History of Cherokee Gorgets.

For many people, the history of Cherokee gorgets raises curiosity about how small pieces of metal came to carry big meaning. From ceremonial use to symbols of status and connection, gorgets have evolved through time, yet their stories remain tied to community, identity, and respect. This history isn’t just about craft — it’s about how a people have honored tradition, adopted tools of exchange, and navigated cultural change while honoring meaning and memory.

Originally, before the Europeans arrived, gorgets were made of shells. Carved with icons, symbols, highlighted with pigments, and even pierced, these shell gorgets were a symbol of status, amulets of protection, and overwhelmingly, a beautifully crafted adornment. The history of shell gorgets can be traced back to 200 BCE., but when the settlers arrived, the Native American's gorgets began to change. 

Stemming from the French word gorge, for the throat, these pieces are reminiscent of the shapes of armor plates used at that time to protect one's neck. The British in particular would award gorgets to Native American chiefs as a token of their goodwill, but also to represent the status of the person being given the adornment. Those awarded a gorget were called Gorget Captains. With these came a shift in the way traditional native gorgets were being created.

Using mostly copper as it was the most readily available to them, the gorgets took on a new look- hammered copper using the technique of Repoussé began to emerge, to take root, and to create a life of their own. 

Every one of our gorgets is handcrafted and tells a story. 

 If you wear the Mother's Tear gorget, you carry the story of a Mother’s sadness, her love for her home and her family. If you wear a custom gorget, you tell your story, and what it means to you- the design rests at home at the base of your throat, and the custom design speaks of who you are and what you stand for. No matter the piece, a story is being carried, appreciated, and expressed.

Cherokee Copper started making our gorgets due to requests, but we are so glad we did. Our customers love them because they are beautiful pieces of jewelry, but also because they are beautiful pieces of history. 

The past echoes long into the future, and we are glad to be a part of the sound.

Learn more about custom gorgets here.

 Find all of our Gorget designs here.