Shoshone Elk Ivory - Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold Pendant

The Frontier Collection

This amazing pendant features a beautiful specimen of genuine elk ivory set in beautiful sterling silver. This pendant features classic Black Hills Gold styling. All silver components are 925 fine sterling silver. All pink and green accents are 12K gold. Hand made in Rapid City, South Dakota. Comes with an 18" standard sterling silver necklace. Includes a complimentary presentation box.

The Black Hills Gold Legend

The 1876 gold rush brought all sorts of characters to the Black Hills, including French jeweler Henri LeBeau who hoped to strike gold and make his fortune.

Legend has it that LeBeau, unfamiliar with the territory, became lost in the Black Hills wilderness. He collapsed of exhaustion and dreamed of lush grape vineyards from his home country. After awaking starved and parched, LeBeau luckily stumbled across native South Dakotan grape vines growing near a creek. LeBeau's life was saved and a legend was born.

In honor of the lifesaving grapes, LeBeau crafted gold "good luck" jewelry featuring the grape vine motif. The trend spread among other miners hoping for a little luck and LeBeau's jewelry soon became known as Black Hills Gold.