This pendant is a reproduction of an original piece of trade silver, made from sterling silver with the same tools and techniques that were used to create the originals.
Trade silver was used as an item of barter in the Great Lakes Area from the mid 1700's into the mid 1800's, and was worn by the Native Americans and Voyageurs for decoration, status, and a way to carry their wealth.
These earrings were handcrafted by Wisconsin-native Leopold Lisovskis. Lisovskis has been a historic silversmith for 35 years and lives in an 1850's-era log cabin in rural Wisconsin.
Historically, each silversmith had a touchmark. Lisovskis' mark is a double L, with which he signs each piece.