Wholesale Lot of 14 Genuine Hematite, Semi Precious, Sterling Silver Rings from BELL TRADING POST Collection Old Pawn Vintage Silver circa 1950's.

These old pawn rings come from the Bell Trading Post of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were part of an old collection of Native American jewelry from the 50's that was stored away and forgotten about. These classic Navajo inspired rings feature a variety of designs in Sterling Silver. This lot of 14 rings is made up of eight Hematite and Silver rings, two Semi Precious Rings, one brass ring, and three Sterling Silver rings with hand made designs. This gorgeous collection of hand made jewelry was finely crafted out of shimmering Sterling Silver. The two semi-precious rings and the brass ring are not made from Sterling Silver. All come from the same Bell Trading Post collection and are stunning and unique. As a general rule, we leave all vintage and antique jewelry in its current condition, but it can be given a high shine at no extra cost. These rings range in size from 5 to 11-1/2, eight are size 5 and 5-1/2. Stamped Sterling and signed with the Bell jewelers trademark. They retail for $19.95 to $59.99 each, making this $400 of rings for $120. A great way to stock up your store with vintage jewelry that will excite and inspire. You will receive the one of a kind set of 14 rings pictured below.

Bell Trading Post was founded in 1935 by Jack Michelson within a second floor location at 3rd and Central in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They sold Indian Jewelry to tourist locations throughout the western U.S. in competition with Maisel’s Indian Trading Post. The business was named "Bell" because Jack's wife Mildred Bell Michelson's maiden name was Bell. Later, gift ware & moccasin divisions were added to the existing Bell Jewelry division and Bell partnered with Maisel's. In 1972, their name was changed to Sunbell Corp.

Hematite was first seen in Alaska around 1800, when a shipment of blue trading beads arrived from Russia, which contained a few sparkling black Hematites. The beads were opened in a dimly lit room, and firelight reflected against the highly polished surfaces of the Hematite. Someone commented that they shone like "black diamonds", and that is how this phrase became associated with Hematite. Some of the beads were taken to Lord Baranoff, who had skilled Indian silversmiths make them into rings. Lord Baranoff was so pleased with the rings that he ordered more Hematite stones from Europe, which he had made into rings and pendants. He sent this jewelry to the royal family of Czar Alexander I as gifts of friendship. The beauty of the Hematite was such that it was eagerly sought in Europe and throughout the New World. Since its discovery, Hematite has been associated with Alaska, and is still given as a token of friendship and loyalty. Hematite, or Black Diamond, is found in Alaska and throughout the iron ore areas of the world.