Bell Trading Post Copper Jewelry was very stylish during the mid 1950's. Finding a full set, with a parure including a brooch, clip back earrings and pendant necklace on a thin copper chain is an enviable find. This set is one of their traditional designs, featuring leaves and inset turquoise beads. With its classic theme inspired by nature, this was one of the most popular styles.

On the reverse of this brooch is a logo of a post with an arrow and a bell. Below that are the words "Copper by Bell".

In size the brooch is 2 and 1/2 inches round, with an open center. The rolling c clasp is still firmly attached to the back of the brooch and is in perfect working condition, not bent or corroded. Each of the five small 1/4 inch rounds of turquoise are firmly in place.

Style wise, the earrings have a pair of leaves and one inset turquoise bead. The clip back earrings are 1 and 1/4 inches by 1/2 inches in size and the clip backs are quite secure.

The pendant repeats the size and style of the earrings exactly and has a top grooved bail. It is hung from an 18 inch copper chain that has a fold down style back clasp.

As you can tell, each piece of this copper jewelry has a great patina. With all three pieces, this is a very collectible and quite wearable set of costume jewelry history.

Finding out about this set proved to be an interesting look into America's vacation traditions. This logo was used by the Bell Trading Post Copper Jewelry Company, which was in business from 1932 through the late 1980's. They largely catered to the tourist trade, particularly along the famous Route 66 corridor during the era when Americans took to the open roads for their holidays driving around the USA.

The company was founded by Jack Michelson in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He named the company for his wife, whose maiden name was Bell.

Their designs were often just marked SOLID COPPER, or trade marked Bell Solid Copper. The most well known trademark is that of a post with a bell hanging from it. The name was apparently changed to Sunbell Corp after 1972.

Bell employed Navajo jewelry makers to make the pieces they sold and they often worked in small groups. There was apparently no rigid factory control over the products, which can only add charm and some mystique to the pieces.

To shop for more unique vintage clothing, accessories and home decor visit GingerHeadVintage. also on Etsy. One of my sisters, Lois, has that shop.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Bradenton, FL.