The Sequoyah Statement Necklace is nine graduated copper discs, each one engraved with the Cherokee syllabary and domed by hand in our Oklahoma studio. It is the boldest piece in our Sequoyah collection, and it carries as much copper as one of our gorgets.
This design has been out of our lineup for years. Greg rebuilt the tooling to bring it back the right way, because it says what we want Cherokee Copper to say: eye-catching, simple, and rooted in Cherokee tradition. If you love the syllabary and want to wear it where people will see it and ask about it, this is your necklace.
Key Benefits
- The Cherokee syllabary, front and center: Every disc is engraved with characters from the writing system Sequoyah gave the Cherokee people.
- A true statement piece: Nine graduated discs from 1" to 2" make this a necklace people notice from across the room.
- Substantial solid copper: This necklace uses as much copper as a gorget, so it has real presence and weight.
- Handmade by Cherokee artists: Engraved, hand punched, and domed one disc at a time in our family studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- A conversation starter: A beautiful way to share the story of Sequoyah and Cherokee literacy.
- Supports a Native-owned family business: Two generations of Cherokee artists make everything we sell.
Product Details
- Material: Solid copper
- Design: Nine graduated, domed discs engraved with the Cherokee syllabary
- Disc sizes: 1" to 2" in diameter
- Length: 24"
- Closure: Lobster Claw
- Made in: Oklahoma, USA, by Cherokee Copper
- Each piece is handmade, so engraving placement varies slightly from disc to disc and necklace to necklace.
How It's Made
We start by engraving a full sheet of copper with the Cherokee syllabary. Then we hand punch each circle from the sheet and shape it into a convex dome, which is what gives the discs their depth and catches the light. Nine discs, graduated in size, are assembled into each necklace.
The Story Behind the Design
Before Sequoyah, Cherokee was a spoken language only. He spent years developing a syllabary, a set of characters that each represent a syllable, and completed it in 1821. The Cherokee Nation officially adopted it in 1825, and within a few years a large share of Cherokee people could read and write in their own language. In 1828 the Cherokee Phoenix began printing in Cherokee and English.
The syllabary is still in use today, with 85 characters. We put it on copper because it is one of the things we are proudest of as Cherokee people, and we think it deserves to be worn.
Shipping
- Ships in approximately 2-3 business days
- Standard shipping is $7.99
- Packaged for gifting, with tracking included
Care Instructions
- Keep your necklace dry and store it in a dry place.
- Avoid lotions, perfumes, and harsh chemicals.
- Polish gently with a soft cloth to restore shine.
- Copper naturally develops a patina over time. Some people love the darker, aged look and let it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is engraved on the Sequoyah Statement Necklace?
The discs are engraved with characters from the Cherokee syllabary, the writing system created by Sequoyah and completed in 1821.
Who makes this necklace?
It is designed and handmade by the Cherokee artists at Cherokee Copper, a family-owned coppersmithing studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
How big is the necklace?
It has nine graduated copper discs ranging from 1" to 2" in diameter. This is a large, bold statement necklace.
Will the copper change color?
Yes. Copper darkens naturally with time and wear. A soft polishing cloth brings back the shine.
See more from the Sequoyah collection at Cherokee Copper.