper pendant
Floral design Turquoise cabochon copper pendant
Turquoise stones cuff bracelet and pendant
Natural stones cuff bracelet and pendant
Turquoise stones pendant
Turquoise stones pendant
Multicolor stones solid copper cuff bracelet
Multicolor stones solid copper cuff bracelet
Vintage Solid Copper Turquoise Cuff Bracelet
Vintage Solid Copper Turquoise Cuff Bracelet
Wave design copper bracelet
Wave design copper bracelet
Wreath design copper brooch
Wreath design copper brooch
Signature
Nickel silver signed
Signature
Maker’s mark

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