Copper and simulated turquoise pendant necklace by Bell Trading Post

Bell Trading Post was a renowned Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company that operated from the 1930s through the 1970s, specializing in Native American-inspired jewelry and Southwest tourist trade items. The company produced affordable copper jewelry featuring simulated turquoise stones, making Southwest style accessible to a broader market. These pieces were sold throughout the American Southwest as souvenirs and became popular collectibles representing mid-century Western Americana. Bell Trading Post jewelry appeals to collectors of vintage Southwest memorabilia, Native American-inspired design enthusiasts, and those interested in mid-century American tourist trade artifacts. The copper construction and flower medallion design exemplify the craftsmanship and aesthetic of post-war American Southwest jewelry production. Such pieces are valued for their nostalgic connection to Route 66 tourism and the romanticized vision of the American West that flourished during the mid-20th century.