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.

Bell Trading vintage costume jewelry